International Summer University

At the end of the module students should be able to:

• Develop a mindset of marketing. This encompasses knowledge of and the ability to apply key marketing frameworks and tools for analyzing customers and competitors
• Develop insights into segmentation, selection of target markets, and positioning strategies
• Understand how to develop actionable marketing mix strategies. Once a positioning strategy is developed, you should be able to integrate product, price, promotion, and place strategies to meet the needs of the target market

The module fosters the following soft skill competencies:

• Strategic thinking
• Marketing communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem solving
• Marketing and global mindset

Course instructor is Dr. Phani Tej Adidam from the University of Nebraska Omaha.

The complete course description.

Students who successfully complete this module will be able to:

• can define the term culture and can discuss some of the comparative ways of differentiating cultures.
• can describe the concept of cultural values, and relate some of the international differences, similarities and changes occurring in terms of both work and managerial values.
• can define exactly what is meant by organizational culture and discuss the interaction between national and MNC culture.
• can identify and apply the major models of organizational cultures.
• can understand different sources of growth in different markets.
• can understand different strategic choices to be taken for success.
• can understand the dynamics of different markets.

The module fosters the following soft skills competencies:

• review examples of verbal communication styles and explain the importance of message interpretation
• analyze the common downward and upward communication flows used in international communication
• examine the language, perception, culture, and nonverbal barriers to effective international communications.

The complete course description

Course insctructor is Ravinder Kaur-Lahrmann from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences

At the end of the course, students should be able to:

• Describe the meaning, benefits, and costs of globalization;
• Analyze how differences between and changes in countries’ geographic, political, legal, economic, and cultural environments influence managing across borders;
• Evaluate the role of physical, psychic, and institutional distance in firms’ internationalization decisions;
• Compare and contrast motives for and modes of entering a foreign market;
• Describe common pitfalls in marketing across country contexts;
• Evaluate the appropriate mix of global efficiency and local specialization for the multinational firm;
• Describe the functions of the foreign exchange market and how firms work to manage foreign exchange risk;
• Explain the role of supranational institutions in the international financial and monetary systems; and,
• Compare and contrast approaches to corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and ethics across the globe.

Additionally, students will:

• Develop written and oral communication skills;
• Develop intercultural competence,
• Practice critical thinking; and,
• Identify and evaluate appropriate research sources for analysis of firms, industries, countries, and regions.

Course Instructor is Prof. Dr. Nicholas Rhew from the University of Southern Indiana, USA

Complete course description

At the end of the module students should be able to:

• understand how various hospitals systems and healthcare organizations provide services to their patients
• understand the different levels of administration within health insurance
• be able to compare and contrast different models of leadership in healthcare and provide strengths and weaknesses of each type of health insurance

The module fosters the following soft skill competencies:

• Leadership development
• Communication skills (e.g. reading, discussion, written communication)
• Strategic planning and problem-solving skills
• Analytical thinking and evidence-based research

Course instructor is La Don Jones from the National University San Diego

The complete  course description.

 At the end of the module students should:

• be able to understand the differences in physiotherapy between different countries regarding autonomy, education, political and intercultural aspects and clinical practice
• be able to understand differences in health care systems between different countries
• have gained enhanced practical skills and clinical knowledge in the assessment and management of patients with neuro-musculoskeletal pain discorders
• be able to demonstrate improved diagnostic skills for daily routine
• have deepened their knowledge in the application of research methods in musculoskeletal physiotherapy

The module fosters the following soft skill competencies:

• Team working skill in internationale groups
• Reading, writing and comprehension skills
• Communication skills (e.g. presentations, written communication)
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills

Course Instructor is Prof. Dr. Brigitte Tampin from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.

The complete course description.

Please take a look at the short videos (Classes / Company Visit) which physiotherapy students made during ISU 2024.

Participant's testimonial

Learning objectives:

• Evaluate different types of conventional food processing and new alternative technologies on the base of the latest findings
• Learn from valuable expert insights into latest developments in food engineering and food innovation
• Classify and describe special technologies of selected specialization areas
• Use the special terminology of the selected specialization areas
• Evaluate strategies/processes of product development
• Demonstrate capability of teamwork
• Show experience in procedures for professional problem solving in a research and industrial environment.
• Development of communication, self-management and group working skills
• Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to formulate critical ideas
• Develop the ability to understand academic literature.

The module fosters the following soft skill competencies:

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Reading and comprehension skills of academic literature
• Communication skills (e.g. class discussion, presentations, and course paper)
• Teamwork in international groups

Course Instructor is Prof. Dr. Stefan Töpfl from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.

The complete course description

Details on International Summer Lab - Special Food Technologies

German Language

Learning and deepening the German language knowledge of the corresponding level.

The course fosters the following soft skill competencies:

• Speaking and comprehension skills
• Communication skills: Everyday life language
• Problem-solving skills
• Team working skills in international groups

Course Instructor: N.N.

