European Summer School

The first Summer School at the University of Applied Sciences in Bielefeld (FH Bielefeld) took place in May/June 2009. Meanwhile, we had 180 students coming from the United States (Northern Michigan, West Florida, East Stroudsburg/PA), Canada (Regina/SK, Winnipeg/MB), Mexico, Europe (France, Hungary, Finland, Turkey, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland) and Asia from the Near East to the Far East (Jordan, India, South Korea). In addition to professors from Bielefeld, about 50 external lecturers from our partner universities offered courses. They came from the Netherlands, Spain, United States, India, Mexico, Czech Republic, Finland, Turkey and South Korea. In cooperation with our International Office, an attractive study and cultural program has been set up. The European Summer School found its special place among the international activities of the Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences.

The European Summer School combines the unique opportunity to discover Europe with the chance to take an active part in a 6 week structured course at the University of Applied Sciences in Bielefeld.

This well coached and diversified European Culture and Business course offers an exciting possibility for open-minded students to immerge themselves in political and social trends within Europe. Contents of the lectures are arranged with alternations instead of only lectures. Specifically, some guest professors from the Netherlands, Spain, UK and Mexico will enrich the lectures with new perspectives.

Even three field trips are arranged; Berlin including a visit of the German parliament and the chance to discuss with political insiders, Frankfurt including a visit of the European Central Bank, and finally Rotterdam including a visit of the largest port of Europe and a visit of Amsterdam as the capital of the Netherlands. Furthermore, two single field trips to regionally located, but worldwide acting companies are offered. Certainly, the advantages of networking and attending the real German student life and not only being guests during the whole program exist. This includes free sports activities, good shopping opportunities and plenty of fantastic clubs for student parties.

The current occurrences of the financial crisis show in an economical way, that existing borders sometimes do not help to prevent movement and losses for different countries. Therefore, globalisation is more and more a keyword of worldwide business. The intention is to benefit from the cultural academic exchange and to understand the different countries, their varying cultures and religions. Additionally, "Corporate Culture" and the comparative analysis of differences between Europe and North America is a major topic. A critical reflection on everyone's own culture and society will complete this program.

Participants of the Summer School will earn credit points, feedback of their performance in class, a mid term exam as well as an exam at the end of the course.
Concluding, the aim is to cultivate a fundamental capacity for understanding unfamiliar and familiar cultures and an ability to interpret "difference" in the cultural contexts with pleasure. And there is of course the chance to try the real taste of typical German food and drinks while attending different restaurants.

So do not hesitate to find out more about the Summer School.

We can't wait to see you in spring!