How Do International Students and Alumni Use University Media and Is It Fulfilling Their Needs?: A Survey Of Uses And Gratifications At TU Ilmenau

This Master’s thesis investigates the digital communication strategies of German higher education institutions through the lens of international student and alumni integration. Utilizing the Uses and Gratifications (U&G) Theory, the research assesses how official university websites and social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube—meet the informational and social needs of diverse international populations.The study employs a quantitative survey methodology conducted at the Technische Universität Ilmenau (TU Ilmenau), examining the specific "gratifications sought" versus "gratifications obtained" by students. Key findings offer strategic insights for university officials and communication practitioners on enhancing institutional transparency, cultural inclusivity, and digital engagement to better support the international student lifecycle from enrollment through alumni status.The document includes a detailed "Positionality Statement," connecting the author's lived experience as an international student to the broader academic discourse on media science and global education.