International Programmes 2023/2024

Academic Life in Leipzig – Autumn Language Course for International Researchers, Doctoral Candidates, and Students Academic Life in Leipzig – Autumn Language Course

Leipzig University • Leipzig

Course location
Leipzig
Teaching language
  • German
Language level of course
  • German: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1
Date(s)
Mode of study
Fully on-site with voluntary online elements
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire course)
Yes, compulsory
Pace of course
Instructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)
Information on dates, prices and mode of study

Our on-site courses in Leipzig also consist of many activities outside of the classroom. The lessons are supplemented by digital elements. If necessary (e.g. in case of a pandemic), learning can take place completely online: classes then consist of live video conferencing and asynchronous independent study phases. In this case, students will be accompanied by a tutoring service.

Target group

Our autumn language course is tailored to international researchers, doctoral candidates, and students who are commencing work at German research institutes or taking up their studies at a German university and who are interested in expanding their German language proficiency and competence. The social programme offers the chance to get to know Leipzig as a place of research and academic life.

Description/content

The autumn language course "Academic Life in Leipzig" combines intensive language learning with the opportunity to get to know Leipzig as a place of research and academic life.

Learning German

  • written entrance test online before the course starts and individual oral evaluation at the beginning of the course
  • small groups of approx. 14 participants on different language levels (A1 to C1)
  • about 25 lessons of German per week (language training and phonetics exercises as one-on-one consultations or in small groups)
  • course book (included in the course fee), up-to-date teaching and learning materials, and access to the Moodle learning platform
  • supervised on-site research on topics connected with research and studying in Germany in close cooperation with the institutions of higher education and research institutes of Leipzig
  • written and oral final tests
  • the achievements correspond to five ECTS (Accreditation at your home university is possible.)
  • final certificate stating the test results

Getting to know Germany

  • first-hand experience of German culture and everyday life, e.g. on-site research and interviews
  • study trips in and around Leipzig
  • visits to institutions of science and research
  • one full-day excursion
  • lecturer supervision and support
  • additional offers (e.g. excursions at the weekend to Dresden or Weimar) for an extra fee
Current information

A hygiene concept that is always up to date is maintained through

  • cooperation with local authorities
  • orientation to legal regulations
  • flexible reaction and constant adaptation to current requirements
Recognised language exams offered (e.g. DSH, TestDaF, TOEFL)
No
Other degrees / qualifications awarded
Certificate of participation
Types of online learning elements
  • Access to databases with study material
  • Chats (with lecturers and other students)
  • Flipped Classroom
  • Message Boards
  • Online study material provided by institution
Average number of hours per week
25
Average number of participants per group/course
14
Dates and costs
This price includes
  • Course fees
  • Accompanying programme
Information on dates, prices and mode of study

Our on-site courses in Leipzig also consist of many activities outside of the classroom. The lessons are supplemented by digital elements. If necessary (e.g. in case of a pandemic), learning can take place completely online: classes then consist of live video conferencing and asynchronous independent study phases. In this case, students will be accompanied by a tutoring service.

Funding: application for DAAD-HSK scholarship

For this course DAAD university summer course scholarships (usually starting at language level B1) are available. If you wish to apply for this course, you can find all necessary information about the scholarship programme and its application requirements here. To submit your application, please note the reference number HSK-0200. This number can only be used for presence courses. Applying for attending online courses is not possible.

Teaching language
  • German
Language level of course
  • German: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1
Language requirements

German language competence ranging from basic to a very good command of German

Technical equipment and programmes

Requirements for successful learning:

  • In order to learn successfully, it is essential that you regularly attend the face-to-face classes AND study independently on the online platform.
  • You will need a laptop or a tablet and internet access to learn independently on the online platform.
Submit application to

If you would like to participate in the language programme at Leipzig University, please send the registration form to interDaF by mail or as an e-mail attachment:

interDaF am Herder-Institut
Lumumbastraße 4
04105 Leipzig

E-mail: interdaf@uni-leipzig.de

Is accommodation organised?
The organiser helps participants look for accommodation.
Meals

Our course participants can eat at the student cafeteria "Mensa am Park", which is part of the campus of Leipzig University in the city centre.

