International Winter Language School German

Course participants

• are students of Osnabrück University of Applied Science or one of our international partner universities, who will be enrolled as a (visiting) student at our University after the Winter Language School
• want to improve their German language skills, expand their vocabulary, practice their reading, writing and speaking skills and tackle German grammar
• are interested in social, cultural and economic matters of present-day Germany
• come from all over the world and from all kinds of study or professional areas, many of them have a business management or engineering background

German language knowledge is not required.

We offer our language courses at different levels (from A1 to B2). These courses will be arranged according to the results of the online placement test. Due to our precautions against the Coronavirus, the numer of participants in each course is limited: A maximum of 10 participants plus one instructor are allowed. We will strive to put together courses that are as homogenous as possible in terms of language learning level; however, it is possible that - due to low participant numbers - courses will be made up of learners at different (but similar) language skill levels.

We are planning the 23rd Winter Language School at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences to be held on campus. This means that the lessons and some or all of the cultural program will take place in person at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and in the city of Osnabrück and its surroundings.

• In order to minimize the risk of infection, the number of participants in each course is limited: A maximum of 10 participants plus one instructor are allowed.
• We will strive to put together courses that are as homogenous as possible in terms of language learning level; however, it is possible that - due to low participant numbers - courses will be made up of learners at different (but similar) language skill levels.
• Measures to minimize the risk of infection also apply to the activities of the cultural program: personal meetings in small groups, activities outside or in large, well-ventilated rooms, observance of the applicable hygiene regulations (distance, mouth and nose protection, hand disinfection, ventilation, etc.).

Nevertheless, if the current Coronavirus situation makes personal meetings impossible, the course may only be offered online. Therefore, registration and admission to the program are subject to change.

When registering via our online application portal, you will be asked (without obligation) whether you would also participate in an online version of the program. This information is very important for our further planning.

In mid-January, we will decide whether the language school can take place in person or whether an online version will be offered.

• If the program is only offered online, the participation fee will be reduced accordingly, as the cultural program is adapted to online activities.
• If the program is only offered online and you do not wish to participate, you can cancel your registration free of charge within the time limit set in the notification.

You can find more information on how the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences is dealing with Corona here on our website.

Lunch is available in the student refectory (approx. 3.00 € per meal). In order to eat at the student cafeteria at student rates, you need to present an International Student Identity Card (ISIC)! If you do not have an ISIC, you will have to pay guest prices which are higher. You can obtain an ISIC in your home country.

Snacks are on offer in the student cafeterias. Both are open from Monday to Friday.

Important notice for exchange students of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences:
As a student of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, you will receive an Osnabrück student ID (Campus Card). You can use the Campus Card to eat at student rates in the refectory. However, the Campus Card is only valid once the semester starts (March for the summer semester, September for the winter semester). Before the start of the semester, you must present an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) in order to eat at student rates. If you do not have an ISIC, higher guest prices apply.

NOTE: Only students can obtain an ISIC. If you are a participant that is not an enrolled student, guest prices will apply anyway.

The course content comprises grammar training and spoken language training. It is offered at different levels. Through the online language assessment test, which you will take before the beginning of the course, we will help you to find the most suitable group for you.

In the language training units, you will actively practice your oral and writing skills through activities such as discussions, role plays, games, telephone conversations, presentations, writing letters for business and private purposes, and/or negotiations and job interview training. You will work on a variety of up-to-date topics taken from society, economy, culture and technology.

It’s not alone in the lessons where you learn German. A variety of activities during the afternoon, evening and weekend guarantees that you will get to know your fellow students and have fun during your stay in Osnabrück. You will train your language skills by joining day trips, sporting events, film viewings and other social events. Osnabrück students will join you in your leisure time activities, so that you can get to know the local perspective, too.

Every participant will receive a certificate of attendance provided they regularly attended their lessons. Furthermore, we offer a final examination based on the course contents.

Successful attendance equals 5 credit points according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

International visiting students who will be enrolled at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences after the course, can gain academic recognition of these 5 ECTS-credits in the fields of Business Management and Electrical Engineering/Computer Science.

The course fee of 480 Euros includes: 

• tuition and teaching material
• tours and lectures
• various free time activities in Osnabrück and the surrounding area
• two day-long trips to neighboring cities

Not included in these fees are the expenses for:

• accommodation (ranging from 220 to 320 euros),
• meals (lunch in the student dining hall costs approx. 3 euros),
• travel costs
• extra expenses.

The course fee includes a registration fee of 150.00 euros which is forfeited if you cancel your registration after December 31. If you cancel your registration before December 31, we will refund the course fee in full.

Please note:  Please be aware that participants of the International Winter Language School are not insured through Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and the university does not assume any liability. Inform yourself in detail before your departure about your insurance coverage abroad and, if required, to take out the relevant insurances (health insurance, accidence insurance, and liability insurance).

Advice: It is best to bring with you an ISIC (International Student Identity Card), which must apply for in your home country. With it, you can eat in the student dining hall at the lower student price. Plus, many museums, cinemas and theaters offer reduced student rates.
All participants will receive a card from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences which allows them to buy weekly bus tickets at a reduced student rates.

We will arrange accommodation for you either in the International Guest House of Hochschule Osnabrück or in a flat shared with other students. Most of the rooms are single rooms with a shared kitchen and bathroom. We will inform you about your accommodation prior to your departure to Osnabrück (address, equipment etc.)

The cost for accommodation ranges between 220.00 € and approx. 320.00 €. In most cases, you will have to submit a deposit of 50.00 €. The rent has to be paid upon arrival in cash to the Center for International Mobility. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the course provided that no damages occurred.

Important notice for exchange students of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences:

For students who will study at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences after the language course the Housing Service of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences offers to arrange accommodation in one of the student residents. Depending on availability, the housing Service would then arrange for a room that you can rent for the whole duration of your stay (Language School + semester). Please inform yourself in due time!