Description
Germany’s Educational System is truly specific and fairly rigid and is established by each individual federal state (Länder). Compulsory school starts at the age of six, lasts nine or ten years, and includes very specific learning courses, already from an early age. German graduate students usually receive their Bachelor’s degree at the age of 25.
During this course, you will have the chance to get to know the German educational system in detail. You will visit schools and institutes in Germany, you will watch teachers’ lessons and there will be a discussion with headmasters, teachers, and students about school life and the German educational system.
There may be possibilities to make connections between principals and participants during the school visits to initiate future Erasmus+ projects. In addition, we will provide you with lectures and workshops to prepare for the visit, focusing on the German educational system, culture, and history.
Please note: As schools usually close in May and open up again in September, we may not able to offer site visits to schools during summer.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help participants to learn and enhance their knowledge about the German educational system, daily school life and German civilization. An important aim of the course is to facilitate the experience and cultural exchange between European participants and German staff, leading to a truly international experience.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Course introduction
- Introduction to the course, the school and the external week activities;
- Icebreaker activities:
- Presentations of the participants’ schools.
Day 2 – The German Educational System
- Lecture about the German Educational System;
- Workshop;
- Differences between the German and the participants’ systems;
- Introduction to the school to visit;
- Preparing questions to ask the students and host teachers.
Day 3 – First school visit*
- Visit to the first school;
- Discussion of the visits;
- What is different? What is amazing?
Day 4 – A special tour of Berlin
- Cultural activities: A special tour of Berlin for teachers and educators;
- Possible choices: Brandenburg Gate, East Side Gallery, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Checkpoint Charlie, Museumsinsle (Museum island) and Pergamonmuseum, Reichstag, Tiergarten;
- International Psychoanalytic University Berlin and Free University of Berlin.
Day 5 – Second school visit*
- Visit to the second school;
- Discussion of the visit;
- What is different? What is amazing?
Day 6 – Course closure and excursion
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion to Postdam or Sachsenheausen concentration camp.
*Please note: As schools usually close in May and open up again in September, we may not able to offer site visits to schools during summer.
