The sixth MINT Summer Campus 4 Refugees took place from September 19 to 29, 2023 - this time in English and with an even more diverse group of participants. The course was aimed at refugees who were interested in studying at the University of Rostock but did not yet have a university entrance qualification due to insufficient German language skills.

The aim of the summer academy was to make the transition from language courses to university courses easier for the participants. They were not only able to get a taste of various STEM subjects (mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology), but also learn a lot about the process of studying and entering the job market.

In addition to the lectures, there was plenty of helpful information on topics such as advice centers at the university, housing options in Rostock and life as a student. Participants were able to exchange ideas with other students and make new friends. There was also a historical city tour and intercultural training sessions, which helped the participants to find their way around Rostock and the university even better.

A total of 17 students took part in the MINTSA 2023. Some subsequently registered for German courses, while others continued to attend ongoing courses at the university. The Summer Campus was an important step for all of them on the way to their studies at the University of Rostock.

The program of the Summer School 2023 can be found here. 

The MINT Summer Academy took place for the fifth time from September 5 to 16, 2022, this year under the new name “Mintsa Summer Campus 4 Refugees”. For the first time, the program was aimed at prospective students without German language skills at B2 level and was therefore held in English. Due to the war in Ukraine in particular, the number of women seeking support in preparing for their studies had increased.

The aim was to ease the transition from language courses to typical university courses. In addition to taster lectures in STEM subjects, subject areas such as medicine, biomedicine and English studies were also included. Participants also gained valuable insights into the university structure, advisory services and life in Rostock.

With a diverse supporting program ranging from a city tour to intercultural training, the “Mintsa Summer Campus 4 Refugees” provided excellent preparation for studying at the University of Rostock.

The program of the summer school 2022 can be found here.

The third MINT Summer Academy for refugees and prospective international students took place from September 6 to 17, 2021 - in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, which also brought numerous challenges this year. Despite the restrictions, 12 participants took part in the program, which was aimed specifically at future students of STEM subjects (mathematics, engineering, natural sciences, technology).

The MINTSA 2021 offered the participants an orientation and helped them to master the transition from language courses to typical university lectures. They attended lectures in subjects such as computer science, electrical engineering and wind energy, which were given by female professors. This gave them an impression of what their future courses would be like. The language challenges were supported by preparatory and follow-up activities.

In addition, the participants got to know important university facilities such as the Studierendenwerk and the Language Center. They also received practical tips and information about life in Rostock and studying at the university through workshops and leisure activities, such as a city tour or an evening of bowling.

Although the pandemic affected the program in some areas, the MINTSA 2021 was still able to offer participants a valuable introduction to academic life.

The 2021 summer school program can be found here.

From September 28 to October 23, 2020, the MINT Summer Academy for Refugees took place for the third time - this year for the first time in hybrid form due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of the academy was to make the transition from language courses to university STEM degree courses easier for participants. In various lectures and workshops, the students gained insights into subject areas such as electrical engineering, computer science and wind energy technology.

In addition to subject-specific content, language challenges were also addressed through targeted workshops. A varied supporting program, which included a city tour and a trip to Rügen, offered the participants an initial orientation at the University of Rostock and helped them to form networks.

Despite the coronavirus conditions, the MINT Summer Academy 2020 was a complete success and gave the participants a promising start to their academic careers.

The program of the Summer School 2020 can be found here. 

From September 2 to October 4, 2019, the Rostock International House hosted the MINT Summer Academy (MINTSA) for refugees interested in studying for the second time. The aim was to make the transition from language courses to the specific requirements of a STEM degree course easier for participants and to prepare them optimally for their future studies at the University of Rostock.

A total of 24 international participants, mainly from refugee backgrounds, took part in the academy. The program offered them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with German academic culture and the demands of everyday university life. It included “showcase lectures” in the fields of electrical engineering, computer science, mechatronics and wind energy technology. In addition, the students learned language strategies to better deal with the linguistic challenges of STEM studies.

An important component was the varied supporting program, which gave the participants an initial orientation to Rostock and university life. Guided tours of the campus, a historical city tour and an excursion to Rügen promoted cultural exchange and integration.

On October 2, 2019, all participants received a certificate for their successful participation, which not only confirmed their attendance, but also recognized the skills and qualifications they had acquired with regard to starting their studies.

The 2019 summer school program can be found here. 

From 10 to 21 September 2018, the Rostock International House organized the MINT Summer Academy (MINT-SA) for the first time for eleven refugees interested in studying STEM subjects at the University of Rostock. The aim was to give the participants an initial insight into STEM subjects and prepare them for the challenges of studying.

Under the direction of Professor Meike Klettke, past Vice-Rector for International Affairs, lecturers from the fields of computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and physics gave basic lectures. The program was accompanied by language training sessions that made it easier to deal with technical language challenges.

A varied supporting program - including campus and library tours as well as an excursion to Rügen - offered orientation and promoted integration. The aim of the summer academy was to make it easier for participants to start their studies and to create initial networks with other students.

You can find the 2018 summer school program here.