About IWEC

TU Wien is proudly home to over 8,000 international students, nearly 2,000 international staff members, and hosts hundreds of international guests each year. This vibrant international community highlights the university’s role in positioning TU Wien, Vienna, and Austria as innovative centers of academic excellence, and reflects the global visibility of TU Wien. Founded in 2025, the International Welcome and Engagement Center (IWEC) supports and amplifies the voices of the international community at TU Wien.

International Welcome and Engagement 

IWEC works strategically across the international student, staff, and guest experience at TU Wien. Our services support our community throughout their journey—from arrival in Vienna to long-term connection with TU Wien—fostering a lasting sense of belonging. 

We structure our work in three key phases: Arrive. Connect. Belong.

 

Arrive. 

IWEC provides administrative guidance to international degree-seeking students, staff, and guests as they begin their journey in Vienna. 

We advise on visas and residence permits, housing, and other essential first steps. For international degree-seeking students, we organize orientation sessions that introduce TU Wien, Vienna, and Austria, and provide practical information for a smooth start. 

International staff members, guests, and their hosting units can also access tailored information and resources through our website to support a successful transition. 

Connect. 

We believe that the success of our international community is driven by the experience they have at TU Wien.

IWEC offers a wide range of events and programs that bring together international students, staff, and guests, while also engaging the broader TU Wien community. By fostering interaction between international and domestic members of the university, we contribute to a truly collaborative and globally minded campus. 

Our programming includes city tours, excursions, cultural events, and networking opportunities that help participants better understand life in Vienna and Austria while building lasting connections. 

Belong. 

Creating a strong sense of belonging at TU Wien and in Vienna is our long-term goal. 

IWEC advocates for the needs of international students and staff and supports their continued success beyond their time at TU Wien. Our initiatives include programs that help international students enter the Austrian labor market, access German language learning opportunities, and build professional networks. 

We also contribute to strengthening long-term relationships with international guests and alumni. Through new initiatives such as the “TUtheWorld Network,” we aim to maintain connections with TU Wien’s global community and foster ongoing collaboration. 

Whether you are an international student, staff member, or guest, we look forward to welcoming you to TU Wien.
 

Meet the IWEC Team

Kyle Schmude

Kyle Schmude 

Head, International Welcome and Engagement Center (IWEC)

Kyle Schmude is the inaugural head of the International Welcome and Engagement Center (IWEC). Prior to starting at TU Wien, Kyle was Assistant Director for International Programs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he oversaw incoming and outgoing exchange programs and international partnership agreements. Kyle has also taught German as a Foreign and Second Language at the University of Illinois and at various institutions for adult learners in Vienna, Austria and Chicago, Illinois. 

Originally from Michigan in the United States, Kyle first moved to Vienna in 2014 and has never grown tired of exploring the city. He is passionate about language learning (and teaching) and enjoys discovering new places to visit in Vienna, especially if they have great food.  

 

E-Mail: kyle.schmude@tuwien.ac.at

Tel.: +43 1 58801 - 415 12

 

Anna Kühleitner

Anna Kühleitner

International Student Services Coordinator

Anna Kühleitner is the International Student Services Coordinator at the International Welcome and Engagement Center (IWEC) at TU Wien. Prior to joining TU Wien, she worked in the Austrian higher education sector at multiple institutions, including student admissions at the University of Vienna and the International Office at mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where she was responsible for international scholarship programs, short-term mobility, Erasmus+ partnerships agreements, and KA171+ collaborations. She also gained international experience in the UK and France as a language travel supervisor for children. 

Originally from the Salzburg countryside, she enjoys spending her free time in nature—whether skiing, swimming, or simply reading a book in a park. She also appreciates Vienna’s rich cultural scene and loves discovering new places - especially culinary spots - both in the city of Vienna and while traveling.

E-Mail: anna.kuehleitner@tuwien.ac.at

Tel.: +43 1 58801 - 415 80

 

Hélène Mona Oberlé

Hélène Mona Oberlé

International Staff Services Coordinator

Hélène Mona Oberlé is the International Staff Services Coordinator at the International Welcome and Engagement Center (IWEC) at TU Wien. Prior to joining TU Wien, she worked in higher education specializing in internationalization, specifically welcome services and exchange programs. Hélène has also worked as a researcher focusing on highly skilled migration. 

Originally from Vienna, Hélène lived and worked in several countries before moving back. She enjoys the city and especially likes spending time in traditional coffee houses. 

E-Mail: helene.oberle@tuwien.ac.at

Tel.: +43 1 58801 - 415 81

 

Martha Salome Torres

Martha Salome Torres

Student Employee

Martha Salome Torres is a student employee at IWEC and an international undergraduate student currently in her fourth semester of Industrial Engineering. Before starting her studies at TU Wien, she did an exchange year in Germany, where she taught herself German. Later she decided to pursue her studies at TU Wien due to the city’s cultural richness and high quality of life. 

The TU community, which made her transition smooth and uncomplicated, inspired her to help other international applicants have the same positive experience.

Originally from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, Salome enjoys attending classical music concerts and going to the theater. She is captivated by Vienna’s unique blend of nature and history. Swimming in the Danube, cycling, going on walks, and having picnics outdoors are some of her favorite activities.

E-Mail: salome.torres@tuwien.ac.at

Tel.: +43 1 58801 - 415 82