Previous Workshops in 2009-2011

Excellent at Home - Excellent Abroad?

Date: 25 November 2010Duration: 18-21Location: Leopoldstraße 11, KHG (room 207, 2d floor)

A common experience of many students who decide to study in another country is that the styles of teaching, learning, and communicating are different from those they were used to at home.

In the new environment they often find themselves less effective and less achieving. Students who were excellent at their home schools and universities begin to receive lower grades and feel underestimated. These changes are usually due to culturally based ideas about and attitudes to learning strategies, participation in classes or simply the ways of talking to professors or fellow students.

The workshop will introduce into the most important elements of teaching and learning styles and their cultural variations. The participant will learn to identify important differences and develop personal strategies for successful coping with their German university.

The workshop addresses international students and welcomes German students who are interested in the topic. The number of participants is limited to 16.

 

Living and Studying in Germany

November 13th, 10:00-18:00

For international and German students of LMU MünchenFree of chargeIn EnglishOrganised by the Interkulturelle Beratungsstelle of the Institute of Intercultural Communication, LMU MünchenConducted by young and professional trainers

Studying in a country different than one’s own always means a change to a new cultural environment. Many of the cues one has been accustomed to are missing: questions like "How should I address my professor?", "How is the proper conduct in an office hour?" or "How do I make friends with German students" are just a few examples of the many issues international students face. The training will deal with the intricacies of German university culture like teaching and learning styles, grading system or interaction with professors and fellow students. It will also inform about the basic features of German everyday life.

Furthermore we will talk about culture shock: the relocation to a new international environment is usually marked with excitement and euphoria in the first weeks, but then confusion and anxiety may strike around. The concept of culture shock is very useful for understanding what is happening around and within oneself when living and studying in a foreign setting. We will present the main aspects of culture shock and discuss ways to help participants to anticipate and detect misunderstandings in their interactions with Germans.

As students share their studies with collegues of many different nationalies we will also discuss about the chances and challenges of studying and working in multicultural teams.

The workshop will be interactive, allowing participants to practice their newly acquired cultural knowledge and skills. Practical exercises will intensify the transfer of intercultural knowledge.

The number of participants is limited to 16. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance as well as a detailed handout.

 

Chinese Students in Munich

An Intercultural Comparison of Teaching and Learning Styles

Intercultural Training in cooperation with the „Verein der chinesischen Studenten und Wissenschaftler in München e.V. (CSSA)“

24th of April 2010, 09:00-13:00, Oettingenstraße 67 (the exact room we will let you know soon)

workshop will be hold in German languagefree of chargecertificate from the „Interkulturelle Beratungsstelle of the Institut for Intercultural Communication, LMU Münchendetailed handout

Intercultural Competence and the ability to communicate effectively in an intercultural situation are important skills in academic and business life. This workshop intends to spark the interest of the participants for intercultural questions and should give the impulse to acquire intercultural competence.

The following subjects will be discussed with the participants:

„culture” and its influence on usstereotypes and prejudicesDifferences in teaching and learning styles - comparison Germany-ChinaIntercultural competence in every day life in a German university with practical examples

The workshop will be interactive, so that it will be lots of fun and give participants the possibility to exchange their experiences. Practical exercises will intensify the transfer of intercultural knowledge.

The number of participants is limited to 16.

 

Identities between Orient and Occident

Intercultural Workshop in cooperation with the Türkisch-Deutscher Studentenbund München e.V. (TDS) and by student representatives of the faculty of Orientalism of LMU University

11. March 2010, 18:00 - 21:00, Oettingenstraße 67, Room 165 (1st floor)

workshop will be hold in German languagefree of chargecertificate from the „Interkulturelle Beratungsstelle of the Institut for Intercultural Communication, LMU Münchendetailed handout

Intercultural Competence and the ability to communicate effectively in an intercultural situation are important skills in academic and business life. This workshop intends to spark the interest of the participants for intercultural questions and should give the impulse to acquire intercultural competence.

