International Summer University

Founded in 1971 Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Darmstadt) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Germany with around 16,000 students, 320 professors, and over 60 degree programs. Students can choose between numerous undergraduate as well as postgraduate programs, Many unique bachelor's and master’s degrees are offered in fields such as engineering, architecture, design, computer science, information and knowledge management, media and social work.

Important features of Hochschule Darmstadt are short periods of study, the efficient organization of courses, a clear practical orientation from the beginning of studies, a strong commitment to research and development in cooperation with partners in business and society, and an internationally-oriented education. The university maintains partnership agreements with more than 100 international universities around the globe. The roots of the present-day Departments of Architecture and Civil Engineering stretch as far as back as the middle of the 19th century, to the “Landesbaugewerkschule Darmstadt”. In 2006, the ‘Fachhochschule Darmstadt’ was renamed as ‘Hochschule Darmstadt – University of Applied Sciences’, or h_da for short. The 11 departments are situated in five locations within the city of Darmstadt as well as in nearby Dieburg (about 15 km from Darmstadt). All locations are close to student canteens and cafeterias.

More facts about h_da:
https://www.h-da.de/ or
http://www.study-in-hessen.de/front_content.php?idart=99&idcat=24&institution=2

Darmstadt is a city in the federal state of Hesse in Germany, located right within the metropolitan Rhine-Main region, next to the city of Frankfurt (20 min) and is nestled between the Odenwald mountain region, the scenic wine-growing areas along the Bergstrasse and the Rhine, Main, and Neckar Rivers. Darmstadt has a population of approximately 150,000 (2013). Since 1997 Darmstadt carries the title Science City (“Wissenschaftsstadt”). Darmstadt is the science and high-tech-center of the metropolitan Rhine-Main region and the birthplace of numerous inventions that have changed our daily lives. From the radio clock to Plexiglas® and the first enzyme based washing agent to the liquid crystals in our mobile phones and notebooks - all these are inventions from Darmstadt. Darmstadt accommodates not only the technical university and one of the nation’s largest universities of applied sciences but also 3 institutions of the Fraunhofer Society (research organisation) /. Internationally renowned organisations such as the space organisations ESOC (European Space Operations Centre) and EUMETSAT , as well as the Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research (GSI)  round off the profile as a city of science. Darmstadt is one of the few cities after which a chemical in the periodic table of elements has been named – Darmstadtium (atomic number 110) discovered in 1994. In Darmstadt the economy is directly connected to science. Globally operating companies originating from Darmstadt such as Merck,  Evonik Röhm, Schenck Process and Schenck Rotec, Goldwell/Kao or Software AG  have distinctive departments of research and development at their disposal.

More facts about Darmstadt: http://www.darmstadt.de/?1528

Germany is a federation consisting of 16 federal states, each with its own constitution, parliament and government. Hessen is one of the most powerful economic regions in Europe. About 6.1 million inhabitants live in Hessen. Due to its location in the very heart of Europe and its ideal transportation infrastructure and Germany's largest airport, Hessen has evolved into one of the leading business locations with a particular focus on new technologies and financial services.

Hessen features a wide variety of cultural offerings. The panoply ranges from three State Theaters and numerous cultural events to fortresses, castles and parks. Moreover, the approximately 400 museums and archives harbour veritable treasures. The Hessian sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List are of particular interest. The state of Hessen is also home to many fairy-tales like Cinderella or Hansel and Gretel that you might know since your early childhood. The famous fairy tale collectors Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were born in Hanau, a city close to Frankfurt, and spent most of their lifetime collecting legends and fairy tales by listening to the stories being told by the people around them.

More facts about Hessen:
https://english.hessen.de/ or
http://www.hessen-tourismus.de/en

The International Summer University in Darmstadt offers many field trips and cultural trips to places in Hessen and Southern Germany. Therefore you will have the chance to collect impressions from different regions in Germany.

The Federal Republic of Germany lies in the heart of Europe and is a cosmopolitan, democratic country with a great tradition and a lively present. Germany has one of the world’s strongest economies and offers an innovative research and education landscape. At the same time it has a strong creative economy and a dynamic cultural scene. Germany is the European Union’s most populous nation with 81 million inhabitants.

Germany has the largest economy in the European Union and the fourth largest in the world. Germany is the world’s second strongest exporting nation. German companies enjoy an excellent international reputation. They stand for the “Made in Germany” seal of quality, for innovation, quality and advanced technology. In addition to well-known global players, Germany’s industry-driven economy is also characterized by many world market leaders from the small and medium-sized business sector. Important industries include vehicle manufacturing, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemicals, environmental technology and nanotechnology. Germany is an attractive location for foreign investors.

More fact about Germany:
https://www.deutschland.de/en or
http://www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de/en

Since the turn of the century many new projects of smart-home-technologies started to grow in Germany. During a one-week fieldtrip to North Rhine-Westphalia, Cologne, scientific knowledge will be enhanced by practical learning with hands-on experiences. You will visit companies and public institutions with an emphasis on building automation and control and smart living. This is a unique chance to learn more about smart homes, energy efficient building and construction technologies, simulation and modelling, user interactions and e-mobility. 

Upon successful completion of the four-week programme up to 9 ECTS credits will be granted. You can earn 6 ECTS credits for the academic seminars as well as 3 credits for the German language courses. 

By exchanging ideas in class, during the field trips and preparing projects with other participants and students from Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences you will receive an impression of the benefits and challenges of working in multicultural teams. This is your chance to experience different culture-bound working styles and to develop and adapt strategies of problem solving in an international team. An intercultural training at the very beginning of the Summer University will raise your awareness for the differences in acting, thinking and feeling of people with different cultural and social backgrounds.

Don´t worry, you are not going to be bored during the four-week programme. We have prepared many fun activities for you. Please check the programme schedule.