In cooperation with the University College Odisee in Brussels, 13 students from the dual Bachelor of Social Work with a focus on poverty and (refugee) migration took part in the international summer school "Refugee children and families in Europe: social work and counseling" from June 25 to July 6, 2018, where they spent their time at the University College Odisee and with host families.

Against the backdrop of persecution, conflicts and human rights violations forcing people around the world to leave their homes and seek safety in Europe, a total of 35 students from Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany and France dealt with international issues relating to flight and migration. In addition to work in project groups, visits to NGOs and European policy bodies, there were numerous lectures and workshops by and with international speakers.

Flight and migration are a transnational challenge for the whole of Europe. Border closures, upper limits for the admission of refugees and the challenges of integration are being discussed in the EU member states, while populist parties are using the mood to further their own interests. In this mixed situation, social work professionals are faced with the challenge of offering refugees the best possible support. In order to be able to meet this difficult challenge, it is very important for future social workers to have both a national and an international perspective.

The Belgian students have been invited to an international Autumn Course in Dortmund for a return visit from September 24 to October 5, 2018. Prof. Dr. Kotthaus and Michel Boße will provide information on the exchange.