The following subjects will be discussed with the participants:

„culture” and the influence of cultural imprintstereotypes and prejudicesliving with multicultural identity

The workshop will be interactive, so that it will be lots of fun and give participants the possibility to exchange their experiences. Practical exercises will intensify the transfer of intercultural knowledge.

The number of participants is limited to 16.

Intercultural Communication in the dormitory

Workshop for Dormitory Tutors and Speakers

28.11.2009, 10.00 - 18.00, Olympiadorf

This workshop is organized in collaboration with the Munich student services. For further information please contact the Munich student services (Studentenwerk München).

Seminars, Presentations, Papers: How Do I Study Successfully in Germany?

05.11.2009, 18 - 21 Uhr, Raum U 139, Oettingenstr. 67

How do I put together my study program? Why do I actually have to do this by myself? How do I meet other students when every class is attended by different people? These are just three of the many questions that international first-year students ask. Later other questions will arise: How do I give a good presentation? Should I participate in the seminar or just listen in? What impression do I make on my professor? How should I manage my timetable for the semester?

The facilitators of the workshop faced the exact same challenges when they started their studies in Munich. The workshop gives you the opportunity to discuss issues arising from everyday life at the university, how they are connected to cultural differences and how to find your way around the German university system. Interesting examples as well as the moderators’ personal experiences will guarantee an exciting workshop.

Coordination: Student trainers from Sinik (Student Initiative for Intercultural Competence)

For workshops with an interactive atmosphere the number of participants will be limited to 16. Participation is free!

What other topics are of interest to you? Please mail us your suggestions for new workshops.

 

Coming to Germany: Euphoria or Culture Shock?

03.12.2009, 18.00 – 21.00, room U 139, Oettingenstrasse 67

Moving to a new place always goes hand in hand with lots of changes and adjustments, especially when there is a new culture involved, because in addition to the surroundings, the mentality of the people can differ vastly from one’s home country.

The main focus of this workshop will be the transition to another cultural environment. The so-called culture shock will be explained and strategies will be worked out to overcome the ensuing problems. Additionally there will also be the opportunity for everyone in the group to share their experiences in Germany, because many problems often do not stem from oneself, but can be explained by unconscious and conscious cultural differences.

Coordination: Student trainers from Sinik (Student Initiative for Intercultural Competence)

For workshops with an interactive atmosphere the number of participants will be limited to 16. Participation is free!

Highschool in Sofia or Moscow – Studies in Munich: Intercultural Comparison of Learning and Teaching Styles

24.01. 2009, 18.00 – 21.00, room 1.27, Oettingenstrasse 67

You only really become aware of the different styles of learning and studying when you study abroad. What makes a good paper, a good presentation? How do others students in the seminars perceive me? What is decisive for achieving good grades and what should be avoided? What will the lecturer expect of me – and even more importantly – what do I expect of my lecturers and fellow students?

The workshop presents different teaching and learning styles in Germany and in other education systems. Approaches and tools for a productive handling of the German education system will be mediated.

Coordination: Dr. Galina Koptelzeva (Institute for Intercultural Communikation)

Svetlana Vasilenka, Anna Hasenkamp (Sinik - Student Initiative for Intercultural Competence)

 

Seminars, Presentations, Papers: How Do I Study Successfully in Germany?

30.04. 2009, 18.00 – 21.00, Room 1.27, Oettingenstrasse 67 and

27. 05. 2009, 18.00 – 21.00, Room 1.27, Oettingenstrasse 67

How do I choose my study program? Why do I actually have to do this by myself? How do I meet other students when every class is attended by different people? These are just three of the many questions that international first-year students ask. Later other questions will arise:

How do I give a good presentation? Should I participate in the seminar or just listen in? What impression do I make on my professor? How should I manage my timetable for the semester?

The moderators of the workshop faced the exact same challenges when they started their studies in Munich. The workshop gives you the opportunity to discuss issues arising from everyday life at the university, how they are connected to cultural differences and how to find your way around the German university system. Interesting examples as well as the moderators’ personal experiences will guarantee an exciting workshop.

