Active engagement instead of dry theory

The program is organized by the universities in Athens, Bucharest, Madrid and Tübingen. Students from all eleven CIVIS partners can take part in selected courses at these universities; the language of instruction is predominantly English. The micro-program, now in its fifth year, is modular and practical: It is based on a BIP, a Blended Intensive Program that combines online teaching with a one-week attendance phase. The seminar first teaches the basics: How do you define social commitment, and why is it different in Romania than in Germany or Greece? What does it mean economically? The attendance phase focuses on practical case studies. In recent years, the students have worked on the topic of sustainable tourism in Romania, with visits to local communities. This year, in the Civic Engagement and Football BIP, they will examine how football can promote identity and be integrative in regions facing structural challenges. The in-class phase will take place in Germany’s Ruhr region.

Practical application of academic knowledge

The second part of the program is an online seminar in the spirit of service learning. "Here, students work on projects with practical institutions within society," explains Franziska Müller. For example, on behalf of the Reutlingen Integration Council, they conducted a survey of new arrivals to find out how the city can best support its new residents. The students were then able to present their results online.

"Service learning is learning on an equal footing between teachers, students and civil society actors, a mutual learning process," Iris-Niki Nikolopoulos explains. The service to be provided is always coupled with academic knowledge. In the project with the Integration Council, for example, the participants used qualitative research methods.

The third part of the program requires practical involvement from each individual student: the students must demonstrate 140 hours of community work, en bloc or over a longer period of time. Previous service for the common good during their studies may also be credited here. The fields for involvement are broad, Franziska Müller says: from assisting the fire department or animal shelter to working with senior citizens, people with disabilities or refugees, to leading exercise sessions at a sports club. There is also a workshop called “EngagemenTransfer" for reflecting on one's own work: What did I do and how? What have I learned from my involvement, what will I take with me for my studies, my personal development, or my professional future? These and similar questions are discussed in the group, says Nikolopoulos. Participants must also write an academic paper, answering a question related to the topic. Tübingen students are permitted to carry out their community work abroad, but in practice this is currently difficult to implement, say the organizers. So far there are only EU-wide funding programs for volunteers – completely independent of the micro-program – which students can apply for. Nikolopoulos and Müller hope, however, that structured offers can be integrated into the program in the future.

Good reasons for a program with an international dimension

"The exciting thing about the micro-program is the discussion with students and teachers from all over Europe," says Franziska Müller. By expanding the TCP course program to include elements from CIVIS universities, there is also a greater variety of topics. Around 60 students a year register for the micro-program; they usually come from all eleven CIVIS partners and from all departments. The BIP as a fixed part of the program is also a plus, says Iris-Niki Nikolopoulos. The required one-week stay abroad is easier to organize and finance than a whole semester abroad. What the students also like about the program is that they don't just think about things in theory, but are able to get active. Not all subjects have compulsory internships; the micro-program offers an opportunity to apply what has been learned and to get to know various professional fields. Unlike a seminar paper that disappears into a drawer, the students' achievements in service learning are more visible and valued, says Nikolopoulos, adding that social involvement is a motivating experience.

Text: Tina Schäfer
Translation: Amanda Crain