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Workshops in English
Time: Kick-off session (video conference) on Monday, 20. January 2025, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., closing session (video conference) on Friday, 24 January 2025, 9 a.m.-10.30 a.m., self-learning units in-between to allow for individual and flexible time management in course participation
Venue: Online course via Microsoft Teams
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Project Management“
10 work units
(in English)
Working in projects is an important basis for innovation and continuous progress in all sectors of economy, science and society. It is therefore crucial for most academics to acquire appropriate project management skills for the successful planning and execution of projects.
In this workshop, basic methods and instruments (tools) of project management will be presented for the successive phases of projects. Various planning tools and analyses will be discussed, dealing with the objectives, stakeholders and risks of projects, among other things. In addition, it will be elaborated how methods from time and self-management can help to support the successful implementation of projects.
Case studies and practical exercises will be used to deepen the workshop contents and reflect on them in an application-oriented manner.
More information about the organizational procedure of the workshop will be provided in the kick-off meeting. The workshop allows for flexible timing with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning and working units.
Trainer: Dr. Theo Jäger, PhD in Experimental Neuropsychology (2009), 2008-2023 coordinator and trainer at the Support Centre for Doctoral Researchers (GradUS) and staff member of the President’s Office at Saarland University, since 2023 head of the Early Career Support team at CISPA Helmholtz Center for Information Security in Saarbrücken.
Zeit: TBA
Ort: TBA
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Methodenkompetenzen“
10 AE
You and your generation have more information at your fingertips than any other generation in human history. But much of that information populating our digital oceans is unreliable because it is unverified, meaning it has yet to be checked for accuracy and factfulness. Like we learn to read written text (literacy), we need to learn to critically ‘read’ media messages in order to help us be in charge of our own interpretations. Throughout this course, you will advance the practice of critical media literacy, learning a range of analytical approaches you can use to access, evaluate, understand, interpret, and create digital media. You will explore the relationship between media and digital citizenship and responsibility, including international case studies of fallacious media representation, practical strategies that help you tell the difference between fact and fiction, and other valuable resources for higher-education students. You will develop your critical thinking and research skills fundamental to becoming well-informed and discerning digital citizens.
This course will be offered in a flipped classroom format incorporating asynchronous teaching and learning activities on Moodle plus a scheduled instructor-led time.
Insctrutor: Alina Timofte, MA, is a Programme Coordinator for the curriculum segments Digital Literacy, Management and Entrepreneurship at the Centre for Transferable Skills, University of Konstanz. A purpose-driven educator and instructional designer, Alina is passionate about building more flexible, effective, and enjoyable learning experiences for future-ready students. She has completed a broad spectrum of advanced training on media literacy offered by institutions such as the Council of Europe; Globsec & Center for Media, Data and Society at the Central European University, Budapest; Multimedia Kontor Hamburg, and University of New Castle, Australia.
Time: 10.01.2025, 14:00-18:00 Uhr
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Wissenschaftskompetenz“
5 AE
Presenting one's results is an elementary part of studying and working in science - but good and well-founded results also need to be successfully communicated to the listener, preferably in an understandable way. But what is the best way to do this? There are many individual answers to this question, which is why this workshop aims to provide participants with different techniques for more successful presentations in their studies and science. We will look at different types of preparation, explore some useful tools and discuss some special tricks. We will also focus on online formats, which have become an integral part of student and academic life since the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaker: Elias Harth is a graduate historian and research assistant at the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Saarland University. He offers workshops on the topics of presenting, public speaking, podcasting and AI.
Time: November 5, 2024, 4.00 - 5.30 p.m.
Venue: online via Zoom
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Career Skills“
2 AE
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the world of work and higher education.
Since the company OpenAI made ChatGPT freely available in November 2022, AI, its potentials, and impacts have been omnipresent. Nearly two years later, numerous AI tools and applications have been added, transforming activities and processes in all areas of life today.
The application process is also changing due to artificial intelligence. But how can I use this to my advantage during the application phase? How can AI help me with applications for internships, theses, or my first job, and increase the likelihood of getting an interview invitation? More and more companies are using AI and algorithms in the application process. However, this doesn't have to be a disadvantage for applicants if considered during the application process. In this interactive lecture, we will focus on the potentials of AI for the application process.
Students will…
• learn to create their applications faster, more personally, and more clearly with the help of artificial intelligence.