Coordination: Svetlana Vasilenka and Mirjam Rossa (Sinik – Student Initiative for Intercultural Competence)

 

How Do I Meet German Students?

03.06. 2009, 18.00 – 21.00, room 1.27, Oettingenstrasse 67

Many students only have a few German students among their acquaintances and circle of friends. Especially at university for many it seems to be difficult to establish contacts with German students and maintain them over a longer period.

Even so, the majority of international students would like to have more contact with their fellow German students. Are you also looking for more contact with German students? Then this is just the thing for you!

During the first part of the workshop theoretical explanations about topics like the strong divide in Germany between the public and private sphere and the general attitude towards and meaning of friendship. In the second part practical advice will be compiled and conveyed on how and where to meet German students.

Coordination: Mirjam Rossa (Sinik – Student Initiative for Cultural Competence)

 

High School in Sofia or Moscow – Studies in Munich: Intercultural Comparison of Learning and Teaching Styles

24.06. 2009, 18.00 – 21.00, Room 1.27, Oettingenstrasse 67

You only really become aware of the different styles of learning and studying when you study abroad. What makes a good paper, a good presentation? How do others students in the seminars perceive me? What is decisive for achieving good grades and what should be avoided? What will the lecturer expect of me – and even more importantly – what do I expect of my lecturers and fellow students?

The workshop presents different teaching and learning styles in Germany and in other educational systems. Approaches and tools for a productive handling of the German education system will be mediated.

Coordination: Svetlana Vasilenka, Anna Hasenkamp (Sinik -Student Initiative for Intercultural Competence)

 

International Chaos – How Can Intercultural Coexistence in the Student Residence Be Accomplished? (together with the KHG)

16.07.2009 19.30, International KHG meeting, cafeteria in the ground floor of the KHG, Leopold Str. 11

Life in a student residence offers the unique opportunity to meet students from all over the world. These encounters are often very exciting and enriching. But living so close together can also cause friction. What is it like in you student residence? How is the intercultural coexistence?  Is it relaxed and fun or rather chaotic? Or are you all avoiding conflict by ignoring one another?

The workshop will provide the opportunity to exchange experiences, explain how our behaviour is influenced by our cultural backgrounds, especially with regards to sharing living space, and provide lots of advice on how to interact and live with people from various cultures. Together we will work out how each individual can contribute to a pleasant atmosphere in the student residence.

Coordination: Anna Hasenkamp (Sinik – Student Initiative for Intercultural Competence)

 

Workshop for Dormitory Tutors and Speakers (in cooperation with the Munich student services)

28.11.2009, 10.00 - 18.00, Olympiadorf

Together with the Munich student services we are hosting a workshop for all dorm tutors and speakers. Registration at the cultural office of the student services: kultur(at)stwm.de

What should one take into consideration when people of different cultural backgrounds live together? As a tutor or representative, how can I contribute to good coexistence in the student residence?

Aims and topics of the workshop are the advancement of intercultural competence, practical advice for tutors and representatives, developing ideas such as how to encourage the resident students to participate in communal events, the role of the tutor/representative in dealing with conflicts in the residence, developing ideas for an enriching intercultural coexistence, and exchange of experiences and ideas of the workshop participants.

 

Workshop: Coming to Germany: Euphoria or Culture Shock?

03.12.2009, 18.00 – 21.00, room U 139, Oettingenstrasse 67

Moving to a new place always goes hand in hand with lots of changes and adjustments, especially when there is a new culture involved, because in addition to the surroundings, the mentality of the people can differ vastly from one’s home country.

The main focus of this workshop will be the transition to another cultural environment. The so-called culture shock will be explained and strategies will be worked out to overcome the ensuing problems. Additionally there will also be the opportunity for everyone in the group to share their experiences in Germany, because many problems often do not stem from oneself, but can be explained by unconscious and conscious cultural differences.

Coordination: Student trainers from Sinik (Student Initiative for Intercultural Competence)