The German language training is not available for students who choose ""Special Food Technologies. They will get English language training as mentioned below.

Workshop: Intercultural Competence

At the end of the workshop students should be able to:

• give examples of ways in which culture shapes thinking, feelings and actions.
• name the main differences between individualist and collectivist cultures.
• define the concept “critical incident”.
• apply multiple perspectives and generate and test hypotheses about human interaction in intercultural encounters.

The workshop fosters the following core competencies:

• analyzing problems and generating solutions as a member of an intercultural team.
• using theoretical constructs to analyze interpersonal dynamics in intercultural contexts.
• using theoretical constructs to reflect about one’s personal views and conduct in intercultural settings.

Workshop instructor is Dr. Debbie Stoll from Smart Communication Training

Intro: Facts about Germany and Osnabrück

Participants will get an introduction to the following topics:   

• Facts and figures about Osnabrück/Germany  
• Current topics in Osnabrück/Germany  
• Historical topics in Osnabrück/Germany  
• Economy in Osnabrück   

Instructor: Prof. Dr. Kathrin Loer

Study Trip to Berlin

3 day trip to Berlin: Learn more about Germany's culture, history and politics by exploring the capital and taking part in, for instance, a guided city tour and a visit of the Building of the German Parliament.

At the end of the study trip the students should be able to:

• Know the main geography of Berlin
• Be familiar with the key historic sights of the city
• Get an insight into the the role of Berlin in the recent history of Germany‘s division and reunification
• Visit of the Jewish Museum Berlin

The lecture fosters the following soft skill competencies:

• Critical thinking and reflecting in international groups
• Sensitivity to democratic values in society 

Course: Using English correctly and appropriately in academic presentations

This course offer is only valid for students of the course “Special Food Technologies”. It replaces the German language training for them.

The aim of the course is to support students in preparing the presentations they will be giving in the context of the summer university.

Students will learn and practice:

• general academic vocabulary typically used in presentations.
• strategies used to communicate complex content in a clear way.
• strategies used to capture and keep the audience’s attention.

The course Instructor is Dr. Debbie Stoll from Smart Communication Training.

International students taking one of the courses on-site as a study abroad option will receive 5 ECTS credit points. Osnabrück students will receive 5 ECTS credits points according to the provisions of their degree program.

Together with the ECTS credits students receive a Certificate of Attendance. The International Summer University will provide you with a transcript of records so the course taken in Osnabrück can be recognized by your home university.

During the three weeks there will be graded presentations, term papers or team work assignments. At the end there will be final exams.

Attendance and successful completion of the program are requirements for receiving ECTS credits and the Certificate of Attendance.

The International Summer University is a three week intensive program taught in English. It offers several courses in the field of International Business, Economics, Physiotherapy, Healthcare Management, Food Technology and Engineering. ISU 2025 Flyer

The International Summer University is open for international students from all around the world and for students of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. Gaining intercultural experience by working together with international students in small groups is one of the benefits of ISU. Moreover, it is a good opportunity for students who consider going abroad for a study term to get in touch and network with international students. Last but not least, you will receive ECTS credits for taking part in ISU.

Courses and academic recognition

You have the choice between the following courses, please pick one:

• Marketing: Understanding of Consumers and Markets (undergraduate/graduate)
• Organisational Culture and Behaviour (undergraduate)
• Managing Mulinationals through an Era of Disrupted Globalization (undergraduate/graduate)
• Global Healthcare Management (graduate)
• Clinical Perspectives in Physiotherapy (undergraduate)
• Food Technologies (undergraduate/graduate)

Your choice is combined with an Introduction on ‘Facts about Germany and Osnabrück’ and 'Intercultural and Interdisciplinary Competence'. The German language part is irrelevant for German speaking students.

Your participation in the ISU can be recognized towards your degree provided that the chosen ISU course corresponds to a module in the curriculum of your degree program. Students from the Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences will be able to have the ISU credited as two block weeks (national and international). Therefore, students must submit (after the ISU) an application for recognition of an extra-curricular achievement and an ISU certificate of participation to the Office of the University Registrar.

*If you wish recognition for another module of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, please contact us by email. We will then clarify internally the possibilities.

If you choose to take the ISU course as an "Zusatzfach" it will not appear on your transcript, but you will receive a ISU Certificate. Please talk to the coordinator of your degree program about it.

In order to have the ISU course recognized towards your degree, a learning agreement has to be signed. You are required to fill it in, have it signed and return it to us by June 20.

Attendance is compulsory for the entire program!

Requirements

As all courses, except the German language courses, will be taught in English. A proof of the ability to study in English must be submitted by all those students whose mother tongue is not English and who do not study in an English taught program. If the english level cannot be determined from the transcript of records, you can submit the DAAD language certificate, which you should have completed by a language lecturer. The placement test offered by the university to assign you to an English course level cannot be accepted, as it is usually taken without supervision.

