Zentrum für Internationales und Sprachen
Zentrum für Internationales und Sprachen
The Project “Brandenburg Connect”, funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and implemented at the Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, aims to integrate international master’s students with minimal knowledge of German into the Brandenburg region. Providing support in studies, learning the German language, and promoting cultural and social integration, in the city, and in the region, in order to retain skilled professionals count towards long term goals of the Project.
Brandenburg Connect supports international students in learning German before their arrival. Interested students can enroll in a preparatory German course not only to refresh and improve their language skills—but also to network with fellow students from around the world and get to know faculty members at TH Brandenburg early on. The intensive course takes place for prospective students before the start of the semester.
During the semester, students can enroll in German language courses. The courses consist of 2 to 4 hours per week and each cover proficiency levels A0/A1/A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The courses are integrated into the semester schedules and focus on topics related to daily life and tailored to specific target groups, with the aim of promoting both the social and professional integration of the students.
The language cafe serves as the hub for extracurricular German language learning. The Café Brandenburg Connect facilitates German-English exchanges between students of Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences and residents of the region. The regular meetings foster networking both within and outside the university and help build a sense of community.
The Project Brandenburg Connect acts as a bridge between English-speaking students and German-speaking residents of the city. Language tandems support both linguistic and social integration and help students settle in and feel at home in the region.
The workshops on academic skills are held in block sessions throughout the semester. These are organized in collaboration with the academic faculty and cover topics such as citation, academic speaking-presenting, exam formats, and time management.
Brandenburg Connect supports students from the beginning of their academic journey. To provide the best possible assistance with departure and arrival, an online orientation session is held. During this session, students are introduced to Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, they receive essential initial information, and have the opportunity to network with fellow students before they depart.
The Intercultural Welcome Days for the Mechanical Engineering and Interactive Media programs take place during the first week before classes begin. Students get to know Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences, receive an introduction to the German academic system, and receive guidance on studying and living in Brandenburg. They have the opportunity to network with one another, meet students from other programs, and explore the region.
Finding an apartment is a major challenge for international students. Only a few are able to secure a spot in a dormitory run by the Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg, hence the majority must rely on the private housing market. Since furnished rooms are rarely available in the city, the search for housing is difficult. Furthermore, many prospective students have to remain in their home countries when they are admitted and have very limited experience with Apartment search in Germany. The goal of the project Brandenburg Connect is to provide support to students when they actively look for apartments.
Buddies are senior students from Germany and abroad who provide peer-to-peer support to help new students settle in smoothly, assist with the Intercultural Welcome Days, promote the Café Brandenburg Connect, and encourage additional social activities and recreational opportunities.
We organize cultural events, excursions, and sports activities such as hikes and canoe trips in the city and the surrounding area. Our student assistants and volunteers lead these recreational activities, help students get to know the region, and promote the social integration of international students.
We also actively explore the cultural and sports offerings of the various clubs in the city of Brandenburg. To harness this potential for the integration of our international students, Brandenburg Connect acts as a liaison between various clubs and students.
