International Winter Language School German
February 8 to February 28, 2024
26th International Winter Language School
The German Language School of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences focuses on the theme of Culture and Society, Economy and Technology in Germany. By taking part in this course you will:
- train and strengthen your ability to communicate in German
- gain an insight into the social and economic structures of modern-day Germany
- learn more about Germany and German culture
- have fun while spending your leisure time together with German and international students.
All lessons are run by experienced teachers of German as a Foreign Language who enjoy their job. They use modern teaching methods while working with their small groups of students. The course comprises around 80 hours of learning both inside and outside the classroom. In-class instruction lasts between four to six hours per day. One hour of instruction equals 45 minutes. The necessary learning and practice materials will be handed out at the start of the course.
The course program includes a variety of activities, including day-trips, tours, sports, as well as cultural and intercultural workshops and events, which complement the classroom lessons. Because many of these activities take place in the afternoons, evenings and on the weekends, they give you a chance to get to know your fellow students and have fun during your stay in Osnabrück.
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 Summer Language School
- are participants with a scholarship, who are being funded through cooperations with the DAAD, the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt and the Twin city Office of the city of Osnabrück.
- 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
German language knowledge is not required.
We offer our language courses at levels A1 - B2. These courses will be arranged according to the results of the online placement test ca. 4 weeks prior to the start of the Language School. While we make an effort to arrange the courses according to language level as homogenously as possible, you may find yourself in a course that consists of different (but similar) language levels. If after the placement test it turns out that the ideal language level for you cannot be offered, you will have the option to cancel your participation free of charge.
Date | Agenda |
---|---|
Thursday, Feburary 8, 2024 | Arrival in Osnabrück and moving into the accomodation |
Friday, February 9, 2024 | Welcome session and detailed introduction of the progam Start of the lessons |
Friday, February 23, 2024 | Final examination and oral exam |
Saturday, February 24, 2024 | Farewell session |
Sunday, February 25 - Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | 4 day trip to Berlin including guided city tour and visit of the Bundestag |
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. You will work on a variety of up-to-date topics taken from society, economy, culture and technology.
You work with modern textbooks which also have a additional digital part. With a variety of teaching and learning methods and the change from single to groupwork you have a ideal learning environment which facilitates your learning.
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 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 written and oral examination based on the course contents.
Attention: The Winter Language School is only offered to international (guest) students of Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences!
The course fee for the International Winter Language School amounts to 690.00 euros per person and includes:
- tuition and teaching material
- various free time activities
- Day trips
- 3 day trip to Berlin (including trip, accommodation, breakfast, leisure program in Berlin)
Not included in these fees are the expenses for accommodation (ranging from 220 to 320 euros), meals (lunch in the student restaurant is approx.. 3 euros), travel costs and extra expenses.
The course fee includes a registration fee of 150.00 euros which will be forfeited in case of withdrawal of the registration after December 31. If you cancel your registration before December 31, we will refund the whole amount of the course fee. If we have to cancel the language course on a corona-related basis we will refund also the whole amount to you.
Please note: We require you to 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). 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.
Important: 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.Bring an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) issued to you by your home university in your home country. 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 reduced student rates.
Students from partner universities pay a reduced course fee because the tuition and teaching material will be waived.
The course fee of 490 Euros includes:
- various free time activities in Osnabrück and the surrounding area
- trip to neighboring city
- 3 day trip to berlin (including trip, accomodation, breakfast, citytour)
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!
Registration
Attention: We will only admit future international (guest) students to the Winter Language School. If you are not a guest student at OUAS during the summer semester 2024 you unfortunately cannot participate in the Language School!
Registration deadline: December 15, 2023!
Contact

Coordinator
Nina Chapman
Raum: AB 0012
Telefon: 0541 969-7512
E-Mail: intensive-german@hs-osnabrueck.de