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e Year in AN OFFER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS e Year in Germany at the of

Do you have a major or minor in German studies, or are you simply interested in Germany? Do you have basic knowledge of the and would like to perfect your skills in the land where it is spoken? Would you like to experience firsthand a region in Germany with a rich his- torical and cultural heritage?

en take part in the Year in Germany at the University of Erfurt!

1 BILD: RUTH RUDOLPH, PIXELIO Welcome to the University of Erfurt

e University of Erfurt is a public university for the arts and humanities with a particular focus on cultural and social sciences. Founded in 1379 as the oldest university on current German terri- tory, it has made a name for itself since reopening its doors in the year 1994 thanks to its academic achievements in the fields of education, religion, and other key disciplines. All curricula, including those for teacher training, have been accredited as best-practice models for the implementation of the Bologna system. Students from uringia, other states in the Fe- deral Republic of Germany, and abroad can pur- sue their first professional qualification in the form of a bachelor’s degree program; an acade- mic, practically-oriented, or continuing educa- tion master’s degree program; and advanced aca- demic qualifications in the form of doctoral and post-doctoral studies and research.

Located in the heart of Europe, the University of Erfurt is also a gateway to the world. It con- siders itself a place of international encounters

2 and communication between diverse cultures. Its international profile is reflected in the composi- tion of the student body, among other things. e university maintains a variety of cooperative ties to higher education institutions in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. Members of all schools participate in international research networks and foster an intensive international exchange. e University of Erfurt prides itself on short routes. All schools and service centers as well as several dormitories are located on the uni- versity campus, which is close to and easily accessible from the city center. Students have PC workstations, a modern independent foreign language study center, and a university sports center at their disposal. Other recreational acti- vities include participation in the orchestra and choir. e new university library, housing more than 1,700,000 volumes and media items, offers prime service to students and researchers alike. In just ten minutes, you can reach the picturesque historic city center with its landmarks, churches, movie theaters, stages, restaurants, bars, and the Engelsburg student center.

3 Erfurt’s Year in Germany program

e Year in Germany program at the University of Erfurt is a program that gives international students the opportunity to focus on Germany for an entire academic year. All participants will gain insight into politics, society, culture, religion, and literature and will improve their knowledge of the German language. Aer completing their Year in Germany, they will be issued a transcript of records and a certificate of aendance.

e five components of the Year in Germany 1. German language practice / German as a for- eign language 2. German-taught lectures for German cultural studies 3. English-taught courses on historical, cul- tural, and social topics in the University of Erfurt’s general education curriculum 4. uringia, Germany, and the world: Keynote lecture series with a discussion seminar 5. Excursions

4 Each semester, students may select coursework totaling 30 ECTS credits from the following offerings:

Component 1: German language practice e “German language practice” component includes coursework such as text composition, grammar, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, intercultural communication, contemporary culture and everyday life, phone- tics, and lexical and stylistic issues in modern German. Courses will be offered at the B1, B2, and C1 levels. For each two-hour course, students will earn 3 ECTS credits, provided they pass the final examination at the end of the semester.

Component 2: German-taught lectures for German cultural studies In this component, students will follow lectures on topics related to German culture and society. Advanced knowledge of German is required. Topics include the following: ρ School as an institution – e educational system of the Federal Republic of Germany ρ e political system of the Federal Republic of Germany

5 ρ e German language: language system and language usage ρ German literature ρ and the

For each two-hour course, students will earn 3 ECTS credits, provided they pass the final exami- nation at the end of the semester.

Component 3: English-taught courses on historical, cultural, and social topics e topics of these courses take into consider- ation the origin and abilities of the individual course participants, yet at the same time connect them with the society, culture, and way of life in Erfurt and uringia. Interaction with German students will be a key element in helping each side see things from the other’s point of view and learning to partake in dialog that transcends cultural and national borders. For each two-hour course, students will earn 6 ECTS credits, provided they pass the final examination at the end of the semester.

BILD: SIMON45, PIXELIO 6 Possible topics include: ρ Culturally significant events and people in the history of uringia and Erfurt ρ Prominent figures of uringian history ρ Non-university places of learning for the pro- motion of regional cultures of remembrance ρ Jewish life in uringia, past and present ρ Rituals as an interpretation of phenomena and manifestations of a biographical and life- worldly nature ρ “Great books“ and “great artists“ as testimo- nials and witnesses to the history of ideas ρ Politics – law – economics: Germany’s role in the EU ρ Labor and economic perspectives, labor mar- ket, and human capital

Component 4: uringia, Germany, and the world: Keynote Lecture Series with Seminar As an introduction to the Year in Germany, the university will hold a keynote lecture series each winter semester featuring an eminent figure in a given field. A faculty member of the universi- ty will organize and oversee the lectures as well as discuss key elements of the lecture in weekly

7 BILD: IRENE LEHMANN, PIXELIO follow-up sessions. e keynote lecturer will be invited to return and speak with students at the end of the semester.

As a rule, this seminar will be held in English. Students will earn 6 ECTS credits, provided they pass the final examination administered by the faculty member.

Component 5: Excursions e program is rounded off by day trips to histo- rically significant places in uringia, such as Ei- senach, Weimar, and Buchenwald. In the summer semester, a three-day excursion will be organized to a major city like or Dresden. Students will be expected to pay approximately 30% of the cost of the excursion.

