The Refugee Crisis and the Challenges to Academia in Germany

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1 The Refugee Crisis and the Challenges to Academia in Germany The Example of the University of Cologne International Office Dr. Johannes Müller 23 March March EURIE Istanbul

2 The Refugee Emergency in Germany 2014: asylum seekers 2015: asylum seekers 2016: ca asylum seekers Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq are the most frequent countries of origin. About 20 % of all refugees claim to hold a High School Degree or to have studied at a University. Refugees are predominantly young, with a peak in the segment of years old young men. Source: Wikipedia, 03/2017 Number of registered refugees in Germany per months since 2015 Source: Wikipedia

3 The Challenges for Academia: Refugee Students Large number of prospective students (small percentage, but substantial absolute number) Highly motivated, gifted students with severe and particular problems of integration: Language Different academic tradition Cultural differences Personal flight experience Involuntary international students bound to stay permanently! In order to integrate refugees into the system, special treatment is appropriate and necessary.

4 Admission of and Support for Refugee Students I Refugees are generally allowed to study as soon as they have registered and settled (as Asylum seeker, refugee or Granted Asylee ) Graduate Studies (Master level) Entry requirements Relevant Bachelor Diploma At UoC: TestAS 90/108 (standardized scholastic aptitude test) Relevant Language Proficiency Many Master Programs in English Concomitant German classes available for international students

5 Admission of and Support for Refugee Students II Undergraduate Studies (Bachelor level) In Germany only available in German Regular Application Application as regular non-eu/ewr citizens possible, independent from Status as Refugee/Asylum Seeker ecc. Requirements: Only at UoC (due to 49,5 HGZulG): A university entrance qualification (HZB) from the home country as a formal authorization to study in Germany. Adequate German language skills (DSH - 2/-3 or TestDAF 4x4). TestAS, the standardized scholastic aptitude test, with a minimum score of 90 or 108.

6 Admission of and Support for Refugee Students III Program Study Preparation Course for Refugees Offered by the International Office Limited number of participants (105 per year) Requirements: A university entrance qualification (HZB) as a formal authorization to study in Germany. Certified B1 level of German language proficiency. TestAS, the standardized scholastic aptitude test, with a minimum score of 90 or 108. Intensive German classes plus additional propaedeutic courses and Workshops, e.g. Intercultural training Study and Research in Germany Social system orientation for students Allows students to complete DSH/TestDAF 4x4 and enter a chosen University Course within 12 months

7 The Challenge for Academia: Refugee Scholars Junior and Senior Researchers and Professors from different contexts: Refugees from war and civil war (e.g. Syria/Irak/Afghanistan) Refugees from political, ethnical and religious persecution: Scholars at Risk (e.g. Iran/Pakistan/Nigeria/Turkey) Forced International Scholars from all disciplines Without professional links to host academia Unfamiliar with scientific landscape/system Linguistically unprepared Different academic tradition Predominantly Syrian, Iraqi and Turkish Origins (Turkish asylum applicants in Jan/Feb 2017 [1079] grew per 215% compared to Jan/Feb 2016 [285] with an over-proportionate quota of academics) Source: BAMF University of Aleppo, January Turkish applicants to SAR since January 2016 Source: SAR

8 General preconditions University of Cologne is member of Scholars at Risk (SAR) since Sept 2015 is member of the Institute of International Education (IIE) cooperates with Scholars Rescue Fund is founding member of SAR-Germany (Sept 2016) hosted by the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation within the context of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative In Sept 2015: Emergency Aid Fund of Euro for Refugee Scholars General commitment by UoC and its faculties to support Refugee Scholars wherever possible and appropriate. Directive: Support only if academically/scientifically of mutual benefit and if a reasonable professional perspective can be offered.

9 Tools and procedures Supervision and Coordination in the hands of the International Office Identification and Matching Screening of SAR- and SRF-Lists; approaching potential hosts; correspondence with financing organisations Support for UoC-Scientists who intend to support a threatened colleague Assistance with visa, accommodation, administrative issues Help with funding applications Counseling for Rescued Scholars Logistics Visa, accommodation, administrative issues Family support (partner/children) Integration Language courses internal networking awareness building Career development Workshops on scientific system, academic traditions, career paths in science and research Individual Mentoring/Coaching (Supra-)Regional networking initiatives

10 Current status Dr. Anan Alsheikh Haidar, Postdoc-scholar at the Institute for International Peace and Security Law at the University of Cologne Six supported scholars A Social Philosopher from Syria A scholar of International Criminal Law from Syria A Geophysicist from Syria A Biologist from Syria A Neurophysiologist from Iraq A Political Scientist from Turkey Two more applicants from Turkey and many more requests for assistance and help

11 Thanks for listening! University of Cologne was established in 1388 It is currently the largest University in Germany ( students in 2016/17) Since 2012 University of Cologne is one of 11 German Universities of Excellence UoC is a full-range research University with particular research excellence in Life Sciences, Physics, Plant research, Global South Studies, Economics and International Law. We run 30+ PhD-Schools and Postgraduate Centres