Close to our institute as well as in the nearby city centre, you will also find a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, and pubs.

Moreover, there are small kitchens in the dormitories, which will allow you to prepare meals on your own.

Is a social and leisure programme offered?
Yes
Description of social and leisure programme

Activities covered by course fee:

  • One full-day excursion, e.g. to Weimar
  • Welcome dinner and farewell party
  • Selected entertainment such as a concert or a boat trip
  • Visits to museums as well as historical and modern sites, e.g. guided tour of the "Zeitgeschichtliches Forum" (Forum of Contemporary History)

Additional activities are available for an extra fee, e.g. excursion to Dresden.

Of course, you may also get advice from us about planning your own excursions or activities.

Free internet access
Yes
Support in visa matters
Yes
Pick-up service from train station/airport
No

Leipzig University

Content Bild
Unser Institut in der Lumumbastraße / Our institute on Lumumbastraße © Petersen, Leipzig

About Your Language Institutes

Since emerging from the Herder-Institute of Leipzig University in 1992, the Studienkolleg Sachsen and interDaF am Herder-Institut have worked successfully in the area of German as a foreign language. For more than 30 years, we have combined tradition, innovation, and the ability to adapt with consistent high quality in teaching and mentoring.
We offer short-term language courses with a supplementary cultural and regional studies programme on behalf of Leipzig University.

We look back on many years of experience with language courses for future university students and teacher trainings for foreign teachers of German. Our teachers have a solid education, numerous years of experience, and a wide range of expert knowledge regarding the teaching of German as a foreign language. They are committed to their job, and they are full of ideas on how to apply their skills. They always consider the learners' needs.

The language of instruction is German, right from the first lesson. We teach in a modern, interactive and communicative way – to enable our course participants to use the language in real-life situations.

For us, learning German means getting to know and understand the German-speaking regions and countries in their diversity as well. Explorations, excursions, and cultural events offer the opportunity to form your own impressions.

Our support starts well before the beginning of a course – competent consulting on our courses offered is as essential as the procurement of dormitory rooms and assistance with administrative and visa matters.

About Leipzig University

As a comprehensive university, Leipzig University covers the entire spectrum, from natural sciences to a wide range of study programmes in the humanities and social sciences. Interdisciplinary teaching, modern equipment, one of the largest university libraries in Europe, committed and experienced lecturers, and a convenient and exciting city – there are many good reasons to study in Leipzig. Currently, more than 31,000 students are enrolled; over 3,500 of these students are from abroad and come from more than 150 countries.

30,392 Number of students (winter semester 2022/23)
145 Participants in the summer language programmes 2022

University location

Leipzig is one of the liveliest German cities and is named "cool-kid town" (New York Times). Whether as a musical city, trade fair Mecca, or city of books, Leipzig has always been an important European centre: Leipzig is exciting. Leipzig looks back on more than 1,000 years of history. The trade fair, the university, the music, the world of literature, and, last but not least, the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 have forged this city. Whatever you are looking for in Leipzig, everything is just a few steps away. Leipzig has a vital and diverse arts and cultural scene. The city benefits from both the rich tradition and the creative young culture – whether in music, fine arts, or theatre. Leipzig is a green city with many inviting parks and forests in which to relax and do sports and other activities. Of course, the numerous lakes in and around Leipzig are very popular as well. Leipzig is a city for young people with a lot going on after sunset – in pubs and in numerous clubs, on small stages, or at innumerable concerts. Thanks to an excellent transport system, you can quickly reach Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and other popular destinations in Germany from Leipzig. Moreover, European capitals such as Prague, Vienna, or Paris are not far away and can be easily reached by plane, train, or coach.

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