This is a question many international and German students ask themselves when they have just moved to Freising and meet the Club Ausländischer Weihenstephaner (CAW) (Club of Foreign Students in Weihenstephan) for the first time. Be it via a flyer at an introductory event at the Technical University of Munich or the University of Applied Sciences Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, via one of our social media appearances or in a personal conversation during our campus tour or at the CAW regulars' table.
The Club Ausländischer Weihenstephaner was founded on the 12th of January 1939 by Brewing and Beverage Technology. At that time, these students formed a large part of the international students in Freising, as brewing could be best studied at the origin of beer in Weihenstephan. Over the following decades, the range of courses offered at Weihenstephan was steadily expanded. In addition, it became easier and easier to come to Freising as a foreign student. The trend intensified with the introduction of English-language degree programmes. Today, the CAW includes representatives from almost all the degree programmes offered by the TUM and the University of Applied Sciences. You can find more information about the history of the CAW here.
However, the connection and the deep attachment to brewing have remained until today. The enjoyment of beer, for example, is a cornerstone of our CAW regulars' table. During the lecture period, this takes place every Wednesday from 8 pm at Sammamera in Freising. There we enjoy the company of other international students, work on our German language skills, plan our events – hiking trips, international film evenings, tastings, cooking evenings, company tours, brewing competitions and many more – and enjoy a drink or two or five.
The student members of the CAW – the Aktivitas – organize the extensive programme of events as well as the support of international students in Freising. The individual sections are supervised by the members of the CAW board. They will be happy to help you with words and deeds, especially during your first few days in Freising. Just drop by at the CAW regulars' table or use our contact form to get in touch with us. You are also welcome to contact us by email or via our social media pages.
If you not only want to participate in our events, but also become active yourself, you are welcome to become a student member of the CAW. In 2022, the members of the CAW founded the Verein zur Förderung internationaler Studenten in Weihenstephan e.V. (Association for the Promotion of International Students in Weihenstephan) especially for Freising alumni and all those who want to support international students and thus also the work of the CAW. The association enables us to offer our interesting, educational and intercultural events to international students free of charge or at a significantly reduced price.
Interested? Then take a look around our homepage and get in touch with us. We are looking forward to meeting you!