The Summer School for newcomers starts again

Last year, the University of Gothenburg ran a pilot of the Summer School for newcomers with a refugee background. It was greatly appreciated by both participants and university institutions. On Wednesday this year’s Summer School will start.

The Summer School for newcomers will take place between May 2 and 9 and will give the 30 participants a thorough introduction to the University. Many who are new in Sweden and who lack networks in the country have difficulties in finding their path to higher studies. Therefore, the University of Gothenburg organized a pilot of the Summer School for newcomers with a refugee background during a week in June 2017. The trial run was well appreciated by the participants and therefore the concept will be repeated this year.

Make the university world more accessible for the participants

Participants will receive introduction and lectures at several faculties, including educational guidance, career advice and introduction to university libraries. New for this year is that Chalmers University of Technology is giving workshops and information about their education, as a response to several participants’ plans to go on to technical studies. The idea of the Summer School is to make the university world more accessible for the participants, and to cherish their interest in higher education.

– It is widely discussed in the general debate that refugees who come to Sweden are poorly educated, but among those enrolled in the Employment Agency's establishment program, fifty percent have finished upper secondary school. Many also have post-secondary education, completed university education or even postgraduate studies. It is a waste, both at an individual and societal level, not to make use the skills of new arrivals, says Elizabeth George, the University Coordinator for matters concerning refugees.

Summer school will also include social activities such as bowling, and a tour in the Botanical Garden.

– We have included these activities because it is important to form networks of like-minded people who are interested in studies. Last year's participants still keep in touch by meeting and giving each other advice and support through social media such as Facebook, says Elizabeth George.

Evaluations from the pilot showed that the participants overall were very positive to the concept. Among other things, the mingle with study and career counselors for individual guidance was appreciated.

Contact

Elizabeth George, Coordinator for matters concerning refugees
elizabeth.george@gu.se
Phone: +46 31-786 2305 Mobile:+46 766-182305

Picture: Ahmed Alzayyan