German Language Courses and Exercises

The current course offering for the subject area “German as a foreign language“ at the University of Cologne targets a variety of students and contains the following courses and exercises:

• German language university preparatory courses
• Courses for ERASMUS students, students in academic programs and visiting research scientists
• Exercises to supplement course work
• Phonetic exercises
• Exercises to complement academic programs

Additional information regarding deadlines, course contents, enrollment requirements, registration, tuition fees, exams, and certificates is available here.

Workshops for International Doctoral Students

Since the summer term of 2013 the international office offers a workshop series for international doctoral students. Workshop topics are, for example, "Academic Writing Skills", "Conference Presentation" and "Presentation Techniques".

Field Trips for International Doctoral Students

Each semester, the International Office provides international doctoral students with the opportunity to visit cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich together. All tours are in English.

Stammtisch for International Doctoral Students and Guest Scholars

This regular get-together of the international academics of Cologne University is an opportunity to get to know other international researchers in a less formal environment, to exchange experiences and ideas, to have dinner or to visit an exhibition or a concert together. Unless otherwise noted, the Stammtisch takes place every last Wednesday of the month at 07:00 p.m. at the  "Die Wohngemeinschaft".

International Students Associations

All international doctoral students are invited to participate in an international students association. Information about international students associations in general as well as international students associations at the University of Cologne and their events may be found here.

TANDEM – Language Partnerships

The International Office offers a comprehensive TANDEM program Interested and enrolled PhD students may apply at any time. Additional information can be found here.

The following institutions at the University of Cologne offer a variety of continuing education programs and services for students and PhD candidates.

1. Career Services at the Faculties

• Faculty of Management, Economics, and Social Sciences: WiSo-Career-Service
• Faculty of Law: Academic and Career Counseling Center
• Faculty of Arts and Humanities: Career Services
• Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences: Please find the contact details here.
• Faculty of Human Sciences: Career Service S & A (Students & The Working World)

2. Career Services for Women
3. "Kompetenzzentrum Schreiben" and "SchreibArt" (Writing Courses / Training)
4. Courses at the University of Cologne Computer Center
5. Courses and Tours at the University and City Library of Cologne  
6.  Psychological and Financial Counseling

The international and interdisciplinary Doctoral Students Discussion Group (DGK) at the University of Cologne offers all interested students the opportunity to get to know other doctoral students, collaborate on content and methods and to discuss everything related to the PhD, including informal topics.

For detailed information about meeting times, meeting points and topics, please contact Ms. Silke Höfle (E-Mail: silke.hoefle(at)uni-koeln.de).