Work with refugees: German Academic Exchange Service grants funds for the continuation of support services for refugees
The International Office has raised funds for the continuation of its support services for prospective and enrolled students with a refugee background. Within the framework of the programme lines INTEGRA and WELCOME of the German Academic Exchange Service, funds totalling 564,100 euros will be made available to the University until 31 December 2021.
The core of the support measures in the INTEGRA programme line remains pre-study language courses, which enable refugees with university entrance qualifications to acquire the language skills necessary for studying. The course model offered jointly with the Institute for Intercultural Communication e.V. combines language training with an introduction to the academic culture of Germany and aims at facilitating socio-cultural adaptation as well. The approved funds will also enable study-related workshops for interdisciplinary competence development and, new in the upcoming programme period, coaching on labour market integration for international students with and without refugee backgrounds, thus creating individual prospects of staying in Germany and addressing the lack of skilled workers in the region.
The WELCOME programme line supports student initiatives and the University’s central administration by financing a total of ten student assistants. The initiatives Conquer Babel e.V. and Refugee Law Clinic e.V. are involved, as are the Departments of Student and Academic Services, the Staff Unit Cooperation and Innovation and the Key Competence Area Intercultural Interactions.
These support services will be continued in the coming summer semester. The University and its partners are relying on digital teaching that enables location-independent studying. Even in times of the COVID 19 pandemic, the University is committed not only to maintaining its teaching and research activities, but also its social responsibility for the integration and support of those who especially need and deserve our assistance.
Contact:
Dr. Philipp Jeserich
Head of the Incoming Office
The International Office