Summer School EAFIT Colombia – FHNW Switzerland EN

Goals

The summer school programme focuses on four major aspects

• Fostering the interaction between the students from both countries across faculty boundaries and thereby strengthening the international as well as the interdisciplinary exchange between students and employees.
• Students learn how to use innovative techniques to find creative ideas and new solutions to today’s challenges.
• Students get to know relevant tools for the successful development of their projects / business idea.
• Target-oriented working and cooperating in international and interdisciplinary groups.

Target group

The summer school programme is open for bachelor and master students as well as employees from the organising universities. Its content is designed for students from all fields and each faculty of the participating universities.

• Universidad EAFIT is a highly reputed private Colombian university located in Medellín offering over 100 programmes on undergraduate, master, specialisation, and doctoral level. The university offers degrees in various fields through its schools of Management, Engineering, Law, Finance and Economics, Science, and Humanities.
• FHNW Students and employees of all schools are welcome. The aim is to have a truly divers group representing the various fields of FHNW.

During two exciting and challenging weeks, participants take a deep dive into the world of entrepreneurship by developing projects and business ideas from all fields of study, attending courses, visiting different organisations, discovering local culture and expand relevant networks with people from Colombia and Switzerland. The course combines profit, non-profit and sustainable projects at the same time.

Our summer school concentrates on entrepreneurial skills and spirit. The courses are academically challenging with a strong practical focus. Lecturers are experts in their fields and experienced practitioners, interaction between students and lecturers will be fostered.

Participants will work in mixed groups on their own projects in various fields. Relevant content in the course:

• creating a business idea
• developing and evaluating business models
• strategic planning
• market analysis and market entry
• finance and human resources
• stakeholder dialogue
• intercultural management
• convincing pitching and persuasive communication

The programme also includes visits to companies (e.g. start-ups, social enterprises, SMEs) and organisations (e.g. business hubs) in both countries. Engaging cultural and social events will enrich the participants' experience, making their stay truly memorable while fostering intercultural competence. The programme also features excursions to cultural and historical landmarks in each country.

Timeframe

There is a preparatory evening before the summer school. Students will get insights about the main topics.

On site:

• Classroom instructions with workshops, lectures, seminars
  
• Group work on business idea
  
• Company visit / visits of institutions
  
• Cultural activities

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The summer school will be open for maximum 30 participants (15 EAFIT, 15 FHNW). Participants need to be fluent in English (advanced level: European levels B2 written/C1 oral). No formal document/proof needed. Knowledge of Spanish not mandatory.