German universities offer intensive summer courses on topics that will shape the future
However, as Deutsche Welle notes, in recent years summer universities have also been offering many programs in MINT subjects – primarily IT and technical sciences. This is most actively done by the RWTH Aachen University and the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin). We spoke about summer programs with the head of the summer university in Berlin, Beth Sibley.
– Compared to other German universities, our summer university was established relatively recently – in 2015. But the courses are already in high demand. Last summer there were over 200 participants from 40 countries.
– Why did TU Berlin decide to open a summer university?
– For various reasons. It helps the university become more popular. We offer many courses in English. For those who come to Berlin without knowledge of German, this is an opportunity to undergo intensive training, get to know our university, and perhaps later enroll in a master's or doctoral program.
– Who attends the summer courses at your university? Are there many participants from CIS countries?
– Most participants are from Asian countries or the USA. From Russia or Ukraine, there are still few: five people out of two hundred last year. I think this is partly explained by the large choice in the educational services market and the price. Berlin undoubtedly attracts students. Compared to other European cities, the cost of living here is much lower. But there are courses with lower costs. Our standard four-week course costs about 1800 euros.
Most participants are bachelor's students. About 20 percent are master's graduates. But there are also specialists with many years of work experience. Our courses are open to everyone. There are few requirements for participants: at least one year of study at a university and English language skills at the B2 level.
– Which programs are most in demand?
– We mainly offer courses in the MINT field – in technical specialties. Engineering, computer science, high-tech technologies. The seminar "3D Printing" is very popular – this course is always full, as is the course on space engineering "Satellite Design".
– Do you also have a language course?
– We are offering a four-week German language course for the first time this year. But language teaching is not our focus. That is handled by the university's language department.
– You say that some courses are in very high demand. How is the selection of applicants carried out?
– Whoever applies first and provides the necessary documents will be enrolled.
– And during the courses, is everything also simple and easy?
– The program is very intensive. Therefore, regular attendance is mandatory. Seminars are held from Monday to Thursday. In between, there is a cultural program included in the price. About three times a week we go on excursions, get to know Berlin and the surrounding area, organize sports events, visit cinemas, museums, breweries.
Some courses involve taking an exam. But most are project-based work where knowledge is applied in practice. For example, course participants together build and launch a small rocket, program a computer game, or create an object using a 3D printer.
– The cost of the courses does not include accommodation. Finding an apartment in Berlin is currently difficult. Do you provide support?
– We help find accommodation. On campus, unfortunately, we cannot offer anything, but there are other options. We give future participants a list. They can decide for themselves how many people they want to rent housing with. The cost depends on this. You should expect an amount from 600 to 900 euros for four weeks.