• discover the current role of AI in the various phases of the application process and where its use is beneficial.
• be able to use the advantages of artificial intelligence for the long-term creation and optimization of their applications, thereby making their application process easier.
• understand how and why HR departments use AI and other algorithms in the application process and what impact this has on the application process.
Requirements
• PC, laptop, or tablet with a stable internet connection, as well as video and audio capabilities.
• A good group atmosphere is very important in the lecture, which includes being able to see each other, just as in in-person events. Therefore, in this workshop, having an active camera is desired.
Schedule and Methods
The topic will be presented in an interactive lecture format. Throughout the lecture, you will have numerous opportunities to actively participate and contribute. This includes asking questions, taking part in surveys, and sharing your own experiences. All questions will be answered directly, and the lecture will be tailored to your needs. Additionally, the process of creating AI-generated applications will be demonstrated live. After the lecture, all participants will receive a detailed documentation of the presentation to have all the important information on hand.
Speaker: Kristian Schubert has been working for many years as a trainer and coach for professional and personal development. In this role, he has worked for numerous companies, organizations, and universities. A key focus of his work is preparing students for their professional careers. In his previous career as a project and sales manager in international plant and mechanical engineering, Kristian coordinated many highly complex and long-term projects. The use of technological tools and solutions to simplify and accelerate work processes was always a key to success. For this reason, Kristian has extensively studied the potentials and challenges of AI and incorporated these insights into his lecture.
Time: November 6, 2024, 4.00 - 5.30 p.m.
Venue: online via MS Teams
Speaker: Níkolas Gómez
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Career Skills“
2 AE
Are you an international student at the beginning of your studies who would like to gain a foothold in the German labour market in the long term?
We've got you covered! We have developed a customisable support tool for you called the Student Career Roadmap. It works as both a map and a checklist: The Student Career Roadmap allows you to create a series of interconnected milestones with the aim of integrating into your new society through the job you want.
Check out the checklist and the accompanying website with lots of advice about applying in Germany, tips and regulations:
www.uni-saarland.de/einrichtung/career-center/fuer- studierende/links/student-career-roadmap-fuer-internationale-studierende.html
During this event, we will guide you through the tool and answer any questions you may have.
Time: November 8, 2024, 12.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m.
Venue: Building A2.1 (Innovation Center), Room 3.05.1
5 AE
Navigating life and work in Germany as an international student can be exciting and challenging. This workshop, "Thriving in Germany: Understanding Work Culture and Social Integration," is designed to provide you with essential knowledge and skills to help you adapt smoothly to the German way of life. Focusing on German work culture, communication styles and social norms, the workshop offers valuable insights into successfully integrating and thriving professionally and personally.
Throughout this interactive 4-hour workshop, you will learn how to balance work and personal life in Germany, understand the importance of punctuality and planning in the workplace, and navigate communication styles that are often direct and formal. The workshop will also cover practical tips for living in Germany, including housing, transportation, and more. You can participate in role-playing, group discussions, and real-life case studies to prepare yourself better for professional interactions and social integration.
By the end of this workshop, students will:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of German work-life balance
Learn effective communication strategies to build professional relationships in Germany
Be better equipped to handle workplace challenges through role-playing and case studies
Discover practical tips for day-to-day life in Germany, from housing to healthcare
Develop cultural awareness that aids in smoother integration into German society
Schedule and Methods: The workshop will feature presentations, interactive discussions, role-playing activities, and Q&A sessions. Participants will engage in real-world scenarios and group activities to apply the concepts they learn. At the end of the workshop, some materials and documentation for future reference will be provided.
Trainer: Moutushi Künne
Over 18 years of experience as a certified corporate trainer
Specialized in intercultural training, expatriate coaching, and soft skills development
Founder of Multikulti Consultancy, Saarbrücken, Germany
Extensive experience working across various industries, including Telecom, Retail, Media, and Banking
Expertise in facilitating dynamic and impactful training sessions for individual and organizational performance improvement
Moutushi Künne is a seasoned corporate trainer and consultant with over 18 years of experience designing and delivering training programs that enhance personal and professional development. As the founder of Multikulti Consultancy, Moutushi specializes in helping expatriates and international students integrate into German society through tailored workshops on culture, communication, and work-life integration.
