Dear international students in Nuertingen,
the International Office of NGU Nuertingen-Geislingen University offers you a range of new projects with the name "Nt-Great" to help you settle into your new environment and to get to know local people. No matter if you have just arrived or if you have already spent a couple of semesters in Germany - Feel welcome to join! We are always open for new participants. In our projects, you can meet Germans and other international students, experience Germany from a different perspective, get in touch with German families, language partners, companies, schools or social institutions - but most of all: make new friends and enjoy your time. Just read through this page and if you find a project you like don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
NGU-Module: 101-165-IO Cross-Cultural Experience
In an increasingly interconnected world, young professionals must develop intercultural skills. The 6 ECTS "Cross-Cultural Experience" module addresses this through three components: a seminar on intercultural competence, a social science course, and participation in one of the following programs: Tandem and School Program, or Service-Learning Program. The intercultural competence seminar covers cultural concepts, conflict, and communication, applying these to students' experiences and examining the influence of national and corporate cultures on international business. The Social Sciences course, taught in intercultural groups, introduces key topics, methods, and theories, including social inequality, modern family development, social change, and more, featuring texts by Giddens, Weber, and Marx. Students will present on their intercultural experiences and submit a paper. Contact: andrea.heissler@no spamhfwu.de
School Program: Learn, Share, Connect!
Visiting a school is a good chance to learn more about the German education system and to interact with teachers, school children and teenagers. In subjects such as foreign languages, social studies, ethics, religion, geography or history it can be very enriching for a class to have a foreigner give some insider information about your particular culture, language or country. For the pupils, it will be exciting to meet somebody from abroad and practise their foreign language skills with you. You can also set up a project together. Your own ideas are very welcome! Come to the international office or send an e-mail to andrea.heissler@no spamhfwu.de if you want to know more.
Host Family Program "Join a Family"
Would you like to meet locals and experience life with a German family? The Host Family Program lets you share activities with German families, such as having tea, going for walks, or visiting cultural events. You won’t live with them but will meet for activities you both enjoy. To join, fill out and return the registration form (see downloads below) to andrea.heissler@no spamhfwu.de. Include a brief introduction and the languages you speak. We’ll match you with a suitable host family. Note: You’re responsible for your own expenses, such as food and tickets. The program duration is flexible, with no long-term commitments. It’s all about fostering international friendships and cultural exchange.
Tandem Program: Language Learning and Intercultural Exchange!
The tandem program offers a great opportunity to practice German. During a Tandem Partner Meet-Up event each semester you'll be paired with a German student interested in learning your language. Together, you can choose how to structure your sessions—whether studying with books, chatting in a café, or engaging in leisure activities like watching movies or exploring each other's countries. If you're unable to find a partner for language exchange, or if you're solely interested in teaching without learning German, the international office will assist in finding a suitable match. The program welcomes participants of all ages and backgrounds, providing a chance to connect with diverse individuals and learn about local culture. To join, complete the registration form available below, print, sign, and send it to andrea.heissler@no spamhfwu.de. Remember to indicate your language skills and any specific requests you may have.
Cultural Night Program: Your Country, Your Story!
The Cultural Night program offers you a chance to showcase your country. Once every semester, the International Office and the Ecumenical Student Community host a Cultural Night. Here, international students share insights about their home countries, prepare local cuisine, and engage in Q&A. While mainly attended by NGU students, locals interested in your country are also welcome to join. It's a lively event, and we welcome international students keen on sharing their culture! Presentations can be conducted in either English or German, depending on your language proficiency. Want to present? Contact andrea.heissler@no spamhfwu.de!
Join us in this video clip as our incoming students from Iceland, Finland, and the Netherlands unveil the captivating cultural tapestry of their homelands in our Cultural Night video. This event was an exploration of the allure of volcanoes, saunas, and wooden shoes, as they gave glimpses into traditional cuisine, customs, and iconic landmarks:
Internship Program: Learn, Work, Connect!
An internship offers a valuable chance to immerse yourself in German working culture, enhance your professional skills, and network in Germany. Typically, conversational German skills are required for internships in the country. If you're interested, visit the international office to speak directly with internship coordinator Diana Lewinsky.