Registration

Please register online by March 31. In your application you will indicate the course you would like to take, giving us your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice. Depending on your study profile and on the number of applications for each course we will try to offer you a place in the course of your first choice. Please note that a course will not be offered if fewer than 15 students apply.

Places are limited for Osnabrück students. In case the number of applicants exceeds the number of places, the applications will be evaluated in the order in which they were received. Applicants will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a spot becomes available.

Fees

The program fee for all students of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences is 100 Euro. This amount covers extra curricular activities. Participating in the ISU without paying the lump sum is not possible. Tuition fee for taking part in the courses will not be charged.

By participating in the extra curricular program the team spirit will be fostered and the cooperation of Osnabrück and international students will be strengthened.

The obligatory extra curricular activities include:

• welcome session
• team building event
• museum visits
• farewell session

Furthermore Osnabrück students choose 2 of 5 activites to participate. With the acceptence the students will be asked to select them:

• campus tour with international students
• guided city tour in Osnabrück
• workshop in Botanical garden (e.g. from cocoa to chocolate)
• swimming
• university sports (e.g. Beach Volleyball or Yoga)

The number of students per course is limited. Please note that a course will not be offered if fewer than 15 students apply. Applications are accepted until March 31, 2025. To register for the International Summer University, students must complete the online registration form.

You will receive the Letter of Acceptance by April 14, 2025 at the latest.

The following documents will have to be uploaded by March 31, 2025 in our application portal after your online registration:

• a short CV
• transcript of records
• proof of English competence (only for students whose mother tongue is not English and who do not study in an English taught program at their home university, for details please see below)

All documents should be:

• in English
• file size: maximal 5 MB
• file format: PDF

Participants receive an invoice from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences directly with their notice of acceptance. Only participants from certain partner universities pay their program fee to their home university.

Program fee: 1950 €

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: Invoice Number, participant last name, first name

Please keep in mind that banks may charge service fees for international money transfers and these must be covered in full by the participant. Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences will not assume any charges for the money transfers of participants and the Summer School fee must be received in full.

Cancellations of reserved places will attract the following cancellation fee:

Program fee for ISU on campus
If you cancel your registration or your reserved place before May 1, you will not be required to pay the program fee.  If you cancel your reserved place on/after May 1 and before June 14, only 50% of the program fee is refundable.
If you cancel your reserved place on/after June 15 no program fee is refundable.

You must be enrolled either at a university abroad or at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.

Please note that the ISU program is limited to three weeks and that acceptance does not imply admission to any other program of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.

Students apply for the entire program of the International Summer University. The number of participants is limited. In your application you will indicate the course you would like to take, giving us your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice. Depending on your study profile and on the number of applications for each course we will try to offer you a place in the course of your first choice. Please note that a course will not be offered if fewer than 15 students apply. In case the maximum number of participants is exceeded, applicants will be placed on a waiting list and notified if a place becomes available.

Students whose mother tongue is not English and who do not study in an English taught program at their home university will have to submit proof of English proficiency.

Attendance is compulsory for the entire programme.

As all courses, except the German language courses, will be taught in English. A proof of the ability to study in English must be submitted by all those students whose mother tongue is not English and who do not study in an English taught program at their home university.

In that case one of the following certificates is required:

• At least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL – at least 87 points) http://www.ets.org/toefl
• Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC – at least 750 points) http://www.toeic.com
• Cambridge Proficiency (CPE – minimum grade: C)
• Cambridge Advanced (CAE – minimum grade: B)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS – minimum grade: 6.0) http://www.ielts.org
• Business English Certificate (BEC 3 – minimum grade: B)

Depending on the bilateral agreement your country has with Germany, you may or may not need a visa to enter Germany. Students from EU-countries do not require a visa. For all non-EU-students, the safest way to determine whether you need a visa is by means of the German Federal Foreign Office’s website. 

Also, there are different kinds of visa for different purposes. If you are participating in a short program of less than 90 days (e.g. a summer university or a German language course), you can apply for a “Schengen Visa” which allows you to travel in all the “Schengen Countries”. However, after 90 days you must leave the country. Therefore, if you are going to spend a semester or an entire study program with us, please make sure you apply for a “National Visa” which is valid for more than 90 days. For more information, please get in touch with the German embassy or German consulate in your country of residence. You can find the addresses on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office. 

Please make sure that you allow enough time for the application procedure. It may take about 8 weeks.

We require you to inform yourself in detail before your departure about your insurance coverage abroad and, if required, to take out the relevant insurances (health insurance, accidence insurance and liability insurance). Please be aware that participants of the International Summer University / the International Summer Lab are not insured by Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the university does not assume any liability. Thus, participants are responsible for their own health, accident and liability insurance.

Due to COVID-19 we recommend to take out an appropriate travel cancellation insurance.

EU students must bring evidence of their health insurance. Please ask your health insurance company at home if your complete stay in Germany is covered by them. Usually you do not have to take on an additional health insurance policy, but you can obtain a "European Health Insurance Card" (EHIC) or equivalent from your insurer.