Students from all over the world visit TU Braunschweig TU Braunschweig is expanding its Summer School programme

There are currently 24 students, from all over the world, attending the Summer School of TU Braunschweig. During our international summer course, they can learn about the German language, history and culture.

TU Braunschweig summer courses have a long tradition: For more than 40 years, the university has been offering four- to six-week intensive courses during the summer semester break in September—they were first offered by the Language Centre and now by the International House. This year, an additional summer course will take place in June and July, which includes language courses and also a wide range of cultural and historical excursions. The extended Summer School programme is the result of talks between TU Braunschweig and its international partners, whose students find the summer months particularly appealing for a short-term stay abroad.

Professor Tatjana Schneider, TU Braunschweig’s Vice President for International Affairs and Regional Establishment, emphasises the importance of the Summer School for the University: “The allocation of student exchange places is always a subject of negotiation between two universities. The Summer School of TU Braunschweig is an important cornerstone in this process. On the one hand, it allows students from partner universities to become familiar with our institution. On the other hand, it also opens doors for our students who wish to gain experience abroad.”

A great example is the longstanding cooperation between TU Braunschweig and the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM). The U.S. university is a popular destination for students of English Studies in the Faculty of Humanities and Education. Rüdiger Heinze, Professor of American literary and cultural studies at TU Braunschweig, is particularly pleased that nine students from the University of Tennessee are taking part in the recent Summer School: “The international summer course is a very interesting offer for students and it also strengthens the ties with our partners. The partnership with UTM has been around for a very long time and I can see great potential for interdisciplinary development for both sides, so it’s great that we can once again welcome guests from Tennessee here in Braunschweig.”

Students from the USA, South Africa, Tanzania, Scotland, Denmark and Canada participate in the summer course. For the students from Africa: their trip is supported by full scholarships from the Ministry of Science and Culture of the German State of Lower Saxony, as Tanzania and the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa are partner regions of Lower Saxony.

24 students from all over the world are taking part in the TU Braunschweig Summer School in June and July. Photo credit: Philip Pausch/TU Braunschweig

On a guided tour of the city, the participants explored the Lion City. Photo credit: Joana Zimmer/TU Braunschweig

The Magniviertel with its historic buildings particularly impressed the participants. Photo credit: Joana Zimmer/TU Braunschweig

Braunschweig from the water - the Oker tour in pedal boats guaranteed a lot of good fun. Photo credit: International House/TU Braunschweig

German lessons are scheduled daily from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. Photo credit: Simone Fürst/TU Braunschweig

Participants can send a greeting home with postcards in a TU Braunschweig design. Photo credit: Philip Pausch/TU Braunschweig

Of course, excursions were also on the programme for the group. First there was the trip to Goslar ... Photo credit: Philip Pausch/TU Braunschweig

… then to the Autostadt in Wolfsburg. Photo credit: Hanna Schröder/TU Braunschweig

Not only did the giant slides provide a lot of fun, the participants also learned a lot about the history of the car in Germany. Photo credit: Hanna Schröder/TU Braunschweig

And finally, the group went to the German capital, Berlin. A special highlight for all participants. Photo credit: Joana Zimmer/TU Braunschweig

The current Summer School course runs until 29 July. Then the participants will return home with many new impressions and memories of a great time in Braunschweig. Photo credit: Philip Pausch/TU Braunschweig

During the four- to six-week course, the students’ programme features both daily German lessons and excursions and activities in the region. Joana Zimmer, Coordinator of the International Summer School at TU Braunschweig, has put together a wide range of events: “We will visit institutes of TU Braunschweig and nearby research facilities in order to give the students an idea of the regions’ impressive research landscape. We also spend a day in Berlin, as the German capital is obviously a highlight for our participants. Additionally, there are excursions to the local area and social activities that allow everyone to get to know each other better.” Zimmer is particularly excited about the fact that we can finally meet in person again this year. After the cancellation of the Summer School in 2020 and a hybrid event last year, the face-to-face exchange is a great added value for all participants.

Just two weeks before the course ends, Zimmer’s conclusion is quite positive: “Our participants are impressed by the open-mindedness here on campus and are really enjoying this exciting time here in Braunschweig.” The current summer course continues until 29 July, after which the next Summer School will start on 5 September. The course for September is already fully booked and Zimmer is looking forward to once again welcome students from all over the world to Braunschweig.

Text: Henrike Hoy/International House