The UN Sustainable Development Goals are always the overarching theme of the Transatlantic Summer School and serve as the foundation for a specific topic chosen by the hosting University.
The Summer School is a collaboration between Hochschule Harz, Hochschule Ruhr West, Wayne State University and Iowa State University and is taking place for the second time. This year’s host is Iowa State University and the theme for 2024 is "Sustainability in Food: Farm to Table."
The topic will be explored from an interdisciplinary perspective so students from all faculties can participate. The diverse knowledge and experience will enable us to learn together and explore the sustainability of food holistically.
Your challenge: you will work in small groups with students from different universities, from different countries, with different academic and cultural backgrounds to tackle challenges that reduce the sustainable footprint of food using the design thinking methodology.
The program offers an immersive educational experience exploring the intricacies of sustainable food systems, focusing on every step of the journey, from responsible cultivation and efficient distribution to mindful consumption and minimizing waste. Through engaging lectures, hands-on workshops and dynamic discussions, we will navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie along the entire food value chain.
Program details to be announced soon!
Facts and Figures
When? The program consists of 2 phases:
Where? This year's host is Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, USA
Who? There are a total of 10 places available for students from the Hochschule Harz; applications are welcome from all faculties and subject areas. In total, 40 international students will participate in the Summer School.
Why? Through collaboration of participants with diverse backgrounds, crossing national boundaries, the program offers an extraordinary learning experience and contributes to strengthening of project management, soft skills and intercultural competencies.
Credits? A certificate will be issued and can be added to your official transcript of records. Additionally, up to 5 credits may be recognized as part of your program of studies, but is subject to approval through your programm coordinator.
Financing? The total costs of participation is 1800€. The majority of this amount is generously funded by the Hochschule Harz. Participants are only required to contribute 500€. Additionally, participants are responsible for covering the costs of the ESTA authorization or visa for travel, as well as international health insurance. By accepting an offer, participants commit to pay the contribution, even if they do not travel.
Application Process? Please fill out the application form in english and send it with a copy of your current transcript of records to summerschool(at)hs-harz.de no later than March 22, 2024. Templates can be found on the right side of the page. Introduction interviews in English will take place in March 2024 (exact date to be announced). Selection criteria include academic performance, voluntary activities, and work experience.
Organisation
Stella Hartmann
summerschool@hs-harz.de
+49 3943 659 310
You can also find a campus tour of Iowa State University here. Take a look at it to get a first impression!
„It is so important to be open and communicate with new people in the future, especially in English when going international and building a network. That was a big part in the Summer School and a good preparation.“ [Jan-Peter Hansen]
„It is always scary thought if we think world will be saved by others. But for the first time I am proud that in 2 weeks I dedicated myself to study and explore more about sustainaibility and I am grateful that I worked on it." [Anjali Wankhede]
Transatlantic Summer School 2024