Learning the language, understanding the culture, mastering bureaucracy - anyone who has fled to Germany from another country and wants to study here has many hurdles to overcome. Emad Al-Sharafi from Yemen has made it: he came to Germany in 2017, learned German through ProRef and will complete his master's degree in International Management Studies in 2023. "It takes a lot of courage and self-motivation to start studying in a foreign country in a foreign language," says Emad Al-Sharafi. Asia Aldaher from Syria still has this challenging path ahead of her. The young English teacher and mother of two boys is preparing for her studies - perhaps even German studies - in the Program for the Academic Preparation and Integration of Refugees (ProRef) at Europa-Universität Flensburg. "Language gives security," explains the young woman.

"The Program for the Academic Preparation and Integration of Refugees at Europa-Universität Flensburg helps refugees who are interested in a higher education degree get started at university. Through language and key skills courses, as well as study, career and social counseling, EUF facilitates integration into the German higher education system, the job market and society," explains Susanne Mosmann of ProRef. The online application portal for the upcoming program is now open. "Unlike previous years, there will be a 6-month course series from July to December 2022. A combination of part-time and full-time courses in German and English will be offered, as well as accompanying courses from four key competency modules," Mosmann explains.

The teaching format consists of a combination of face-to-face classes on campus and online classes. It’s open to any person who has fled from another country, who already has a reasonably good command of German or English (B1 level) and a university entrance qualification, and who wants to study. In addition to the courses, ProRef also offers individual study career and social counselling. The program is free of charge.

ProRef staff will provide information about the program on Thursday (on campus), May 19 and Wednesday, June 1 (online).  You can find detailed information at: https://www.uni-flensburg.de/proref