International Study Program
May 5 to June 14, 2024
INTERNATIONAL STUDY PROGRAM: SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION IN ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING
The International Study Program is a six-week-long, intensive and interdisciplinary program in the areas of engineering and environmental planning. It takes place at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences each summer semester in May and June.
The goal of the program is to introduce students to new ways of thinking about the real-world challenges of sustainability and their potential role in solving such problems with innovative approaches.
The International Study Program is a great opportunity for visiting students to combine practice-oriented studies with an interesting cultural experience and to receive 10 ECTS Credit Points (typically 2 US Courses) in a short period of time, allowing them to pursue other activities, like internships, during the regular semester.
Students of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences can earn up to 5 ECTS through the program by participating in the intensive workshop held during the project week of the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Landscape Architecture. More information is available at the bottom of this page.
Program
The International Study Program explores the technological, historical and environmental facets of sustainability innovation in Germany.
Through lab and project work, theoretical input, discussion and company visits, students gain a comprehensive view of innovation processes which transcend disciplinary borders and deepen their understanding of the role and scope of their own discipline therein.
The program is designed for students from various fields in the areas of engineering and agricultural science. It consists of three parts:
- one survey course (Course 1)
- one intensive workshop (Course 2)
- and the accompanying cultural module “Living Society.”
In total, it is worth 10 ECTS credit points.
In addition, the contact between visiting and local students – whether in the classroom, during study trips or at social events – enables intercultural exchange and offers an unforgettable experience abroad.
More detailed information on the program components can be found below.
In a series of individual units, Special Topics surveys recent developments in various research areas of engineering and agricultural science. Through this course, students gain a basic understanding of renewable energy technologies, electro-mobility and autonomous driving, innovative digital agricultural technologies and the sustainability challenges of various materials, including iron, steel and polymers.
The course emphasizes an interdisciplinary, application-oriented approach and critical thinking. Lab work and site visits complement theoretical units in the classroom.
The instructors are professors and researchers in the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science or the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture with years of industry experience.
More information can be found in the course syllabus.
In this intensive workshop, students choose one of two methods of innovation, which they learn about through a mix of theoretical input and practical application. In groups of four to six participants, they apply the new method to case studies of real-world sustainability challenges.
Workshop A – Design Thinking: This creative and agile innovation method entails defining target needs and methods, generating innovative solutions, and testing the strongest solution through prototyping. More information can be found in the course syllabus.
Workshop B – Design of Experiments: This statistical experimental methodology is used to analyze and optimize a large number of industrial processes. Goals include improvement of product quality and reliability, reduction of costs, and increase of process robustness. More information can be found in the course syllabus.
The module “Living Society” aims to deepen students’ understanding of Germany’s current trends in innovation and sustainability by examining their historical, cultural and ecological context. This third facet of the International Study Program spans the entire six-week program and takes a fun, experiential approach to learning about the country, its language, culture, history and politics.
"Living Society" includes classroom lessons (Survival German, Germany in Europe, Intercultural Communication) as well as study trips, including to:
- Berlin and Potsdam – Like no other city in the world, Berlin's architecture and urban design bear witness to the dramatic history of political and social change over the past 400 years. We’ll explore the beating heart of German history, from the days of Prussian royal rule, to its tenure as the seat of devastating dictatorial power in the 20th Century through its development into the super-diverse, multi-faceted metropolis it represents today.
- Rhine-Ruhr Region – Coal and Steel drove German industrialization and made this western corner of Germany into its economic motor. Their influence endures today, despite the shift away from heavy industry.
- In Essen and Duisburg, we’ll talk about the challenges and chances of economic structural change and post-industrial urban landscapes for society, the economy and the (built) environment.
- In Bonn – the cradle of the Federal Republic of Germany – we’ll learn about West Germany’s orientation toward its western neighbors and beginning of the “European experiment” based on economic cooperation around these industries. We will also explore the city of Cologne and visit the castle Schloss Drachenburg.
- North Sea Coast – In the harbor city of Bremerhaven, we’ll delve into the history and science of earth’s climate and the challenges of human intervention. Then we will experience one of Germany’s most unique and irreplaceable ecosystems firsthand as we walk the tidal flats of the Wattenmeer National Park in Cuxhaven.
More information can be found in the course syallbus.
The accompanying module “Living Society” is considered as an supplement to Course 1 and Course 2. Grading will be based on an assessed assignment in the course of the program that reflects the gained understanding of innovation in the context of “Living Society”. Prerequisite for grading is an individual active participation and engagement with course content.
Beyond the exciting course material and study trips, the International Study Program offers participants many fun leisure activities, ranging from laid-back social events and get-togethers for international and local students to more scenic outings. A visit to Osnabrück's Maiwoche open-air music festival and to the city of Münster offer a taste of local culture and history, while the local forest ropes course invites daring students to test their courage and coordination. The program also encompasses two national holidays and one free weekend, allowing students time for relaxation and independent travel.
