iSTEPS Gallery
iSTEPS
iSTEPS is a project within the framework of the"FIT Programme (external link, opens in a new window)" (Promoting International Talents for Integration into Studies and the German Labor Market) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).
The iSTEPS project is implemented by the International Office of the UR in cooperation with the Center of Language and Communication (ZSK). The main objective is to promote holistic measures that help to create clear transition structures for international graduates (from German universities) into the German labor market by increasing the academic success and employability of international graduates.
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Events
Project modules
Project module details
Subject area: Study progress
Study progress
Language learning and study strategy counselling
The language learning counselling service offers international students individual counselling sessions in which they receive support in independent learning and in developing suitable learning strategies. With the help of academic learning advice and support units, for example, learning goals are set, learning plans are drawn up, learning strategies are developed and learning progress is tracked. With regard to the organisation of studies, culturally different aspects of student life are discussed and strategies for coping with them are developed.
? Website of the Department of German as a Foreign Language (the link will be activated later)
Pronunciation counselling
A strong "foreign" accent can lead to prejudice and devaluation. Good pronunciation, on the other hand, increases social acceptance and improves the chances of entering the world of work. For this reason, customised individual pronunciation coaching sessions have been set up for international students with German language skills of at least level B1. You can register for the first appointment via an online form, further appointments can be arranged after the first coaching session.
Website of the Department of German as a Foreign Language (external link, opens in a new window)
Tutoring programme for academic writing
The academic style and structure of German and English academic texts is often very different from that in your home country.
Specially trained writing tutors from the Academic Writing Consultancy at the Writing Centre will therefore help you to write papers for your seminar papers or theses.
If you would like to work with a writing tutor, simply book a one-to-one consultation that fits your schedule. Or contact the writing consultant Dr Christine Braun, e-mail: schreibberatung.zsk@ur.de. She will be happy to help you.
You can choose between online consultations via Zoom or individual consultations in person in the collection building on the first floor, room S1.14. Come as often as you have questions about academic writing - the Writing Centre is here for you!
Website of the Center for Language and Communication (external link, opens in a new window)
Book an individual consultation (external link, opens in a new window)
Orientation counselling to improve academic success
Orientation counselling aims to provide individual help to international students who are having difficulties with various aspects of their studies. International students who take part in the preparatory German courses or the "Startklar" orientation programme are offered individual help with study-related measures. International students who have problems during their studies and have doubts about their academic success, e.g. due to language deficits, psychological or financial problems, are actively supported by various counselling centres at the university.
Please make an appointment in advance for orientation counselling (the International Office offers counselling appointments every Monday by prior arrangement).
Subject area: Employability
Lectures and workshops on working life and the application process
Lectures on the general conditions of working life in Germany, e.g. job search with social media, self-employment, social security system in Germany, interculturality in the workplace, labour and residence law, are offered annually and are to be further expanded. In addition, interactive workshops are offered to support international students with the content requirements for application documents, self-presentation in job interviews and soft skills.
Upcoming lectures will be announced under "News".
"Stay in Germany: Career Prep Weekend"
The event is offered once a year and covers a wide range of topics related to starting a career in the form of lectures and informal discussions in small groups. International alumni of the UR are also invited to talk about their experiences of starting a career and are available for a Q&A session. Students can also have their application photos taken free of charge and socialise over dinner.
The first seminar is expected to take place in May 2025.
Compact German course for communication at university and in working life
The four-week compact course with 26 lessons per week takes place in March and September before the start of the lecture period and is offered to students enrolled in English Master's programmes. Depending on their entry level, international students can take one or more levels spread over several semesters. Course allocation is based on the OnSet Placement Test on the first day of the course. In addition, participants who have completed the compact German course at levels
Next registration phase is in January 2025.
telc certificate B1/B2 as an additional qualification
A telc certificate can be of great importance when looking for a job in Germany, as it officially proves that you have the necessary language skills for everyday working life. In addition, such a certificate can increase the chances of a successful application.
This offer enables international students to take telc German examinations at levels B1 and B2 free of charge.
The aim is to offer students an internationally recognised language certificate. The programme is available to students on English language courses and the exams include both written and oral sections. Registration is required and the exams are free of charge (unless the student fails to attend the exam without an excuse, in which case a fee will be charged).
? Next examination date: April 2026
Registration takes place directly with the ZSK (external link, opens in a new window)
Subject area: Labor market integration
Establishing a network of international UR Alumni
The International Office is currently working on creating a LinkedIn group for international UR alumni. The alumni activities at the UR (which are predominantly subject-specific) have so far not explicitly focussed on international students and their potential. As there is no centralised pooling of contacts of international alumni in the International Office who have successfully started their careers in Germany, this LinkedIn group is intended to facilitate networking and open up new job or internship opportunities for international students.
Further information will be available shortly.
Expansion of the job fair
The existing job fair "Karriere-Kontakte" has so far been aimed primarily at German students. In future, the companies represented will be motivated to explicitly include international students (also from English-language Master's programmes) as a target group by providing information on possible communication languages in everyday working life, on the international orientation of company activities, on onboarding and mentoring measures for internationals and through targeted presentations.
Applicant guide for download
The Marketing and Career Service of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics has compiled an application guide and published it digitally for all students at the University of Regensburg. The guide contains important information and tips on the topics of application and application documents.
Application guide "Get fit for your application" (external link, opens in a new window)
Orientation counselling and coaching for starting a career
The aim of the expert coaching is to identify possible career prospects and develop strategic plans for starting a career in one-to-one meetings. The first appointments are available from the end of July 2024, please make an appointment in advance at international.steps(at)ur.de. (opens your email program)
Please attach the answers to the following questions and a CV to your e-mail so that the coach can prepare for your individual request:
- Your name
- Your degree programme
- Current language level in German & English
- Why are you studying at the University of Regensburg?
- Have you already set yourself professional goals?
- If so, which ones?
- What career and application issues are you currently struggling with?
- What wishes, questions or concerns do you have for the individual coaching?
If you have other application documents (e.g. a cover letter) that you would like to discuss, you can also enclose these.
Case-specific legal support for foreigners entering the labour market
Aspects of immigration law play an important role in your prospects of remaining in Germany. This case-specific counselling, which if necessary also includes support in communicating with the authorities, can in many cases lead to faster processing of applications and avoid long waiting times for the issue of a suitable residence and work permit. Potential employers are also provided with information on immigration regulations if required, so that obstacles to employment (due to a lack of knowledge/concerns about immigration law) can be removed.
Please make an appointment in advance for immigration law counselling (the International Office offers counselling appointments every Monday with prior appointment).
Contact person at the International Office
Jhoana Palacio Pineda
Project Coordinator iSTEPS
Administration Room 0.12
Phone +49 (0)941 943-5863
Fax +49 (0)941 943-3882