As the world grapples with complex healthcare challenges, including aging populations, infectious disease outbreaks, mental health crises, and technological advancements, there has never been a greater need for skilled, adaptable, and globally-minded healthcare professionals. Meeting this demand requires not only mastery of advanced medical techniques but also a profound understanding of oneself as a professional.

The Summer School program of the Medical Faculty of the University of Münster, Germany, addresses this critical gap, inviting international medical students to engage in an intensive two-week course that cultivates both technical excellence and professional identity. Through a multidisciplinary approach, participants will explore:

• Interpersonal and intrapersonal aspects of professionalism
• Effective teamwork, communication, and leadership in diverse contexts
• Complex decision-making, ethics, and resource management
• Societal implications of healthcare delivery and policy

By combining interactive lectures, virtual reality, simulation-based education, and small-group discussions, we foster a dynamic learning environment that encourages exploration of multiple perspectives and disciplines. Our goal is to empower participants to become confident, reflective practitioners equipped with the necessary competencies to thrive in today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Program Highlights

• Multidisciplinary approaches to healthcare challenges
• Interdisciplinary dialogue among international peers and renowned faculty
• Focus on developing professional identity and core competencies
• Networking opportunities within a vibrant academic community

Join us at the University Hospital Münster (UKM) for an enriching educational experience that bridges theoretical foundations with real-world application.

This course is offered by the Medical Faculty of the University of Münster and organised by the "Institut für Ausbildung und Studienangelegenheiten" (IfAS). The course takes place on the campus of the "Universitätsklinikum Münster" (UKM).

Partners

Students must have completed their undergraduate studies and begun their preclinical training (clinical clerkship). They must be currently enrolled in a medical programme at a recognized institution, such as a medical school or a human medicine course at a university. The summer school is open to students from all over the world, regardless of nationality or country of origin (both EU and non-EU citizens are welcome).

The primary objective of this course is to inspire students to critically reflect on the intersection of cultural diversity, global health issues, and social determinants in the field of medicine as well as on their own personal and professional identity.

Registration for the International Summer Course 2025 opens on January 15, 2025 and closes either on Friday, May 30, 2025 or as soon as the maximum number of participants has been reached. Early registration is strongly recommended.

Applications will be reviewed by the organizing committee after receiving the fully completed registration form:

Click here to open the register form

Confirmation of participation for early bird registrations will be sent out by March 28, 2025. Applicants registering after March 28, 2025, will receive confirmation no later than May 31, 2025.

There is no tuition fee for participating in this Summer School. The organizers will provide all learning material, daily lunches and food during organized social events. Participants are expected to arrange and pay for their own accommodation, additional meal arrangements, additional local purchase.

Accommodation

Students are responsible for their own accommodation. Further details will be provided after registration.

Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations. Additional details will be provided upon completion of registration.

Language Requirements

To ensure that all participants in the International Summer School can actively participate and benefit from our programs, applicants should possess strong English skills, enabling them to comprehend and engage in discussions conducted in written and spoken English at a university level. A minimum proficiency level of B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of EU member states do not require a visa to attend the International Summer School.

For non-EU nationals, please consult the German Federal Foreign Office's website to determine if you need a visa to enter Germany. You can use their online tool "Do I need a Visa?" to find out more. It is essential to plan ahead and apply for a visa in good time, allowing approximately eight weeks for processing.

Insurance Coverage

Before departing, participants are advised to thoroughly research their existing insurance policies covering travel abroad and consider purchasing supplemental insurance plans (including health, accident, and liability insurance), if necessary. Note that neither the University of Münster nor its affiliates assume responsibility for participant insurance coverage. Consequently, each individual remains accountable for securing adequate insurance protection against unforeseen circumstances.

Additionally, EU students may opt for obtaining a "European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)” or similar documentation through their respective insurers.

About the University of Münster

Located in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, the University of Münster (called Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster or WWU before 2023) is one of Germany's largest research universities. Founded in 1780, Münster University boasts a rich history of innovation and academic excellence, with fifteen faculties covering a wide spectrum of disciplines, from humanities and natural sciences to law, economics, and theology. Renowned for its strong research profile, particularly in the fields of business administration, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, the university attracts scholars and students from around the globe. Without a campus but composed of more than 200 buildings spread through the city center of Münster, the university provides a stimulating environment for intellectual pursuits and personal growth. Today, the University of Münster continues to thrive as a hub of knowledge creation, fostering close ties between academia, industry, and society.

Further information: Website of the University of Münster

About the Münster University Hospital (UKM)

The University Hospital of Münster (Universitätsklinikum Münster, UKM) is a leading care institution located in the heart of the city Münster. With approximately 1,500 beds and over 12,000 employees, the hospital serves as a referral center for the entire region, offering comprehensive services across numerous departments, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, and surgery. Strongly affiliated with the University of Münster, UKM fosters a collaborative spirit, driving advances in translational research, clinical trials, and evidence-based medicine.

Further information: Website of the Münster University Hospital (German)

About Münster City

Münster is a charming university town nestled in the northwestern corner of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Rich in history and tradition, Münster boasts a beautifully city center, featuring iconic landmarks like the St. Paulus Cathedral, the Lambertikirche, the Gothic City Hall, and the famous Peace Hall. Surrounded by scenic countryside and waterways, Münster seamlessly blends urban flair with rural charm. The city exudes a lively atmosphere, hosting numerous festivals, markets, and events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the Promenade, sampling local delicacies like pumpernickel bread, Töttchen, Pfefferpotthast and craft beer, or taking advantage of excellent cycling infrastructure to explore the surrounding area.

Further information: Website of Münster City