Since the 2014/15 winter semester, we have been offering a subject-specific German course for our international Master’s students, comprising 4 SWS. The aim of the course is both to improve the language proficiency of the participating students and to teach the subject-specific aspects of academic writing in the social sciences, whilst also helping them to find their way around the content of social science studies at our faculty. The subject-specific element is reflected not only in the targeted development of subject-specific language skills, but also in the fact that the learning scenarios are drawn from the practical realities of everyday student life; in other words, the course uses materials from current modules. Furthermore, the sessions focus on specific situations encountered in everyday university life and how to navigate them linguistically. These include, for example, consultations with lecturers, participation in courses and practising presentations. In addition to training in teaching German as a foreign language (DaF), the course leaders have also completed a degree in the social sciences, which ensures not only didactic expertise but also genuine subject-specific competence. In addition to the language course, which takes place twice a week throughout the semester, open consultation hours, individual counselling sessions and, where required, workshops on topics relevant to everyday student life are offered. Support for international students during the orientation phase, provided as part of a special event, is also included in the specific support services on offer. Close cooperation between the writing consultancy, the Student Office, the German as a Foreign Language department, the programme coordinators and the language course leader ensures that the various advisory services are continuously coordinated with one another.

A Master’s degree programme in the social sciences, being a course that involves a great deal of reading and writing, places particularly high linguistic demands on students. This can pose a major challenge, particularly for international students. This is evident both in oral assessments (presentations, discussions) and in the writing of social science essays, which, experience shows, can cause international students considerable difficulty. A high level of language proficiency is therefore a key competence for successfully completing a Master’s degree in Germany. A Master’s programme is also demanding in that students’ starting points can sometimes be very diverse, particularly as the content of individual Bachelor’s programmes varies. In addition to the linguistic aspect, there are further challenges that should not be underestimated, and which must also be overcome in order to successfully complete the degree. These include, for example, finding one’s way around a new study structure and integrating into the relevant academic culture. Although a range of support and advisory services already exists at central level – including Studium International, the International Writing Centre and the centrally organised German language courses – these are unable to address the subject-specific problems faced by international students, particularly those relating directly to the content of the modules they are attending, to the extent that is necessary. The advisory services at the Faculty of Social Sciences, particularly the Academic and Writing Advisory Services, have also recognised the need for support for international students, as they are regularly confronted with their study-related problems. However, they can neither replace a language and integration course nor, with their resources, ensure that the texts to be written are improved to meet the required standards. As the academic difficulties faced by international students are largely subject-specific, it seemed sensible to design a support service that is based directly within the Faculty of Social Sciences and which takes into account and addresses the various difficulties faced by international students.

In addition to improving language skills, the main aims of these measures are to help international students understand how their studies are organised, familiarise themselves with the subject-specific academic tradition and, ultimately, to facilitate their integration. Exchange and mutual support within the group of international students are further positive side effects. In addition, international students have access to a point of contact within the faculty for their study-related questions and problems, which can, where necessary, refer them to the relevant advisory services or existing support programmes. The aim is to improve the support provided to international students, prevent them from dropping out or falling behind in their studies, and make their studies easier overall.

As experience during the 2014/15 winter semester with students from East Asia (enrolled on inter-faculty degree programmes) has shown, there is a clear need for such a programme amongst international students, and it is received with great appreciation – particularly as, until now, no such institution existed that took into account and brought together various aspects (language, writing culture, organisation of studies). The support programme, particularly the subject-specific German course, is therefore very useful and helpful for all international students, especially at the start of their studies.

"‘The course is really interesting. There’s a great atmosphere in our class, and I’ve learnt a lot of subject-specific knowledge so far. I like our small group.’ (Student, 1st semester of the Master’s in Educational Science)

"I really enjoy the German course. In the course, we cover interesting topics that are important and essential for our studies. As a result, I’ve really learnt how academic work is done. I’ve also made lots of friends through the course, with whom I can discuss how to improve my German. I’d also add that the course is helpful for the later semesters, as it helps you avoid minor mistakes such as linguistic errors.” (Student, 2nd Master’s semester in Political Science)

"The course covers a great deal of information on the basics of writing an academic paper. It also helps to improve speaking skills in both everyday and academic language. Giving a presentation on a topic of our own choosing gives us the opportunity to better prepare for our own assignment in the subject-specific seminar. I have benefited greatly from this, both in terms of my writing and my speaking skills. I also really like the atmosphere in the course. By exchanging views and engaging in relaxed conversation, we can improve our German language skills." (Student, 1st semester of the Master’s in Sociology)