Measures in the Area Ethnicity
Strategic Measures
Strategic Responsibility for the Diversity Dimension “Ethnicity” at the University
The Office for Gender and Diversity of the University of Freiburg was established in April 2008. Its main task is to advise the Rectorate in a strategic capacity on all decision-making, planning, implementation, and assessment processes at the university in the area of equal opportunity and diversity, including the dimension “ethnicity.”
Specific Measures for Prospective and Current Students
Informational Brochure for International Students
The International Office of the University of Freiburg publishes a brochure for international prospective students and newly matriculated students. The brochure provides information on the organization of studies, advising, and support services at the university and in Freiburg as well as information on free-time activities and practical tips on life in Freiburg and in Germany. It is available in German and in English.
Informational Brochure German edition, English edition
Online Self-Assessment for International Prospective and Current Students
The Online Self-Assessment for International Students was developed at the University of Freiburg in cooperation with students and the International Office of the university within the context of the DAAD-sponsored PROFIS Project. The first part of the online self-assessment introduces various cultural dimensions in order to answer the question: What is typically German? Then it presents personality traits that studies have shown to be advantageous for a stay abroad in Germany. Finally, it provides a realistic overview of the cost of living and the financial situation of students in Germany.
Orientations for International Students
The University of Freiburg holds orientations for newly matriculated international students each semester before the beginning of the teaching period. The program includes an introduction to the International Office and its team, a guided tour of the university and the University Library, and an introduction to the Language Teaching Centre, the Computing Center, and the university’s student job and social counseling services. In addition, the participants receive tips and tricks on life in Freiburg, the activities of the Freiburg Office of Student Services, and studying in Germany. Finally, the international students are invited on a guided tour of the city and some of its pubs.
Link to the International Office
Seminar on Academic Writing for International Students
The Center for Key Qualifications of the University of Freiburg offers the seminar “Fundamentals of Academic Writing for International Students.” The participants are introduced to the various types of texts required in a German-language course of study, with special emphasis on how to write research papers. Moreover, the participants learn how to break down large writing assignments into smaller, more manageable blocks and to complete them within an individual time frame.
Advising and Information Services
Prospective and current students with a migration background can take advantage of advising and information services offered by the Student Service Center and the International Office as well as other special advising services (e.g., Office of Student Services, ASTA, Family Service, etc.). The Student Portal also includes information in English intended particularly for international prospective and current students.
Link to the Student Portal
Language Tandems
The International Club of the Freiburg Office of Student Services helps students find partners for a language tandem. The tandem partners then teach each other their respective native language.
Link to the Tandem Search of the Office of Student Services
“Be Buddy” Tandem Program
The International Club of the Freiburg Office of Student Services organizes the tandem program “Be Buddy,” in which students from Freiburg accompany international students during their first weeks at the university and in Freiburg and help them to get their bearings. The buddies can help their tandems find a room, accompany them to the immigration or resident registration office, or provide helpful tips on free-time activities.
Link to the Buddy Program of the Office of Student Services
Families for International Friendship
Initiated by the Freiburg Office of Student Services, the program “Families for International Friendship” offers students from abroad the opportunity to experience the daily life of a local native family – without any further binding obligations and on the sole basis of mutual consensus (e.g., an invitation to lunch or on a family outing). The program has brought together more than 150 students from all over the world and around 100 Freiburg families in the past six semesters.
Link to the program “Families for International Friendship”
Specific Measures for Researchers
Welcome Center/Service Office for International Employees
The International Office offers a wealth of support and advising services for international visiting researchers, professors and lecturers, and doctoral candidates. The services include an apartment search service, advising on visa requirements (for non-EU citizens) as well as resident registration, advising on legal issues pertaining to employment (tax liability, social insurance requirement, payment procedures), and information on university services (Unicard, library, language courses, cafeterias, Internet).