The course is possible thanks to the HAWeltweit – Students and European Research in Focus project (2021–2022), which is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). With the participation of German Studies students from the Universität Hamburg, who have developed special German teaching materials, the course prepares participants for student life in Hamburg by covering the country and culture as well as introducing everyday student life together with the university and all of its facilities. This enables new international students to improve their language skills, get prepared to start their studies, and familiarise themselves with HAW Hamburg’s organisational structure and services before they’ve even arrived.
Language is a factor in the success of international students at HAW Hamburg
The number of international students in Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses at HAW Hamburg has increased significantly since 2013 – from 796 to 1,774 (winter semester 2021/22). A key factor in their study success is continual support in improving their language skills in the country language and the language of instruction. This was confirmed by a recent research project managed by DAAD and including the Bavarian State Institute for Higher Education Research and Planning and the FernUniversität Hagen entitled ‘Study success and withdrawals among foreign Bachelor’s and Master’s students in Germany’ (Studienerfolg und Studienabbruch bei Bildungsausländern in Deutschland im Bachelor- und Masterstudium). Between winter semester 2017/18 and summer semester 2020, more than 4,500 international Bachelor’s and Master’s students were asked at six-month intervals, for a total of six times, about their study and living situation in Germany. HAW Hamburg was one of the 125 participating universities.
A successful concept – working as equals with students
The instructor of the German course at the Volkshochschule Hamburg (VHS Hamburg), Fenja Storjohann, speaks highly of working with the international students: ‘The course is a space that’s not just about German grammar, but also about the participants and their needs. They bring very good German skills with them, and this allows us to concentrate on the actual topics. The first two courses were a success because of the experiences and stories of the participants, and also because of the exchange and mutual understanding.’ She emphasises the particular challenges facing this group: ‘The situation of being in a foreign country, studying in a foreign language and not always understanding the foreign culture is not an easy one. Our goal is to create space for this situation, and it’s a lot of fun to work with the students as equals. One sentence that has stayed with me since the first course is this: “It’s great to finally be able to talk without being afraid of making grammatical mistakes or being misunderstood!” ‘
The new course materials – worksheets for German lessons and self-study
The course materials have been developed by two academic assistants, Emma Körting and Emanuel Borges Völker, with input from Fenja Storjohann. Emma and Emanuel have applied the knowledge they have from their studies of German at Universität Hamburg and emphasise the practical nature of the materials:
‘The focus is on practical, everyday questions about studying and on general knowledge intended to help international students get oriented and find contacts here at HAW Hamburg. What is especially important to us is exercises that prepare students for real situations during their studies: conversations with instructors or administrative staff, interactions with the landlord, and also exam preparation and interesting information about life in Hamburg.’
‘German office hours‘ for international students – an additional offer
Emma and Emanuel will also be offering German office hours for all international students from 21 February 2022: ‘During the office hours we’ll help you with any problem you’re having with the German language. Do you have to write a mail to your German landlord and don’t know if you’ve written it properly? Are you having difficulty understanding something on an official form from a government agency? Do you have to submit an assignment and would like to have someone check the spelling and grammar? Then come see us at the office hours and we’ll be happy to help you!’ The office hours will take place once a week, and those who want to attend need to make an appointment in advance.
The online German course starts on 21 February 2022 as a two-week intensive programme and will take place from Monday to Friday, 4:00 pm–6:15 pm. We’re looking forward to a useful and interesting course for our new students.
Author: Xin Ahlers, Project coordinator for ‘HAWeltweit – Students and European Research in Focus’ – German course
