In cooperation with other Bavarian universities, the ZFM developed an online course in 2016/17, which is offered via the Virtual University of Bavaria (vhb). The aim of the course is to give students who are (or would like to be) involved in work with refugees a profound introduction into the subject area, to reflect on this work academically, and to promote joint exchange.

Based on the experience of student initiatives, there is a need to prepare students for different situations in the projects in terms of content. This is where the online seminar comes into play in terms of content and didactics: The students are prepared for the cooperation with refugees and other project partners - such as full-time and voluntary workers - through an online seminar. For this reason, background knowledge for responsible and (self-)reflected work with refugees is being imparted.

The online seminar is designed for self-study with tutorial support: The content is prepared in structured learning units (multimedia supplemented teaching text). Each learning unit contains short tasks for independent checking of learning objectives ("knowledge checks"), a moderated discussion in the group or discursive tasks, some of which are linked to an individual feedback procedure.

Contents of the VHB course:

1. basic knowledge about flight, migration, asylum and refugee policy.

2. arrival in Germany: asylum procedure and integration

3. civic engagement of and with refugees

4. ethics of refugee aid

5. intercultural competence: on the development of the ability to deal with foreignness

6. applications in practice: voluntary German lessons for refugees

Aim of the VHB course:

The course aims to provide students with a basic knowledge in the field of flight and migration and to sensitize them to opportunities and potential challenges in working with refugees. After completing the course, participants should be able to reflect and act sensitively and competently as civically engaged persons in the context of flight and migration. Furthermore, they should be able to recognize and assess responsible and competent action with regard to other projects.

Registration for the online course:

The course can be taken by all students of Bavarian universities (free of charge for Bachelor students) via the Virtual University of Bavaria. Upon successful completion of the course, you will also receive 2 ECTS.

Registration is possible every winter and summer term. Click here to register and enroll.