The Nihal European University in Sudan

Aside from the general education principles formulated under the previous point the following three principles are also relevant for university education and training in the Nihal European University in Sudan:

In the interest of developing the ability to shift perspectives, to solve project-oriented problems and to promote innovative thinking we will adopt interdisciplinary and cross-faculty task-planning in all degree programmes. The respective departments will specify how these are to be formulated in courses and projects. In any event from the outset we will pay attention to making available a broad variety of interdisciplinary courses and practicums (if possible) for students in all degree programmes.

All degree programmes in the Nihal European University in Sudan will be conceived so that a broad and well-grounded foreign-language training is part of course requirements. In addition to English as general language of instruction all students will learn an additional European language, preferably German, French, Spanish or later also Italian, receiving in the process insight into the respective culture by means of linked courses in area studies.

Even if English is the preferred language of instruction, selected courses (probably, for technical reasons, core electives) will be taught in another foreign language in certain departments. In specific degree programmes we will further consider expanding and specifying which second languages are possible based on particularities of the discipline and the exigencies of the workplace.

The specialized disciplines are to be taught along with their cultural foundations. This is to be done with reference to Sudanese interests and perspectives as well as their international links (e.g. the history of Sudanese-European technology and modernisation; economic relations between Sudan and the world; comparison of languages, literatures and cultures and so on). At the same time Arabic technical terms will also be taught in the interest of the general politics and tendencies of Arabisation.

In the start-up phase and afterwards the prospective partner universities of the Nihal European University in Sudan in Germany and other countries will be able to make a substantial contribution to the interculturalism of research and teaching. Preliminary discussions have been held with the president (Rektor) of the University of Konstanz.

By the time they begin their studies students should be acquainted with vocational practices through discussions with experts and practicums. The latter should be distinguished by activity in a non-university organization; a limited period of 2 to 6 months is proposed. In this timeframe they should receive insight into the structures of the respective organization as well as applying what they have learned by means of independent work (wherever possible). They should also take advantage of new experiences relevant to their studies.

For such practicums the partner organizations of the Nihal European University in Sudan are to be considered, such as companies, government offices, media outlets and schools. In addition relevant practicums should be arranged in cooperation with our partner universities abroad.

In order to insure a close linkage between study and practical experience practicums should be agreed upon with the appropriate department in a timely fashion before they commence. The students need permission both for the practicum they propose as well as for time off from coursework. The departments, in cooperation with the Coaching Academy, should compile a list of possible practicums and keep it up to date.

Students will be required to write reports about their practicums. In them they should portray their activities and reflect on their relationship to their studies. These reports are to be regarded as fulfilling course requirements and are to be evaluated accordingly.

In addition the Nihal European University in Sudan institutes proposed in this report should also promote linkages to praxis outside the university.