INTEGRAL² Project Information

In cooperation with the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences and the RWTH Aachen University, Kiron is implementing the pilot research and development project INTEGRAL², which is short for "Integration and Participation of Refugees in the Context of Digital Teaching and Learning Scenarios” ("Integration und Teilhabe von Geflüchteten im Rahmen von digitalen Lehr- und Lernszenarien”) (https://kiron.ngo/our-projects/integral2/). The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and enables Kiron to test and refine its innovative educational model together with its partners.
The project is divided into various work packages assigned to Kiron as well as to our partners RWTH Aachen University and Lübeck University of Applied Sciences. Kiron takes the lead in the project and is responsible for the overall coordination of INTEGRAL².

During the 13 months from September 2016 to September 2017, INTEGRAL² is pursuing the following objectives:

1. Establishing a network of student advisory services covering topics such as self-assessment and motivation, mentoring and buddy programs, academic counseling and psychological support
   
2. Testing, implementing and comparing a range of online learning formats for German as a foreign language
   
3. Building smart networks and cooperating with partners to develop examples of good practice, especially in the fields of digital education, blended learning and open educational resources
   
4. Refining MOOC (Massive Open Online Course)-based online curricula in the fields of Business & Economics, Engineering, Computer Science and Social Sciences and complementing the Kiron modules with Kiron Direct Academics live tutorials
   
5. Improving recognition of online learning and developing suitable examination formats 6. Ensuring sustainability and transferability through research, quality assurance and knowledge exchange via publications, workshops and conferences

What is Kiron?

Kiron is a non-profit edtech organization that enables refugees to access higher education free of charge. Its educational model caters to the needs of students from diverse backgrounds and dynamically combines recognized educational standards with innovative digital approaches, thereby seeking to serve as a bridge for refugees who aim to continue or start their university studies in their host country.

Study with Kiron

Kiron's study plan consists of two phases.

In the online phase, the students follow a digital, fully modularized curriculum based on mostly self-paced MOOCs on Kiron's online platform, the Kiron Campus (https://kiron.ngo/study-with-us/kiron-campus/). They can choose between five study tracks (Business & Economics, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Political Science, Social Work), take additional preparatory courses and language classes. Module-based tutorials as well as other support services (e.g. Help Desk, online forum, online and offline mentoring and buddy program, counseling) help provide a holistic study experience and increase study activity and success. All Kiron curricula meet the standards of the European Higher Education Area and students receive a Transcript of Records for completed courses.

After about two years, students apply to Kiron's partner universities, where they complete their third and fourth year of studies offline, earning approximately 120 ECTS. They thereby have the chance to earn a standard, accredited Bachelor's degree. Kiron continuously negotiates learning agreements for the recognition of prior learning, and up to 60 ECTS for completed Kiron modules can be awarded by the partner universities. Kiron actively supports its students during the transfer process.

Who can study at Kiron?

Online and offline studies have different requirements to be met. To study with Kiron online, prospective students need a proof of refugee or asylum status, sufficient English language skills (B2 level recommended), regular access to the internet and a computer/tablet (or smartphone). Further details about the application process can be found below.

Studying with Kiron is free of charge and open to refugees from all over the world. Interested individuals are recommended to take Kiron's online study-orientation and self-assessment tool, the Kiron Navigator (https://kiron.ngo/kiron-navigator/self-assessment/). Once enrolled, students' experiences at Kiron may differ, depending on their location, educational background and study goals (https://kiron.ngo/kiron-navigator/your-kiron-experience/).

In order to continue their studies at one of Kiron's partner universities, students must meet a range of further requirements determined individually by the respective university.

How can you apply?

To become a student at Kiron, individuals need to complete a preliminary student application including the following:

• Personal information and proof of refugee or asylum seeker status (list of accepted documents: https://kiron.ngo/study-with-us/apply-now/)
• Short English language assessment test (20 minutes maximum; results not affecting admission)

If accepted, they need to wait until the next student intake and will then be sent further instructions.

The application form can be found here: https://apply.kiron.ngo/register