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Studienstart International of the University of Cologne: The closely supervised semester of study entry for students from third countries using the example of the model degree program for human medicine

Objective: Due to the increasing degree of internationalization and migration movements, German universities must increasingly pay attention to the cultural diversity of their students. Numerous studies have shown that there is still considerable room for improvement at German universities with regard to the integration of foreign students. Therefore, the University of Cologne aims at improving study conditions for students from third countries (especially non-EU) by introducing a compulsory study entry semester Studienstart International. In this study, we ask if effects on the dropout rates of international students before the introduction of Studienstart International can be observed after the introduction of the study entry semester. In addition, results of a survey of foreign students about familiarizing themselves with the German university educational system and on social contacts with fellow students are presented. Methods: After a one-year voluntary pilot phase in summer semester 2009 and winter semester 2009/10, Studienstart International was made compulsory for Non-EU students in preparation for the study of human medicine. 113 students of the human medicine degree program have taken part in this program since the beginning of winter semester 2016/17. The comparison of dropout rates before and after the introduction of Studienstart International as well as the results from a survey of foreign students are presented descriptively. Statistical significance of the difference in dropout rates between the two groups of students is tested using a Chi2-test. Results: The dropout rates of foreign students fell slightly from 19% to 14% following the introduction of the mandatory study entry semester, but this difference is not statistically significant (Chi2=0.785, df=1, p=0.376). According to the survey, almost three-quarters of foreign students have contact with German fellow students at the university, 55% of whom report daily contact. 68% of respondents have contact with German fellow students outside the university. 97% feel they are well prepared for the degree course and 91% say they know where to go with questions and problems during their studies. Conclusion: With the introduction of the compulsory study entry semester Studienstart International, the University of Cologne aims at improving integration of foreign students. Although dropout rates could not be significantly reduced, survey results suggest that Studienstart International can certainly support international students. Reliable statements on the success of the study cannot yet be made due to the small number of cases. A follow-up study will deal with this question.