Culture shock: how to survive in Germany • University of Passau

"How to survive in Germany" with AEGEE

You are studying in a new country, at a different institution, with unknown people. This might be challenging. Learn more about how Germans think, act and communicate and which strategies could be helpful to avoid misunderstandings. Giving you a lot of examples, the AEGEE members will provide you with a whole lot of advice on how to live, work and study together with fellow students, professors and house mates. Make sure you attend the webinar „How to survive in Germany“ with AEGEE!

Date: Thursday, 30 September 2021 at 15:00.

You are studying in a new country, at a different institution, with unknown people. This might be challenging. Learn more about how Germans think, act and communicate and which strategies could be helpful to avoid misunderstandings. Giving you a lot of examples, the AEGEE members will provide you with a whole lot of advice on how to live, work and study together with fellow students, professors and house mates. Make sure you attend the webinar „How to survive in Germany“ with AEGEE!

Date: Thursday, 30 September 2021 at 15:00.

Being international in Passau

Studying at a University abroad implies more than gathering credits. It is your start into a learning journey during which you will understand your own cultural imprint better and develope strategies to successfully communicate and collaborate with students, teachers and staff.

In these online events for degree seeking students we discuss pitfalls and tactics, exchange experiences with senior (international) students and allow you to start building your network.

Workshop: Being international (in English): Friday, 8 October at 15:00.
Intercultural Q&A session (in German): Friday, 15 October at 14:00

Studying at a University abroad implies more than gathering credits. It is your start into a learning journey during which you will understand your own cultural imprint better and develope strategies to successfully communicate and collaborate with students, teachers and staff.

In these online events for degree seeking students we discuss pitfalls and tactics, exchange experiences with senior (international) students and allow you to start building your network.

Workshop: Being international (in English): Friday, 8 October at 15:00.
Intercultural Q&A session (in German): Friday, 15 October at 14:00

Academic communication in German

The Chair of German Language offers a course, Wissenschaftskommunikation Deutsch (academic communication in German), which tackles the cultural aspects of communication in three parts. International Master's students, in particular, can ensure their academic success by signing up and learning about important techniques, methods and conventions that are specific to German universities.

The introductory course covers everyday tasks you encounter during your studies, such as email contact with lecturers and presentations
The advanced course offers opportunities to practice your techniques for presentations and homework.
The course takes place after the orientation weeks, on weekends during the semester.

Additional learning resources about academic communication and language can be found in the e-learning module on the ILIAS platform.

Sign up via Stud.IP

Buddy scheme for international students

In addition, the Buddy scheme for international students supports you - as an international student - to become culturally, linguistically and academically integrated into the new country and city. Students from the University of Passau voluntarily assist you in settling in a foreign city and help you with any questions that arise when you arrive at a new university.