German Language Courses
The following are frequently asked questions about GGL International funding for German language courses
Living in Germany, you are constantly surrounded by German language, but you may not even be aware of how much cultural insights you are missing in your exchange experience if you do not have at least a basic understanding of the language. Although you may have picked up a few German phrases here and there, you should still consider taking a German class to allow you to communicate efficiently and effectively with your German-speaking colleagues, supervisors, and in other everyday situations.
You want a job in Germany's industry? One more reason! Germany is a leading country in scientific research, so speaking German will give your CV that extra touch and make you more desirable to future employers.
The International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt - AAA) organises all German language courses.
Please visit the International Office's homepage for further information.
Please note that you have to register at the International Office and not at the GGL if you want to take a German language course.
See also:
The International Summer Course is held in September immediately before the start of the Winter Semester and offers 4 weeks (100 hours) of instruction in the German language with a focus on basic grammar, cultural background, text production and communicative skills. For more information have a look at the flyer or the website !
You can also look for classes at the VHS (
Volkshochschule
).
|
You may either choose an intensive course (fee: €400-450) or an evening course (fee: €100). The GGL can reimburse one German language course with a maximum €360, so the evening courses can be covered completely, whereas you would have to pay a part of the intensive courses on your own. There are exceptions for those who plan to enter the German job market after finnishing their PhD. If you want to pursue a career in Germany and prepare for this by regularly taking part in our PALS-Programme , we might reimburse the complete fee for an intensive course or even pay for more than one German language course. (But note that courses from the AAA won't be refunded by PALS.) |
|
The courses start at the beginning of each semester. See the current schedule for:
At the beginning of the language class, you are required to pay the course fee to the International Office. After successfully completing the class at the end of the term, you will receive a Certificate. After your successful attendance you may apply to the GGL for a refund of the course fee. Note, that you have to attend at least 80% of the course for it to be funded. For this application, please provide a copy of your Certificate to prove your participation in the language class. In order to apply, please write to DDP@ggl.uni-giessen.de
Please note that only GGL members can apply for funding of German language courses and that you can apply for one German course only. So choose the course type carefully.
We recommend that you take an intensive course at the beginning of your doctoral studies, so you will be able to grasp the basics as quickly as possible. Afterwards, we suggest you to continue with a less time-consuming evening course, which will also allow you to stay in practice.