International Summer University has begun

The four-week program combines academic teaching with intercultural exchange and offers participants the opportunity to get to know Germany from an academic, cultural and social perspective.

It was already clear at the opening ceremony on the Fulda University of Applied Sciences campus that this year’s ISU is something quite special: Delegations and researchers from South Africa, Ghana, Colombia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Tanzania are also taking part – a strong indication of the program’s international appeal and the university’s growing networks. On the first day of the programme, University President Prof. Dr Karim Khakzar emphasised: “It is precisely during the ISU that friendships are forged globally – transcending borders, languages and cultures. This also contributes to greater international understanding and peaceful coexistence.”

Percy Koji, a long-standing colleague and ISU alumnus, demonstrates just how vibrant these networks are. His commitment to Fulda University of Applied Sciences’ program highlights the wide-ranging opportunities offered by the ISU: a former participant who has himself benefited from the international network and is now actively enabling new generations of students to have the same experiences. It was on his personal initiative that a new partnership was established between his enterprise, Fulda University of Applied Sciences and the University of Mpumalanga in South Africa.

In addition, Percy Koji has sponsored four students and funded their attendance at the ISU. A delegation of employees and senior management from South Africa is also attending this year’s ISU at Fulda University of Applied Sciences, including the rector of the University of Mpumalanga, Prof. Thenjiwe Meyiwa. As a result of Percy Koji’s efforts, an alumni fund is to be established, and a statement has been signed on closer collaboration between Fulda University of Applied Sciences, the University of Mpumalanga and the enterprise TWC (Travel with Confidence Ltd.), with the aim of further promoting the exchange of students and instructors between the two universities.

Courses on business, sustainability, and society and culture
The academic program focuses on courses in the fields of business, migration and health, sustainability, and society and culture. The offer is complemented by German language courses at various levels, in which participants can build on their knowledge and use it in everyday life. The overall experience also includes field trips and a varied leisure programme: a trip to Berlin and a visit to Point Alpha are incorporated into the seminars. The Buddy Programme supports international guests throughout their stay, helping them settle in and making it easier to adapt to life in Germany. The International Summer University is organised by the International Office at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.