Having worked with a wide range of industries, from Telecom to Banking and multinational clients, Moutushi brings a wealth of knowledge in intercultural communication, soft skills development, and leadership training. Her workshops are interactive and engaging, drawing on real-world examples to equip participants with practical skills. Moutushi's deep understanding of German social and work culture makes her an ideal guide for those navigating the complexities of life and work in Germany.
Time: November 20, 2024, 4.00 - 6.00 p.m.
Place: online via Teams
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Career Skills“
3 AE
Explore Your Prospects in Germany!
Are you an international student at Saarland University looking to establish yourself in Germany's job market? We offer valuable insights! Gain insights into the German legal framework, the German job market dynamics, and the language skills needed to thrive in Germany. Our experts will share valuable tips on how to improve your chances of a successful job application in Germany.
Speakers:
Sina Vogel, Head of Welcome Center, International Office, UdS
Elisabeth Rau, Career Center, Teaching and Learning Centre, UdS
Julia Bellmann, International Office, UdS
Time: November 22, 2024, 10.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.
Place: Saarland University, Building A4 2, Room 2.11.1
Speaker: Niklas George
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Career Skills“
7 AE
This workshop focuses on developing crucial negotiation skills for salary discussions and job interviews. Participants will learn effective techniques to confidently navigate these critical conversations, understand their market value, and advocate for their worth. The session will cover strategies for researching salary ranges, responding to salary questions, and negotiating benefits beyond monetary compensation.
Contents
• Understanding your market value and setting realistic salary expectations
• Techniques for responding to salary questions in interviews
• Strategies for initiating and conducting salary negotiations
• Negotiating additional benefits and perks
• Handling challenging negotiation scenarios (Harvard Model BATNA)
Methods
• Interactive lectures on negotiation principles
• Role-playing exercises simulating real negotiation scenarios
• Case studies analysis of successful negotiations
• Practical tools for salary research and preparation
Time: November 29, 2024, 10.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
Place: tbd
Speaker: Miriam März
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Career Skills“
4 AE
This workshop will provide essential strategies for effective networking both online and of-fline. Over the course of three hours, participants will learn how to visualize their own net-works, set priorities for networking efforts, and understand the principles of effective net-working. The session will primarily focus on presenting content, with an emphasis on practi-cal tools and techniques for building and maintaining professional relationships. As an out-look, the effectuation principle will be discussed to help participants leverage their networks for future opportunities.
Contents
• Visualizing and mapping your current network
• Setting priorities and goals for networking
• Effective strategies for online and offline networking
• Introduction to the effectuation principle and its application in networking
Methods
• Informative presentations
• Visualization exercises for network mapping
• Discussion on prioritization techniques
• Overview of the effectuation principle
Time: December 6, 2024, 9.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.
Place: Building A4 2, Room 2.11.1
Speaker: Stefan Kenst
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Career Skills“
8 AE
This workshop aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in online job interviews and assessment centers. The session will cover key strategies for effective self-presentation, handling common assessment tasks such as group discussions and role plays, and mastering online assessments. Attendees will engage in practical exercises and receive personalized feedback to enhance their performance in real-world selection processes. Join us to boost your confidence and improve your chances of securing your desired job!
Contents
- Preparing for interviews and assessments
- Mastering structured and unstructured interviews
- Introduction to Assessment Centers and assessment guidelines
- Self-Reflection on own strengths and weaknesses
Methods
- Presentations
- On-Site exercises and feedback for improvement
- Self-Reflection Tools
Time: December 13, 2024, 10.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m.
Place: Building A4 2, Room 2.11.1
Speaker: Larissa Böhlefeld
Foundation course Key Competencies Certificate „Career Skills“
7 AE
This workshop focuses on mastering the art of job interviews. Participants will learn essential techniques to prepare for and excel in various interview formats, including face-to-face and video interviews. The session will cover strategies for effective self-presentation, answering common and challenging questions, and projecting confi-dence. Through practical exercises and personalized feedback, attendees will enhance their interview skills and increase their chances of landing their desired positions.
Contents
- Understanding different interview formats and employer expectations
- Crafting compelling responses to common interview questions
- Developing a strong personal pitch
- Body language and non-verbal communication techniques
- Handling difficult questions and unexpected situations
Methods
- Interactive presentations
- Role-playing exercises with peer and instructor feedback
- Mock interviews
- Self-reflection and goal-setting activities
Day/Time:Tuesday,22 October 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Place: online (MS Teams)
Course Language: English (Level B2 required)
Registration via our registration form: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/institution/isz-saar/international-academic-culture/workshops.html
Basisveranstaltung SK-Zertifikat (3 AE)
A professional and appealing design is crucial for the success of a presentation, as it enhances clarity and optimally showcases your content. In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to use PowerPoint effectively to create compelling presentations. Through practical exercises, you can immediately apply what you’ve learned and ensure that your next presentation impresses with a professional look.
