Orientation Course

What is an Orientation Course?

To prepare new international students for their studies at the University of Freiburg, the International Office organizes a special four-day orientation course before the beginning of each semester. It generally takes place two weeks before the beginning of the semester. For a general overview of the course click here (PDF [58KB]) and to sign up for the orientation course click here.

What can you expect to gain from the Orientation Course?

The conditions of study at the University of Freiburg will be entirely new for you. In addition, you will be studying in an environment which you are not used to. We thus recommend that you take part in the orientation course. The course will give you the chance to acclimatize yourself at the University of Freiburg more quickly and make our work easier as well.

We are certain that the wealth of information provided in the orientation course will have a positive effect on the success of your studies and also help you to acclimatize yourself socially in Freiburg. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

When does the Orientation Course take place?

The orientation course in the summer semeser 2012 takes place from Tuesday, April 10th 2012 to Friday, April 13th 2012.

Preview winter semester 2012/13: Monday, October 8th 2012 to Friday, October 12th 2012.

Where does the Orientation Course take place?

Lecture Hall in the Rektorat, Fahnenbergplatz
Friedrichstraße 39
79085 Freiburg

(in the same building as the International Student Office; the lecture hall is in the cellar of the building and may be accessed by way of the entrance on the right side of the building)

Program of the Orientation Course

The following program has been planned:

Tuesday, April 10th 2012

1:00 p.m. in the Entrance Hall at the Rektorat, Fahnenbergplatz

Welcoming speech by the International Office
followed by Reception
 

Introduction to the Computing Center

The Computing Center provides services such as e-mail addresses and internet access to students and also offers workshops on various topics from data processing (Powerpoint, Word, HTML, etc.).

Introduction to the German Health Insurance System 

All students in Germany are required to have health insurance coverage. In order to matriculate at a higher education institution you must thus submit a certificate of coverage from a health insurance company. The premium for student health insurance and nursing insurance is set by the Federal Ministry of Health and is binding for all statutory health insurance companies. 

Presented by UNIKOS and the International Office

Yes, Freiburg has affordable supermarkets, student bars which offer a good dinner for under 5 €, and movie theaters which have alternatives to the normal program, such as foreign-language films. In our presentation, we let you know how to find a bicycle which doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg or where you can ride to with the SemesterTicket.

Guided tour of the university
by students from your field of study

UNIKOS scholarship recipients and other international students lead small groups of students from their own field of study through the university and the University Library (UB). You will get an overview of the location of the various faculties and departments. In addition, you will receive valuable information on general procedures, the office hours of your professors, the departmental libraries, and more.
During the subsequent tour of the University Library you will learn how to use the online check-out system.

Wednesday, April 11th 2012

1:00 p.m. Lecture Hall in the Rektorat, Fahnenbergplatz

Departmental Student Advising

Every academic field offers departmental student advising. This is the place to ask a competent advisor questions about your study plans, the methodology of your field, and how to prepare for examinations.

Presentation of the Center for Soft Skills (ZfS)

All B.A./B.Sc. and Law students are required to take BOK courses at the ZfS. These include, for example, courses on presentation techniques or journalism.

Introduction to Studies in Germany

Studying in Germany is different in several key ways from studying in other countries. We would thus like to point out some of the major differences and peculiarities of the German university system. We will also provide an introduction to the “world of terms” in use at the University of Freiburg in order to help you plan your studies. What is a “Proseminar” and what is a “Hauptseminar”? What is an “Übung”? How do I register for classes? These are just a few of the matters we will shed light on.

Afterwards

City and pub tour

UNIKOS scholarship recipients and other international students lead you in small groups through the city center. In addition to seeing the tourist attractions, you’ll also receive practical tips (such as where supermarkets are located).

Thursday, April 12th 2012
 

1:00 p.m. Lecture Hall in the Rektorat, Fahnenbergplatz

Presentation Working while studying and Social Counseling Services of the Freiburg Office of Student Services (Studentenwerk)

The Office of Student Services is responsible for food, living, financial aid, advising, and support services at the university.
If, for example, you are looking for a room, need legal consultation, want to find a tandem partner to help you learn German, or would like to find a part-time job, you can inquire at the info post of the Office of Student Services.

The Language Teaching Center offers language courses for students of all fields. Not only can you improve your German here, you can also learn additional languages. To take a course, you must register and pay a participation fee.
 

Presentation Autonomous Learning Unite Language Laboratory (Sprachlabor) followed by Guided tour Language laboratory

The independent learning area of the language lab (in KG I) features workstations with computers at which you can practice or refresh your language skills, improve your pronunciation, and much more.
After the presentation, we will offer a guided tour of the language lab. There will also be an opportunity to receive your own user identification card for the lab.

Friday, April 13th 2012
 

Introduction for ERASMUS-Students 

Welcome speech by the EU-department

Meeting with the departmental coordinators followed by a little snack

Presentation Leisure Program of the Studentenwerk Freiburg

Each semester there's a new Studitours program. The trips take you to Europe's most beautiful cities, to the highest peaks of the Alps, or through the wild gorges of the Black Forest. Studitours is a great opportunity for students at all of Freiburg's higher education institutions to take inexpensive vacations, meet new people, and have fun.

The International Club enables you to meet German and international students, celebrate together, or explore the region around Freiburg. Students from around the world meet for the international evenings each Thursday during the semester.

Introduction to the "Theater Today" study group

The Theater Today study group organizes visits to theater performances in Freiburg and the region. At weekly meetings we discuss the last performance we saw and decide which performance to see next. We also organize discussions with actors and directors as well as guided tours of theaters and visits to rehearsals.
 

Introduction to the Studium Generale program

With a wide range of lectures, workshops, and courses, the Studium Generale program gives you the opportunity to get to know other fields of study offered at the university. You can hear and experience nationally and internationally known scientists and academics, go to concerts, sing in a choir, or take part in an excursion.

Presentation of various student groups

Freiburg’s students are very active! There are numerous student groups which are interested in helping their international peers get off to a good start in Freiburg. Each of the groups follows this goal in a different and very original way. Just listen in on what they have to offer.

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Friday, April 13th 2012

International Buffet

Kick Off Party International

THE

Semester Opening

PARTY

of the
International Office

When? 7 p.m.

Where? Mensa Rempartstraße (Mensa Bar)

Admission free!

Registering for the Orientation Course

In order to ensure that we can organize the orientation course as effectively as possible, we ask that you use our form to register for the course (PDF [58KB]). It is also possible to register online.