Department of Engineering and Communication

International Summer School strengthens exchange with ICAM Toulouse

Austausch ICAM Toulouse_Teaser_DFJW

Wednesday 6 May 2026

16 students from Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg visited the partner university ICAM Toulouse in April 2026 as part of the new elective "ICAM Summerschool". The focus was on international cooperation, sustainable technologies and intercultural exchange with French students.

The excursion to the French partner university ICAM Toulouse (Institut Catholique d'Arts et Métiers) took place from 14 to 19 April. The aim of the programme is to promote international and intercultural exchange and to develop shared perspectives on sustainability technologies. The group of 16 students from the Departments of Engineering and Communication, Management Sciences and Computer Science was accompanied by Prof. Dr Sebastian Groß and Claudia Holbach. The interdisciplinary composition enabled an intensive interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration across different disciplines. The exchange was sponsored by the French-German Youth Office (FGYO).

The visit focussed on the topic of "Sustainable technologies: discovering and shaping them together". The participants worked together digitally in Franco-German tandems in advance and developed ideas on sustainability topics. On site, these collaborations were further intensified through joint workshops, international encounters and a language animation.

What is a language animation?

Language animation refers to playful methods that help to promote communication in international groups. Participants are motivated to discover other languages and cultures and overcome language barriers through gestures, facial expressions, games and music.

The company visits to Liebherr and Airbus were particular highlights of the trip. There, the students gained exciting insights into industrial processes, international corporate structures and technological innovations. The encounters with French students and insights into student life at ICAM Toulouse also provided a special experience.

ICAM Toulouse also a guest at the H-BRS

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The return visit was not long in coming: the French students from ICAM Toulouse arrived at Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg back in May. A varied programme of professional exchanges and cultural activities awaited the guests.

In addition to a campus tour with insights into the university's audio and video studio and dinner together, visits to Brühl Palace, the Bundeskunsthalle Bonn, the Botanical Gardens and guided tours of Bonn and Cologne were also on the programme.

The students gained specialist insights during visits to various university laboratories, including the hydrogen laboratory, the dynamics laboratory, the Smart Factory and the laboratories for industrial robotics. The visits from GKN Automotive/Dauch provided additional insights into the practice.

All in all, the summer school provided participants with international experience, strengthened their intercultural and language skills and promoted collaboration in international project teams. At the same time, the module makes an important contribution to the internationalisation strategy of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg.

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Claudia Holbach Portraitfoto

Claudia Holbach

Roboterlabor, Bachelorprojects

Location

Sankt Augustin

Room

B 221

Address

Grantham-Allee 20

53757 Sankt Augustin

Sebastian Groß Portrait

Sebastian Groß

Factory automation and industrial robotics

Location

Location

Sankt Augustin

Address

Grantham-Allee 20

53757 Sankt Augustin

Florence Goimier-Schmidt Portrait

Florence Goimier-Schmidt

Administrative staff

Location

Location

Sankt Augustin

Room

B019

Address

Grantham-Allee 20

53757 Sankt Augustin

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