BILD: WOLFGANG SCHOLVIEN, FLICKR 8 Sample curriculum for students with intermediate-level German skills (B1 level or higher)

Semester 1 4 courses on German language practice 12 ECTS- (Component 1) credits

2 lectures on German culture 6 ECTS (Component 2)

1 course on history, culture, and society 6 ECTS (Component 3)

1 course on uringia, Germany, and the 6 ECTS world (Component 4)

Excursions (Component 5)

Semester 2 4 courses on German language practice 12 ECTS (Component 1)

2 lectures on German culture 6 ECTS (Component 2)

2 courses on history, culture, and society 12 ECTS (Component 3)

Excursion (Component 5)

9 BILD: MARCEL ERLER, PIXELIO Sample curriculum for students with basic German knowledge (A2 level)

Semester 1 6 courses on German language practice 18 ECTS- (Component 1) credits

1 course on history, culture, and society 6 ECTS (Component 3)

1 course on uringia, Germany, 6 ECTS and the world (Component 4)

Excursions (Component 5)

Semester 2

4 courses on German language practice 12 ECTS (Component 1)

2 lectures on German culture 6 ECTS (Component 2)

2 courses on history, culture, and society 12 ECTS (Component 3)

Excursion (Component 5)

10 Prerequisites for the Year in Germany

Students currently registered at a higher educa- tion institution abroad, preferably a partner in- stitution of the University of Erfurt, are eligible to take part in the Year in Germany program.

Proficiency in the German language at or above the A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required.

Fees e University of Erfurt will not charge any fees for the Year in Germany program.

Schedule e Year in Germany at the University of Erfurt will be offered for the first time in the winter se- mester of 2013/14 and in each subsequent winter semester. (Upon request, students may begin their Year in Germany in the summer semester.)

11 Beginning dates τ For participants with German skills at the A2 level: Mid-September with an intensive language course τ For participants with German skills at the B1 le- vel: Beginning of October with an orientation program

Academic calendar Winter semester: Beginning of October to mid-February Semester break: Mid-February to the beginning of April Summer semester: Beginning / mid-April to mid-July

Erfurt – State capital in the middle of Europe

Many unique features characterize the medieval city of Erfurt, which is not only the largest city in uringia but is also one of the oldest cities in cen- tral Germany, looking back on an eventful history of more than 1,250 years. Its early development as an economic, political, cultural, and intellectual

BILD: ICH-UND-DU, PIXELIO 12 center is largely due to its favorable location at the crossroads of several major European trade routes. Prominent figures such as Martin Luther, Ulrich von Huen, Adam Ries, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and Wilhelm von Humboldt have a close association with the his- tory of the city. Erfurt, the capital of the free state of uringia, is located right in the heart of Germany. Curious about Amsterdam, Brussels, Prague, or Basel? Many European metropolises are easy to reach from here. Erfurt is also in the immediate vici- nity of cities such as Weimar, Jena, and , all with reputations that extend far beyond the German border. With its 200,000 inhabitants, Erfurt is rapidly developing into a university city with great flair and character. Approximately 10,000 students, 500 of whom are international, currently aend its two higher education institutions. No maer where they are from or which university they aend, students in Erfurt enjoy the charm of the well-preserved medieval downtown with care- fully restored traditional patrician houses, pic- turesque alleys and squares.

13 BILD: STADTVERWALTUNG ERFURT e “Collegium maius” – the restored medieval university building – still stands in this old part of the city where the International Guest House on Michaelis Street and the medieval dormito- ries Am Kreuzsand are located. e current stu- dent center is housed within the vaulted cellars of the “Engelsburg”, a club with a long historical tradition and which provides numerous student services.

Yet Erfurt is not only a university town, but also the seat of the government, a transit center, a hub for media and commercial transactions, a festival city, a cultural and sports center, a trade fair city, and an aractive shopping location – a forward- looking yet tradition-minded and charming city in the heart of Europe.

Living and residing in Erfurt

If you submit the request form well in advance, it is generally possible to rent a room in one of the eight dormitories in Erfurt. e “Studentenwerk” (student services organization) is responsible for

14 renting out dormitory rooms. e International Office will assist you with the housing applica- tion process.

To finance your stay in Erfurt, you will need ap- proximately 675 € per month. You will need to submit proof of possession of this amount of mo- ney for the entire length of your stay to the For- eigners’ Registration Office in order to obtain a residency permit. Proof of sufficient financial means is also required of students from EU mem- ber states and other countries that do not require a visa in order to travel to Germany.

e University of Erfurt offers a wide range of integration programs to its students to put them in touch with the people of Erfurt beyond the university campus. Two such programs include the “Strangers become Friends” project and the “Springboard to Learning” club. We invite you to visit the International Office’s website for further information.

15 Contact information:

University of Erfurt International Office Nordhaeuser Str. 63 99089 Erfurt Germany

Tel. +49 (0)361 | 737-5031 Fax +49 (0) 361 | 737-5039

E-Mail: [email protected] www.uni-erfurt.de/international

BILD: CHRISTIAN SEIDEL, PIXELIO 16 Str. 63 Str.

99089 Erfurt www.uni-erfurt.de UNIVERSITY OF ERFURT Nordhaeuser +49 (0) 361 | 737-5030 FURTHER INFORMATION Office International [email protected] tel

BILD: WOLFGANG SCHOLVIEN, FLICKR WOLFGANG SCHOLVIEN, BILD: STAND 08.2012