Language Courses & Further Education Offered by the International Office

Studentin lernt in der Bibliothek der FH Potsdam

University of Applied Sciences Potsdam strengthens the intercultural and linguistic competence of staff, teachers and students by offering language courses and further education. In this way, it contributes to a cosmopolitan university culture.

All offers at a glance

Language courses

Further education

Further training for staff

Certificates

News & Events

News, current offers and events at the International Office

Our language courses & offers for FHP students

Dealing with cultural diversity and language skills plays an important role in studies. Our university offers students the opportunity to acquire these skills directly at their own university.

A language proficiency level of at least B1 is recommended for study abroad programs. The Volkshochschule im Bildungsforum (VHS) Potsdam offers language courses for students in cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam (FH Potsdam).

These courses are separately funded by the FH Potsdam. Upon successful completion of the course (requiring 85% attendance), FH Potsdam students may apply to the FH Potsdam International Office for a subsidy toward the course fees. The subsidy currently covers 50% of the course fees.

The language courses are recognized as academic credit (5 ECTS credits per course) within the FLEX module "Foreign Languages" Upon completion of the course, all students receive a certified certificate of attendance.

An overview of the courses offered can be found in the course catalog under Interdisciplinary Courses in the FLEX 07 Foreign Languages module. Please register for the appropriate course directly with the Volkshochschule Potsdam.

Potsdam University of Applied Sciences supports international students in acquiring and improving their German language skills. In addition to specialized language courses, interdisciplinary courses are also available. The language courses are recognized as academic credit (5 ECTS credits) within the FLEX module “Foreign Languages.” 

You can find an overview of the courses offered in the course catalog under Interdisciplinary Courses in the FLEX 07 Foreign Languages module.

The Zessko of the University of Potsdam offers language cafés in Spanish, French and English as well as for German as a foreign language (DaF) - and brand new from 01.01.2024 also for Arabic.

What is a language café?
Students who are enthusiastic about languages have the opportunity to discuss language and cultural topics in a relaxed and informal atmosphere in their free time. Tutors of native-speaker level will be there to co-ordinate the events. Participants are encouraged to actively contribute to the sessions and have their say in planning future topics and activities. Emphasis is placed primarily on conversation - language and culture should be experienced and discussed together.

There is a weekly 60-minute online or face-to-face language café in each language. Students of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam are welcome to attend both the face-to-face meetings and the online cafés.

Interested? Further information, dates and the link to register can be found on the language café website

Contact: Steffen Skowronek

Our language courses & further education for FHP employees

Dealing with cultural diversity and language skills play an important role in teaching as well as in university administration and in advising international students. The International Office offers staff the opportunity to receive further training directly at the university.

Staff and faculty members at FH Potsdam have access to a wide range of resources designed to improve and strengthen their English language skills.

The “English for Staff and Faculty” website offers a compilation of English courses both in Germany and abroad, certification opportunities, (self-)study materials, and information on English translation in an academic context.

The Erasmus+ Staff Mobility - Staff Training (STT) programme enables higher education staff to take part in further education or training in another European country. Funding is available for activities at European universities and institutions, for activities such as language courses, international staff weeks or work shadowing. Such a stay abroad counts towards the Certificate of International Competence.

The training abroad takes place during your working hours. You will receive funding from the International Office consisting of a daily allowance (140 - 180 euros per day) and a travel allowance (amount depends on country and distance).

Information on the exact procedure and application forms can be found on the Erasmus+ website.

Certificate of International Competence

As part of its strategic internationalisation, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam would like to promote the international competencies of its employees and certify them with a certificate that can be obtained by both academic and non-academic employees. The Certificate of International Competence is currently being revised by the International Office in cooperation with the FHP Human Resources Department. If you are interested, please contact the International Office for the latest information: international@fh-potsdam.de.

 

Contact