IDExploring Global Potential: UPJ Students’ Experience at Cologne Summer School 2024
The activities of Cologne Summer School 2024 continued with an exciting and educational day. The first event of the day was a visit to "xdeck," a startup accelerator, where participants had the opportunity to explore several startups that were part of the accelerator. This session was led by experts in the field: Jenna M., Dr. Thomas Zimmermann, and Dr. Markus Gick. They provided participants with in-depth insights into how startup accelerators work, explaining how these platforms help early-stage companies by offering mentorship, resources, and strategic guidance. The presenters shared valuable knowledge about the important role accelerators play in helping startups grow, attract investment, and bring innovative ideas to the market.
“The visit to xdeck gave us crucial insights into how startups can survive in their early stages of growth. It opened my eyes to the challenges they face,” said a student from Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) who participated in the program.
After the visit, the group transitioned to an interactive project titled "Searching for Synergies." This session was designed as a role-play based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where each participant was assigned a specific role. The goal of the role-play was to simulate real-world scenarios, encouraging participants to collaborate in solving global challenges. By working together, they learned how each goal is interconnected and contributes to broader sustainable development.
“The SDGs role-play really showed how international collaboration is crucial in tackling global challenges,” said another UPJ participant, who experienced the benefits of cross-country collaboration firsthand during the simulation.
The exercise highlighted the importance of teamwork, communication, and innovation in addressing issues such as poverty, climate change, and inequality. This role-play gave participants a hands-on experience, reinforcing the critical role of synergy in achieving these ambitious global targets.
In the afternoon, participants attended a lecture on Typhoon Washi. The lecture discussed the devastating effects of the typhoon, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life in the Philippines. Through this lecture, participants gained a deeper understanding of the typhoon’s impact on local communities and the environment.
“The lecture on Typhoon Washi gave me a new perspective on the importance of disaster preparedness and the role of the global community in helping with recovery,” said a Cologne Summer School student who felt enlightened by the session.
Additionally, the lecture explored the recovery efforts and future mitigation strategies taken to minimize the damage caused by similar natural disasters. The speaker also emphasized the importance of global cooperation in disaster preparedness, response, and sustainable rebuilding efforts. This insightful session provided participants with a global perspective on natural disasters and the necessity of building resilient communities in the face of climate change.
Participants also had the opportunity to meet the impact startup “Rheinsharing,” a company focused on resource-sharing solutions to help local communities gain better access to sustainable services and products.
To end the day on a high note, the participants gathered for a Farewell Dinner where all participants—both Indonesian and German students— met in a celebratory setting. The evening was filled with conversations, laughter, and reflections on the unforgettable experiences they had shared throughout the program. It was the perfect opportunity for participants to strengthen friendships, exchange cultural insights, and deepen the bonds formed during the summer school. As the night came to a close, participants expressed their gratitude for the enriching experiences and connections made during the program, leaving them with lasting memories of their time in Cologne.
