Workshop: Academic Cultures (in English)

How do I approach professors at German universities? How do I prepare for a meeting with a lecturer to discuss the topic of my term paper? What exactly is a term paper and what is actually expected of me?

Arriving at a German university can be a challenge. University communication, teaching methods and academic practice differ slightly from country to country. They are based on unspoken values, norms and roles and the resulting expectations.

The aim of the workshop is to shed light on these unspoken rules. A reflective look at communication, relationships and expectations with lecturers, fellow students and other members of the university helps to better understand how to navigate the German higher education system safely and successfully, and how to get the support you need.

Learning objectives:

• German higher education landscape: traditions, rules, structures
• German teaching and learning culture: typical forms of teaching at German universities (lectures and seminars), discussions, group work, student presentations, exams and assignments