Pre-Onboarding Course „See you in Schmalkalden!“
Prepare for your studies before you arrive
Starting university in a new country is much easier when you know what to expect. Our Pre-Onboarding Course helps you prepare for your new academic and everyday life in Germany before you even leave your home country.
Throughout the course, you will learn basic German for everyday situations, explore German culture, become familiar with university life in Schmalkalden and discover the Southern Thuringia region. You will also receive useful practical information that will make your arrival and first weeks in Germany much easier.
Our goal is to help you feel confident, well informed and ready to begin your studies.
Course structure
The course is offered in a blended learning format over two weeks. It consists of ten interactive learning modules that combine self-paced online learning with live online sessions. At the end of the course, you will take a final assessment.
Course at a glance
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Format: Blended Learning
- Language level: A1.1 (CEFR)
- Structure: 10 learning modules, live online sessions and a final assessment
- Participation: Free of charge
- Credits: 3 ECTS*
Who can participate?
The course is open to all international students who have received an admission letter from Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences.
To participate, you only need:
- an admission letter from Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
- a laptop or tablet
- a stable internet connection
Why join the course?
By participating in the Pre-Onboarding Course, you will:
- prepare for studying and living in Germany before your arrival
- gain your first German language skills
- become familiar with your future university and campus
- learn about German culture and everyday life
- build confidence for your first weeks in Germany
- connect with other international students before your studies begin
Dates and registration
Next course
14 September – 25 September 2026
Registration period
16 August – 7 September 2026
How to register
Register by email:
*Recognition of ECTS credits depends on the regulations of your faculty and degree programme.