To begin university level studies, is always difficult: new faces, lots of information to process, a new city, many formalities...it is easy to lose track. The Center for International Students would like to support you! For the first time, we are offering an entire (online) class of study orientation with 4 semester hours. We will introduce you to student service providers (e.g. LearningCenter, Psychological Counseling Center, Office of the Registrar, etc.), we'll explain some important aspects of German culture as well as university culture, we'll introduce you to the library system and good academic pratice, and we'll invite you to a guided tour of the city of Osnabrück. In addition, we'll talk about learning stiles and techniques, and define your role and duties as students.

And what's really special about this seminar: Your two lecturers have their specialisation in German as a foreign language and will make absolutely sure that you understand every word of this orientation. By the way: there will be no exam at the end and no homework. Does that sound good? If you're interested in participating, please send us an e-mail to international@hs-osnabrueck.de .

Mariia Madenova is an international student at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and works for the Center for International Students where she offers you an office hour! What's great: Since she is an international student herself, she can understand your questions and perspectives from her own experience. And because she has already been studying here for some semesters, she can give you valuable advice and support. Her office hour takes place on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. until 1.30 p.m. in room AB 0002b (Westerberg Campus). To make sure that Mariia is in her office, just give her a quick call: (0541) 969 3429.

Let´s meet weekly for a „Coffee Break“ by having little online sessions dealing with different topics, e.g. sketchnotes, improvisation, creating your own „travel guide“, selfmotivation, a quiz session - one-hour sessions full of creativity and fun. Each session is independent from each other. So, feel welcome to join whenever you can.

Please make sure that your camera and microphone will work. You can find all access links in the OSCA portal of the university.

Session 1, Wednesday, 21st October, 3pm-4pm Central European Time (CET)

How to make a toast or how I learned to use the pen to overtake the computer

The fastest connection between head and hand is the pen. Nothing is more individual, comes straight to the point and makes it clear in your own individual handwriting what you want from your listeners. Use Sketchnotes for effective collaboration in virtual meetings.

Your trainer will be Phil Stauffer (Creative Art Director)

Session 2, Wednesday, 28th October, 3pm-4pm Central European Time (CET)

6 simple improvisation exercises that also work online

You are in a virtual meeting with strangers and would like to encourage intensive collaboration? Then you should use some exercises from improvisational theater to quickly remove the barriers. A lot of fun and a good mood are also free of charge.

Your trainer will be Phil Stauffer (Creative Art Director)

Session 3, Wednesday, 4th November, 3pm-4pm Central European Time (CET)

Write your own travel guide

Do you already know exactly where (and who) you will be in a few years? Not yet? Okay, then this is the right course for you. You write your own „travel guide“, 8 pages long, live and online, with everything you need and should take with you on your journey to yet unknown destinations. Your trainer will be Phil Stauffer (Creative Art Director)

Session 4, Wednesday, 18th November, 3pm-4pm Central European Time (CET)

Let’s get productive! 60 Minutes of self-motivation.

Your trainer will be Henning Czech (Osnabrueck University of Applied Sciences)

Session 5, Wednesday, 25th November, 3pm-4.30pm Central European Time (CET)

Have fun by doing a quiz offered by fellow students!

Need a short break from studying? Enjoy a little Quiz Session in small groups with other students. Put your knowledge to the test and get to know new people. Knowledge on what? Well just about any random thing.
You will be assigned to the small groups randomly, so don't worry about not knowing anyone beforehand. 

Session 6, Wednesday, 2nd December, 3pm-4pm Central European Time (CET)

Workshop: Sustainable student lifestyle

Svenja and Antonia, two former students of our university, will do a workshop on sustainability with you. They will talk about some facts and hacks for a sustainable student lifestyle. And they would like to hear your opinions and perspectives as well!