VORsprung: A Digital Head Start for Engineering and Science Studies in Germany

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• Information about the VORsprung project in German | more
• Research at the Chair of Software Engineering and Theory of Programming (German) | more

Project Goals

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Product Vision

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Most prospective students from non-EU countries pursue studies in STEM subjects. At the same time the demand for well-prepared international students at German universities remains unabated. The existing offers for study preparation measures mainly rely on face-to-face teaching formats, which are either affiliated with universities in the form of preparatory courses or operate as independent units. However, these are naturally limited to a smaller number of possible participants.

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Content of the Program

• Professional Preparation

  The in-depth, standardized technical preparation for studying in Germany includes the subjects of the technology course (T-course) of a German preparatory college: mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and German. This core curriculum, which is being developed by the universities involved in the project, will be offered on a modular basis and will impart specialized knowledge that prepares students for the assessment test. These modules can be supplemented by further courses offered by the partner universities involved in VORsprung. Thus, the participants have the option to prepare specifically for STEM studies at one of these universities – if they are already looking at a possible university of their choice at this stage in their student journey.

• Language Preparation

  Upon completion of the program, the language proficiency of the graduates will have reached C1 level. Thanks to the special technical language lessons that complement the general German lessons, they will not only be very well-prepared for social interactions in everyday life, but also for STEM studies at a German university.

• Intercultural Preparation

  The challenges international students are facing at German universities are as diverse as the international student body itself. In addition to financial and bureaucratic obstacles to studying abroad, personal and cultural aspects play a major role. It is not uncommon that one’s idea of studying abroad differs from the reality of life in the country of destination.

  Therefore, not only linguistic and professional suitability or the basic ability to study are central to a student’s academic success, but intercultural sensitivity and knowledge are crucial. Only those who are aware of the cultural differences to be expected in the country of destination and know how to deal with them will be able to get settled and make the most of this opportunity. That is why it is an integral part of the program to raise intercultural awareness of participants and to prepare them for German teaching and learning culture.

• Further Skills

  Professional and linguistic ability is a good foundation for taking up a course of study in Germany. Other skills, however, will also play an important role in its successful completion. The requirements of a degree program, such as the ability to organize oneself, presentation and collaboration skills, as well as other learning methods often go far beyond what is taught at school. German students often have problems with the transition from school to university and the increased demands linked to this process as well, so supporting participants individually in a new situation is key.

Product Information

• Personalization

  VORsprung uses the advantages of digitalization to prepare the diverse subject-specific, linguistic and cultural learning modules. It allows the participant’s learning experience to be designed more individually and in a more needs-oriented way than in a purely face-to-face format. This puts the focus on the needs of the target group and develops new learning models.

  A major advantage of digital study preparation is the accessibility of the program at any time and from any location. VORsprung relies on blended learning to complement the online preparation with selected face-to-face events that strengthen the social interaction among the participants.

• Tutoring

  Even so, the highest possible degree of individualization does not mean that participants are left to their own devices during the program. Different learning biographies and personal conditions require individual support. Consequently, specially trained tutors will accompany the learning progress, respond to individual needs of the participants and thus provide them with targeted support during this preparatory program.

• Scalability

  As VORsprung is a digital offering, it is not subject to regional restrictions. In its pilot phase, it will initially be available in Egypt, India and Mexico, but can be expanded to other countries as needed. In the future, the project will be linked to the Digital Campus, which will increase the circle of higher education institutions that can benefit from well-prepared students and vice versa. In addition, there is a review taking place on whether it will be possible to take the assessment test digitally so as to further reduce the costs of taking up studies in Germany.

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