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One-on-one Consultation / Coaching
Do you have questions about writing during your studies?
Do you find it difficult to take notes in lectures?
Would you like to improve your reading strategies?
Would you like support to help you cope better with cultural stress?
Are you looking for guidance in everyday university life?
- Our team of experts is here for you!
We're here to personally support you on your journey to a successful degree! In addition to our workshop program, we offer one-on-one consultations and coaching sessions:
- tailored support, flexible and on demand: you can book consultations whenever you need them. Get assistance on the topics that matter to you, exactly when you need it.
- available online or on site
- confidential and one-on-one: our consultations are held in a secure environment, ensuring a personal and discreet conversation.
- free of charge
One-on-one Consultation/Coaching sessions
In the sections, you will find information (in English translation) about the consultation services, as well as the form for booking your appointment. Book an appointment – we look forward to seeing you!
In German (also available in English and French, if needed)
Academic Writing: term papers, minutes/protocols, abstracts, theses
- Do you need help writing a term paper?
- Are you about to write your Bachelor's, Master's or even doctoral thesis and would like help with the writing process for your thesis?
- Or do you currently have no deadline or submission pressure, but would still like to improve your academic writing skills?
We will be happy to help you - no matter what stage of your writing project you are at!
Languages offered: German, if required: English, French. The subject of our consultation are texts that you write in German. The consultation can also be held in English and French if required.
Your contact person: Barbara Wolf (Coordination Writing Center)
Format: online or on site (by appointment)
How to take better notes in lectures
- Can't keep up with taking notes in lectures?
- You don't know what information is relevant?
- Are you taking notes for an exam or are you about to take your first lecture notes?
- Are you wondering whether there are special note-taking techniques?
- Would you like to receive individual feedback?
Then you've come to the right place!
Languages offered: German, if required: English, French. The subject of our consultation are texts that you write in German. The consultation can also be held in English and French if required.
Your contact person: Barbara Wolf (Coordination Writing Center)
Format: online or on site (by appointment)
Appointment booking
Reading strategies and reading techniques
“Should I really read all this?”
In a personal consultation, we look together at how you have read so far and what your reading goals are. From this, we develop reading strategies for your individual projects together.
Here we will find answers to your questions about:
- Effective reading strategies and reading techniques
- Reading difficulties during your studies
- Special features of academic texts
- Literature management (incl. reference to literature management software)
Languages offered: German, if required: English, French. The subject of our consultation are texts that you read in German. The consultation can also be held in English and French if required.
Your contact person: Carmen Neis
Format: online or on site (by appointment)
Email check: Can I write it like this?
- You don't know whether you can write to your professor like this?
- Are you wondering how to formulate your request correctly and professionally?
- Is there a chat etiquette in addition to e-mail etiquette?
- Are you unsure about what to consider when communicating?
AI tools like ChatGPT are helpful–but they don’t guarantee a properly written email.
We offer assistance in formulating even more complex requests appropriately. With our email check, you'll hit the 'right tone' and be confident that your email adheres to university-specific guidelines.
Languages offered: German, if required: English, French. The subject of our consultation are texts that you write in German. The consultation can also be held in English and French if required.
Your contact person: Barbara Wolf (Coordination Writing Center)
Format: online or on site (by appointment)
Appointment booking
Coaching: oral communication for your studies (seminar)discussions, presentations, small talk
- Are you an international student who would like to improve your oral communication skills during your studies?
- Are you unsure how to formulate your request in German?
- Perhaps you are nervous about having to speak in German all of a sudden? Or you feel that your request is not being understood?
This coaching offers you tailor-made support to strengthen your language skills and to appear confident in lectures, discussions and presentations.
Whether you want to work on your pronunciation, vocabulary or expression, we can help you achieve your goals and get the most out of your time studying at Saarland University.
Languages offered: German. The coaching takes place in German, you will see that this is not a problem. But of course you should already be able to speak German (B1 level).
Your contact person: Alexandra Lazar helps you to use your potential.
Format: on site or online via zoom (by appointment)
Sign up today and start your path to more self-confidence and success!
Lost in Germany? Orientation in university life and studies
Different, strange, difficult - or simply exhausting?
- Are you overwhelmed by your new living environment in Germany?
- Do you feel alone, uncomfortable and somehow lost?
- Are you wondering how you can connect and exchange ideas in your new home?
