The first step has been taken: 27 graduates of the orientation year for refugees at the University of Oldenburg have received their certificates for participating in the orientation year events at a ceremony.
22 of them have passed the German language examination for university entrance (DSH exam) and can now take up university studies in German. The remaining five are aiming for other professional qualifications. The 27 graduates are the first participants to successfully complete the orientation year, which was launched in spring 2016.
"I am delighted to be able to present you with your certificates today and am also a little proud," said Prof Dr Sabine Kyora, Vice President for Studies, Teaching and Gender equality, at the ceremony. In 2016, the university faced the major challenge of designing a new programme for refugees who wanted to study at a university in Germany. This was obviously successful.
Every graduate receives a certificate for the courses attended during the orientation year. These were primarily language courses that prepared the participants for the DSH exam. Prospective international students need this exam in order to enrol on a degree programme in Germany. In addition to the language courses, the orientation year also includes courses on academic work and preparing for studying in Germany, as well as additional programmes such as a writing workshop. The majority of graduates come from Syria, but some also come from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and Sudan.
In the coming winter semester, 31 new participants will start the orientation year. The nine women and 22 men are mainly from Syria. Some have also come to Oldenburg from Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran.