1. Easy Start: Customizing the User Interface
- Adjusting slide size
- Activating ruler, gridlines, and guides
2. The Foundation of Every Presentation: Creating the Master Layout
- Structuring presentation slides
- Inserting placeholders and logos
- Adding static footers and dynamic page numbers
3. Effectively Presenting Content: Working with Various Media Elements
- Editing and adjusting images
- Working with videos
- Creating table templates
- Inserting and editing formulas
- Inserting sources discreetly
4. Using PowerPoint Creatively: Creating Custom Graphics
- Adjusting graphics from papers or books
- Saving custom graphics for future use
5. Bonus: Useful Tips and Tricks
- Building content slides
- Creating a complete presentation
- Tips for linking slide content
Kai Rochlus will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Disclaimer: The online course is based on the latest version of Office 365 for Windows. Commands may differ or be missing in older versions or in Office for Mac.
Tutor: Kai Rochlus has finished his master program in Materials Science at Saarland University with top grades. Additionally, to his main course he participated in research visits at Korea University of Technology and Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia and University of California, Santa Barbara. Amongst others, his seminar portfolio includes workshops for scientifically working with different software in an efficient manner.
Day/Time: Wednesday,23 October 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Place: online (MS Teams)
Course Language: English (Level B2 required)
Registration via our registration form: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/institution/isz-saar/international-academic-culture/workshops.html
Basisveranstaltung SK-Zertifikat (3 AE)
Efficient data handling is essential for many tasks. In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to import, clean, and analyze data from various sources. You will discover how to import data from text files and the web and process it in a machine-readable format. The course also teaches you how to use conditional formatting and standard functions like COUNTIF and SUMIF to conduct quick analyses. Additionally, you’ll learn how to insert and edit charts to visually present your data. Practical exercises will help you apply what you’ve learned immediately.
1. The Foundation of Every File: Data Import from Various Sources
- Data import from text files
- Data import from the web
2. Basis for Efficient Work: Data Cleaning
- Simple data cleaning
- Using cleaning functions
3. Quick Analyses: Conditional Formatting and Standard Functions
- Applying multi-level filters
- Using conditional formatting
- Using the COUNTIF function
- Using the SUMIF function
- Using data drop-downs and VLOOKUP
4. Visualizing Data: Working with Charts
- Inserting charts
- Editing charts
5. Bonus: Tips and Tricks for Faster Work
- Transferring formats
- Freezing panes
- Tips for more complex formulas
- Linking with other Office applications
Kai Rochlus will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Disclaimer: The online course is based on the latest version of Office 365 for Windows. Commands may differ or be missing in older versions or in Office for Mac.
Tutor: Kai Rochlus has finished his master program in Materials Science at Saarland University with top grades. Additionally, to his main course he participated in research visits at Korea University of Technology and Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia and University of California, Santa Barbara. Amongst others, his seminar portfolio includes workshops for scientifically working with different software in an efficient manner.
Day/Time:Monday, 21 October 2024, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Place: online (MS Teams)
Course Language: English (Level B2 required)
Registration via our registration form: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/institution/isz-saar/international-academic-culture/workshops.html
Basisveranstaltung SK-Zertifikat (3 AE)
A professional layout is crucial for the first impression and the clarity of your thesis. It enhances readability and highlights the content structure optimally. This interactive workshop is ideal for anyone looking to design their term paper or thesis professionally using Microsoft Word. Through practical exercises, you will apply what you’ve learned directly and create a structured, academic document step by step. This way, you won’t have to worry about the layout in the future.
1. Easy Start: Creating the Basic Layout
- Adjusting page margins
- Inserting page numbers
- Defining styles
2. Enhancing Clarity: Proper Use of Images, Tables, and Formulas
- Inserting and editing images
- Correctly inserting and formatting tables
- Inserting automatically numbered formulas
3. Basics of Academic Writing: Proper Citation
- Inserting sources and citations
- Adding footnotes and endnotes
- Setting cross-references
4. Creating Structure: Generating Tables of Contents
- Creating a table of contents
- Creating a bibliography
- Creating a list of figures and tables
5. Bonus: Useful Tips and Tricks
- Inserting different page numbers
- Creating dynamic headers
Kai Rochlus will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
Disclaimer: The online course is based on the latest version of Office 365 for Windows. Commands may differ or be missing in older versions or in Office for Mac.