- Are you asking yourself how you can optimize and implement strategies to reduce this cultural stress?
You will find the right support here!
Languages offered: German, if required: English, French
Your contact person: Sarah Gisch
Format: online or on site (by appointment)
Appointment booking
In English
A Writing Center appointment/consultation, or one-on-one tutoring, is an opportunity for students to receive additional feedback on their written assignments. The peer-tutor, or instructor, will go over the assignment with the student and ask questions concerning clarity, intention, and structure. They will also provide feedback and direction concerning grammar and conventions. Students can receive feedback on any text, as long as it is in English. If your text is longer than 5 pages, please let the peer-tutor/instructor know prior to your appointment.
Languages offered: English. The subject of our consultation are texts that you write in English.
Your contact person: Danielle Kopf-Giammanco looks forward to seeing you at your appointment!
Format: online or on site (by appointment)
- Are you panic writing down each and every word from the slides?
- Do you feel lost in the sea of information and don’t know where to start studying for exams?
Join the Writing Center’s note-taking one-on-one tutoring!
Whether you are studying natural sciences, business, or humanities, Danielle Kopf-Giammanco will show you how to:
- Identify key points and concepts
- Summarize and paraphrase
- Take notes you will remember
- Organize notes
The associated workshop will be offered Summer Semester 2025, stay tuned for more information!
Languages offered: English. The subject of our consultation are texts that you write in English.
Your contact person: Danielle Kopf-Giammanco looks forward to seeing you at your appointment!
Format: online or on site (by appointment)
Appointment booking
- Would you like to compose formal and effective emails for your academic career and beyond?
- Would you like to gain a better understanding of best practices for structuring emails, crafting clear subject lines, and using appropriate phrases and vocabulary?
- Are you uncertain about common email etiquette, rules, and expectations in a formal academic context?
- Would you like to ensure you avoid common pitfalls and master strategies for responding to difficult or sensitive emails?
AI tools like ChatGPT are helpful – but they don’t guarantee a properly written email.
We offer assistance in formulating even more complex requests appropriately. With our email check, you'll hit the 'right tone' and be confident that your email adheres to university-specific guidelines.
Languages offered: English. The subject of our consultation are texts that you write in English.
Your contact person: Danielle Kopf-Giammanco looks forward to seeing you at your appointment!
Format: online or on site (by appointment)
Appointment booking
Lost in Germany? Orientation in university life and studies:
Sarah Gisch is a research assistant at the Saarland International Study Center (ISZ Saar) at Saarland University. In addition to teaching intercultural communication, she is in charge of the project “International Science and Scientific Cultures”, which aims to optimize the academic success of international students at the UdS. She has many years of experience as an intercultural trainer in various higher education-related contexts and (cooperation) projects.
Academic Writing | How to take (better) notes in lectures | Email check:
Danielle Kopf-Giammanco is the coordinator of the Writing Center at UdS, a doctoral candidate in North American Literary and Cultural Studies, and teaches writing in the Department of English. She is a writing consultant for the Writing Center and its co-founder. She holds a BA in History (Seattle University) and an MA in Interdisciplinary Medieval Studies (Central European University).
Reading strategies and reading techniques:
Carmen Neis M.A. is a consultant at the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Management Office at Saarland University and a lecturer at the Writing Center in the ISZ Saar at Saarland University. Her work and research focuses on academic writing in German and German as a foreign language, writing process research and writing didactics, the development and promotion of writing skills and peer writing tutor training.
Oral communication for your studies:
Alexandra B. Lazar works part-time as an honorary lecturer at the International Study Center Saar (ISZ Saar) at Saarland University. In addition to teaching German as a second language, she also focuses on intercultural communication. In her seminars, she emphasizes the importance of the interplay of cultural openness, humour and communication for effective and life-relevant language learning.
Dr. Barbara Wolf has been teaching and lecturing German as a foreign language and German as a scientific language for over 15 years and coordinates the writing center at the ISZ Saar at Saarland University. She also supervises and advises students and doctoral candidates individually on their academic writing at various institutions (UdS, HTW Saar, TU Kaiserslautern, University of Trier). She has also been running creative writing workshops since 2023.
Click here for the writing center team.
Questions - Requests - Feedback?
Are you missing a consultation service? Would you like to give us feedback or a suggestion?
We look forward to receiving your message via the contact form.