UnitedSisters - Mentoring, Coaching and Networking for International Female Students

Connect. Share. Grow together.

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Logo UnitedSIsters

UnitedSisters: A space for ambitious, international female students in Freiberg.

You came here to achieve something meaningful: a Master’s degree at a renowned technical university, in a new country, in a new language. This is a path not many choose.

At UnitedSisters, you will meet other students who have chosen this path as well. And mentors who have already walked it: international PhD candidates and researchers who are now studying, teaching and working at TUBAF. With them, you exchange ideas, learn from each other and develop what matters to you: academically, professionally and personally.

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Teaser

What to expect:

A trusting circle of women who listen to each other. Monthly group meetings where you can bring in your own topics, reflect and learn from one another. Workshops that help you explore career paths and prepare for events like the university career fair. Shared evenings of cooking, talking and laughing - in German, English and all the languages that come together.

We look forward to welcoming you if you:

want to expand your network at TUBAF, learn from experienced international women, reflect on your future paths and be part of a warm, international community.

The program runs over two semesters, is free of charge and funded by the ESF. You decide what you bring in and what you take away.

“Women together, we are powerful. We are strong. We are ready to make a difference.”  Michelle Obama

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Sisters Coaching

About the Program

UnitedSisters is a mentoring and coaching program for international female students. It creates a space to connect, share experiences and grow together, both academically and personally.

Starting in May 2026, the program runs over two semesters. It focuses on empowerment, orientation and mutual support. Participants work on their own topics and questions, gain confidence in their studies and receive input for their personal and professional development.

They are accompanied by international mentors who have studied at the university, are pursuing or have completed a PhD, or work as academic staff.

What to Expect

The program combines different formats:

  • Monthly group coaching sessions, where:

             > personal topics can be discussed 

             > mentors provide input and guidance

  • Workshops, e.g. preparing for career networking and the university career fair
  • Social activities such as cooking evenings and informal meet-ups
  • Peer support and networking in everyday student life

The program also cooperates with the International University Center (IUZ) and the Buddy Program.

All dates and updates are shared via OPAL and WhatsApp.

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Sisters Social events
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Sisters Infomesse

Info Event

United Sisters: Connect & Get to Know
08 May 2026, 12:30 - 14:30
ZeHS Foyer

Join our open and interactive info event and find out if the Sisters program is right for you.

At this small info fair, you can:

  • walk around and explore different topics at small stations
  • talk to mentors and participants
  • ask questions and get to know the program better
  • meet other international female students

There is no fixed schedule, just drop by, stay as long as you like and enjoy a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

We look forward to seeing you!

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Sisters Tandem

Who can participate?

Mentees (international female students)

You would like to:

  • connect with other students
  • gain more confidence in your studies
  • develop personally
  • be part of a supportive community

Then you are very welcome. We are looking for participants who are motivated and willing to take part regularly.

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Sisters Tandem

Become a Mentor

You would like to:

  • share your experiences from your studies or academic path
  • support and encourage other students in their personal and academic development
  • contribute to an open, welcoming and supportive community

Then we would be very happy to welcome you as a mentor in the program.

 

How to join: Registration via OPAL or by email.

With OPAL, you can easily sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss out on any updates. If you’d like to take an active part in the programme, simply fill in the questionnaire in the OPAL course and you’ll be granted access to the full programme.

sisters@tu-freiberg.de

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Antje Wehmeyer
Antje Wehmeyer
Project Coordinator
Graduierten- und Forschungsakademie
antje.wehmeyer [at] grafa.tu-freiberg.de
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Laura Hohlfeld
Laura Hohlfeld
Project Coordinator
Institut für Nanoskalige und Biobasierte Materialien
laura.hohlfeld [at] doktorand.tu-freiberg.de

Funding and Background

UnitedSisters is a project of TU Bergakademie Freiberg within the overarching project “Enhancing Learning Attractiveness in STEM Fields and Addressing Differences in Living and Learning Cultures.” It aims to strengthen the academic success of international female students through a two-semester empowerment program.

The project strengthens the personal development and career orientation of female students within a university network.

The project is led by the Graduate and Research Academy (Dr. Kristina Wopat) and the Equal Opportunities Officer of TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Prof. Dr. Yvonne Joseph, and is funded by the ESF.

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ESF Logo
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Drei Freundinnen sitzen freudig zusammen

"Women together, we are powerful. We are strong. We are ready to make a difference." Michelle Obama