Transatlantic Summer School 2025:
Implementing Sustainability

What is the Transatlantic Summer School?

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 Harz University of applied sciences, Ruhr West Univerity of applied sciences, Wayne State University and Iowa State University and is taking place for the third time. This year’s host is Ruhr West University of applied sciences.

The program offers an international learning experience focused on sustainable development projects in collaboration with  industry-leading partners.

From the German Bundesliga to the charging infrastructure for e-cars to global deposit return strategies, from the local implementation of circular economy in the northern Ruhr region to a major sports event such as the Student Olympics: sustainability and its implementation is a concern for stakeholders in all areas that must be addressed.

The students of the International Summer School on Sustainability 2025 at the Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences (HRW) in Mülheim, Germany will work together with project partners such as Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the recycling expert Tomra or the organizing committee of the Rhine-Ruhr-Games 2025 in small project groups on concrete tasks from the real everyday life of the project partners.


 

Facts and Figures

When? The program consists of 2 phases:

  • a mostly asynchronous, mandatory online phase in May/ June 14, 2025, followed by a
  • two-week period in Mühlheim an der Ruhr from August 4 to August 15, 2025, where all participants will come together to forge new friendships while working with students, faculty and staff from all four universities.

Where? This year's host is Ruhr West Univerity of applied sciences

Who? There are a total of 10 places available for students from the Harz University of applied sciences; applications are welcome from all faculties and subject areas. In total, 40 international students will participate in the Summer School.

Why? You will gain a wide range of valuable skills during the summer school. The program covers a range of essential skills, including working in a team, navigating cultural differences, and planning, implementing and presenting a project. On the other hand, you will gain a detailed insight into sustainability and its implementation in everyday business life, as well as the specific business nature of the project partners. 

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 overall cost of participation is estimated at around 1.000€ per person. A substantial part of this will be covered by the Harz Harz University of applied sciences. Sponsors are currently being sought, and all funding options are under review. It is anticipated that the individual contribution will be 400€. This amount includes accommodation for 13 nights, all meals, transportation to project partners, excursions, weekend activitis and the Deutschlandticket.

Application Process? Download the application document here. 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 24, 2025. Selection interviews will take place in January 2025 (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

 

Prof. Dr. Elisabeth van Bentum

Faculty of Business Studies
Tel +49 3943 659 265
Raum 2.122, Haus 2, Wernigerode
Sprechzeiten montags 10:00 - 11:00 Uhr und nach vorheriger Vereinbarung

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Patrick Rempel

FB Automati. u. Inform.
Tel +49 3943 659 369
Raum 2.209, Haus 2, Wernigerode

Prof. Dr. Robert Nadler

FB Verwaltungswiss.
Tel +49 3943 659 406
Raum D221, Haus D, Halberstadt