The admission requirements are:
- enrollment and good standing in a Bachelor's program in engineering, agriculture, life sciences, landscape architecture or related disciplines
- English level B2
- interest in German culture and intercultural experiences
To register for the International Study Program, students must be nominated by their home university until January 31. They will then receive a link to the online registration form (open as of end of January 2024).
Applicants will be asked to apply and provide the following documents until February 29, 2024:
- resume
- (unofficial) transcript of records
- for students who do not study in English: proof of language proficiency
- for Osnabrück students: copy of signed learning agreement
Learning Facilites
Lectures and lab work take place at the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science (Westerberg Campus) and at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (Haste Campus). As a program participant, you will receive a log-in name and password to access the wireless internet and computers at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. The university has numerous computer rooms available for students to use.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in the International Guesthouse of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences in either a single or double room; each room has a private bath. The Guesthouse has two open-plan kitchens outfitted with individual cupboards, a refrigerator, electric kettle and microwave, where you can prepare meals and snacks. There is also a coin-operated washer and dryer on site.
On and Around Campus
The nearby student dining halls offer warm meals at lunch and sandwiches, pastries, warm and cold snacks and drinks from morning until late afternoon. On average meals there cost 2 - 5 euros. There are two grocery stores within walking distance of the Guesthouse (650 m and 1100 m), and participants can easily reach the city center from the Guesthouse by bus (15 min.) or on foot (20 - 25 min.).
While there is no gym available to program participants during their stay on campus, there are several public parks nearby which feature open-air fitness and sport equipment.
International Student ID
Please remember to have an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) issued to you by your home university. Many museums, cinemas and theaters offer reduced student rates.
Program Fee
Participants of the International Study Program 2024 will pay a program fee of 3,050.00 Euro (2,250.00 Euro for participants with a tuition waiver), which includes the costs of
- Tuition
- Accommodation in Osnabrück (single/double rooms, private bath)
- Field trips and excursions (transportation, guided tours, museum admissions, hostel lodgings incl. breakfast, etc. - more details above under "Cultural Module: Living Society")
- Local transportation around Osnabrück (bus pass)
- Social and leisure events
- Other organizational costs
Other expenses
Participants should include additional expenses in their personal cost calculations. The International Study Program fee does not cover:
- Most meals (lunch in the student dining hall costs approx. 3 - 6 euros)
- Travel costs (from the US to Osnabrück and back)
- Extra personal expenses
- Insurances
Please note: Participants of the International Study Program are not insured through Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the university does not assume any liability. Please inform yourself in detail before your departure about your insurance coverage abroad (health, accident, liability) and extend your coverage if necessary. International health insurance coverage is mandatory.
Tuition Waiver
On the basis of special exchange agreements, Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences waives the tuition fee for the International Study Program for students from certain partner universities. Speak to your local study abroad office if you are unsure about your exchange status.
Payment of Program Fees
Some participants pay their program fee to their home university, while others receive an invoice from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences directly with their notice of acceptance. Please contact your local study abroad office if you are unsure whom to pay.
Invoices received by participants or partner universities are to be paid by the date indicated therein (usually 14 days from issue) to
- Recipient: Hochschule Osnabrueck
- Bank: Sparkasse Osnabrück, Wittekindstrasse 17-19, D-49074 Osnabrück
- BIC: NOLADE22XXX
- IBAN: DE52265501050000615690
- Reference: [student or university name], ISP 2024, KST 70010043
Invoice payers are also responsible for paying any fees incurred for international wire transfers!
Cancellation Terms
If a registered participant cancels up to 8 weeks before the start of the program (before March 10, 2024), they will receive a refund for 100% of the program fee.
If a registered participant cancels fewer than 8 weeks but more than 4 weeks before the start of the program (after March 10 but before April 9, 2024), they will receive a refund for 50% of the program fee.
If a registered participant cancels fewer than 4 weeks before the start of the program (after April 9, 2024), they will not receive a refund for any part of the program fee.
Exceptions to the terms above are possible in cases of program cancellation, natural disaster, civil unrest, etc.
Information for Students from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences
Are you interested in gaining intercultural experience and/or credits towards your degree by traveling, studying and working together with US and Canadian students in small groups? What if you could do it without leaving Osnabrück? You can! Join the International Study Program and earn up to 5 ECTS fast!
Contact
- Prof. Dr. Dirk Junker
Academic Director
Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Landscape Architecture
E-Mail: d.junker@hs-osnabrueck.de
- Prof. Dr. Svea Petersen
Academic Director
Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science
E-Mail: s.petersen@hs-osnabrueck.de
- Maréen Wiesing
Coordinator
Center for International Mobility
+49 (0)541 969-3979
E-Mail: isp@hs-osnabrueck.de