In June this year, an attractive one-week International Summer School Programme (ISSP) took place to offer students from partner institutions such as Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in the UK an intensive hands-on campus experience at Aschaffenburg UAS.
Prof. Dr. Alexandra Angress, project initiator, explains:
„The ISSP can provide a valuable, immersive experience for students from our partner universities such as NTU, UK that – for various reasons – cannot join us here for an entire semester. Simultaneously, this programme offers an international experience to students on our campus as well.“
The guest students were fully integrated into parts of her ongoing courses and outings such as “Business Seminar Germany” and supported by a team of ISSP students. A guided tour through the European Space Agency in Darmstadt, a talk by ECB representative Francesco Cometa at the premises of the the European Central Bank as well as a guided tour at forklift and warehouse truck manufacturer Linde Material Handling were only some of the highlights of the intensive week. To reflect on cross-cultural communication and interaction, Prof. Angress and her students also offered a peek into her course “Working across Cultures” and a poster session, showcased in the course International Competencies by students of International Management.
The official kick-off for this round of summer school was the “Open Campus” on 15 June with an informal get together and a city tour the evening before – including watching the opening of UEFA/Euro 2024 at the fun fair (“Volksfest”) and enjoying the fireworks with students of Aschaffenburg UAS. An insightful guided tour to castle Mespelbrunn by Ernst Schulten from the International Office with an outing to the “Hohe Warte” concluded the attractive ISSP week.“
The students’ project is a reflection on the week and a one-minute video – produced with the professional help of Stefan Schnelle – recapturing highlights of the stay at Aschaffenburg UAS. This could also help promote courses as such and the campus to even more to students of partner universities, particularly in English-speaking countries.
„It is wonderful to see that during this international programme, friendships started and some of our students of Aschaffenburg UAS have already made plans to visit students of our partner universities in the UK.“
Projects like the ISSP are made possible thanks to a dedicated fund by the Bavarian state government for international partnerships with UK universities beyond Brexit.
Aschaffenburg UAS will send three international real estate BA students as exchange students to Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and two to Coventry University (CU), UK for the coming winter term. This exchange (without tuition fees) is possible via so called bilateral ERASMUS interinstitutional agreements (IIA) that enable a certain share of international student and staff mobility beyond the actual EU/ERASMUS countries.
The Group foto at the top shows this year’s ISSP team: Prof. Dr. Alexandra Angress, Faculty of Business and Law, Ernst Schulten, International Office, and faculty student assistants such as student coordinator Maria Weidenauer, student assistant Jenny Amsel and incoming/Business Seminar Germany tutor Nina Imhof. Thanks to all of them for this excellent international project initiative here!
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Clara Susijn
„I felt welcomed by all the students and professors, who went to great lengths to ensure our stay was exceptional.“
“My week at TH Aschaffenburg University has left a lasting impression, and I will greatly miss the community I was able to be a part of during my time there. [...] They delivered exciting activities allowing us to network with businesses and engage with a diverse group of students making this summer school truly transformative. Of course, the experience was further enriched by spending time with my peers watching the Euros and trying local food.”
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Joshan Chavda
„This experience was not only academically enriching but also personally transformative. The AUAS/ISSP experience was a highlight of my academic journey so far.“
"From attending a conference at the European Central Bank to visiting key industry sites, every moment was packed with learning and inspiration. The program has fueled my passion for real estate and asset management, and I am excited to apply these new insights to my career. Attending the AUAS/ISSP program was an eye-opening experience that enriched my understanding of international markets and intercultural communication. I left Germany with new skills, knowledge, and friendships that will last a lifetime.”
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Elliot Smith
„Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences can’t be diminished to anything less than one of the best universities in Germany, in a city so beautiful it will keep surprising you and leave you feeling at home on every corner, foothill and harbour.“
“The most immersive, unforgettable and thought provoking eight days into professional working life, diverse social cultures and university life in Germany. [...] This partner of NTU is one of the very best and if you are looking for a summer abroad, full time or master program study, you will always find reasons to stay longer than you planned. Stunningly scenic sights, welcoming, warm and diverse social environments and outstandingly bright professors and alumni that come together to produce the best for your future.”
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Harrison Haynes-France
„My personal experience with Aschaffenburg University during the summer programme has been memorable, with the outings to different businesses and museums made my experience simultaneously enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.“
"Arriving at the European Central Bank and learning about the deep history of the Mespelbrunn castle were the highlights of my experience which was complimented with some unreal food and laughter at a local scenic restaurant within Aschaffenburg’s beautiful forest. I would like to acknowledge Professor Angress and Schulten, and the voluntary students for our warm welcoming’s, since it would have not have been as incredible without them. It is safe to say that I love the German culture."
