International Winter University (IWU) Kassel
| Type | Short course program |
|---|---|
| Established | 2005/06 |
| Location |
Kassel,  Germany
|
| Website | http://www.uni-kassel.de/hrz/db4/extern/iwu/welcome.php |
International Winter University (IWU) Kassel is a short-term program that is held during the winter season by the University of Kassel (Uni Kassel) every year. The IWU inspired from the international short-term programs held in Germany, then International Summer University (ISU) Kassel began the establishment of IWU in response to growing interest of international students to study in Germany. In addition to the 12 international master programs, Uni Kassel organizes both of ISU and IWU as one of its internationalization strategies. The program of IWU Kassel is designed for university students as well as researchers and professionals who want to learn more about German and European perspectives in Environmental Sciences and German Language & Culture. Environmental science has been one of the strengths of Uni Kassel since its foundation in 1971. IWU Kassel is now overseen by Uni Kassel’s International Study Center and shares the motto: “Sustainable Environment Cultural Heritage Student Potential WE CARE” with its sister program International Summer University (ISU) Kassel.
The uniqueness of IWU Kassel lies in the concern for the sustainability of global environment and cultural heritage. While IWU Kassel embraces globalization and innovation in the study program, the best practices of the program has been kept – arrangement of host families – to ensure that the visiting students are fully engaged in the local community and culture during their short stay in Kassel. Students are arranged to live with carefully selected host families and to practice their classroom knowledge with tandem partners and tutors. Workshops (e.g. German dancing, cooking, sports), field trips and excursions in Kassel and neighboring areas are also organized to introduce local culture and traditions to the students. Since the program is held during the term time, IWU Kassel students also have abundant opportunities to meet local students and participate in student activities on campus. The theme “sustainability” does not only cover the academic content of IWU, but also the program design which encourages continuous learning within and outside classrooms.
Following the success of ISU, the International Winter University (IWU) Kassel was established in 2005/06 to offer international students an alternative time frame to experience education in Germany. It is a pioneer of short-term winter programs in Germany and is one of the short-term programs bearing the DAAD Quality Seal.
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