Tutor: Kai Rochlus has finished his master program in Materials Science at Saarland University with top grades. Additionally, to his main course he participated in research visits at Korea University of Technology and Education, Drexel University, Philadelphia and University of California, Santa Barbara. Amongst others, his seminar portfolio includes workshops for scientifically working with different software in an efficient manner.
Day/Time: Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Place: Face-to-face course on Campus (building and room tbc)
Course Language: English (Level B2 required)
Registration via our registration form: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/institution/isz-saar/international-academic-culture/workshops.html
Further information: Danielle.kopfgiammanco2(at)uni-saarland.de
Workshop participants will learn the essential skills needed to compose formal and effective emails for their academic careers and beyond. We will examine a combination of practical exercises and real-world examples to gain a better understanding of best practices for structuring emails, crafting clear subject lines, using appropriate phrases, vocabulary and more! Participants will have the opportunity to practice the skills they learn in the workshop and seek one-to-one guidance at a later date of their choosing.
We will discuss:
- Common email etiquette, rules, and expectations in a formal, academic setting
- Subject lines
- Signatures
- Common pitfalls to avoid
- Levels of formality
- Appropriate tone
- Strategies for responding to difficult or sensitive emails
The importance of proofreading and editing
Referentin:
Danielle Kopf-Giammanco: Writing Center Coordinator, is a PhD student in North American Literary & Cultural Studies and teaches writing at the Department of English. She is a writing consultant for the Writing Center as well as its co-founder. Kopf-Giammanco holds a BA in History from Seattle University and an MA in Interdisciplinary Medieval Studies from Central European University.
Format: Face-to-face course on campus (information about the location will be sent to you by MS Teams before the course starts)
The course consists of a blend of live sessions, guided self-study and personal one-to-one meetings.
Course date and time: Monday, 12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m. and (for optional feedback) Wednesday, 12:15 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Course start: November 25, 2024
Course language: English (Level B2 required)
Registration via our registration form: www.uni-saarland.de/einrichtung/isz-saar/wissenschaft-international/workshops.html
Further information: daniel.honert(at)uni-saarland.de, Danielle.kopfgiammanco2(at)uni-saarland.de
You are cordially invited to join this semester's Writing for Academic Purposes. The course consists of a blend of live sessions on campus (not online), guided self-study, and personal one-to-one meetings, and will be taught by Danielle Kopf-Giammanco in collaboration with the Writing Center at the UdS English department as well as Dan Honert.
The course will provide you with a basic overview of the most important aspects of academic writing and you will be given the opportunity to get personalised feedback on your written work. Some of the topics that will be covered include:
- Essay Structure
- Persuading an audience
- Paragraph and sentence structure
- Cohesion and coherence
- Summarising and paraphrasing
- Writing thesis statements
- Logical fallacies
- Thinking about research
- Revision
- Writing an abstract
There will be a number of sessions over the course of the semester. The exact number of the sessions and the content to be covered will be decided with the participants at the beginning of the course. These will take place on Mondays with the following Wednesday set aside for optional feedback. In addition, you will be able to sign up for personal one-to-one sessions with a writing tutor. Any questions, give Dan Honert und Danielle Kopf-Giammanco a shout!
Referent/in: Dan Honert is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English. Before coming to Saarbrücken, he spent a number of years as a peripatetic language teacher, teaching English to international students in Scotland and Mexico, and German and Spanish to secondary school pupils in England. His educational background includes a BA in International Relations and Spanish from Flinders University, Adelaide and a MA in Interpreting and Translation Studies from the University of New South Wales, Sydney. He also holds a Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from the University of Cambridge and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Canterbury Christ Church University.
Danielle Kopf-Giammanco, Writing Center Coordinator. Danielle is a PhD student in North American Literary & Cultural Studies and teaches writing at the Department of English. She is a writing consultant for the Writing Center as well as its co-founder. Danielle holds a BA in History from Seattle University and an MA in Interdisciplinary Medieval Studies from Central European University.