Modules: UNIversInternational

Sign up for our UNIversInternational certification programme and complete three interesting modules that will boost your language and intercultural skills.

Demonstrate that you have the language skills it takes to work in an international environment.

The ‘English Language Skills’ module is designed to ensure that all participants pursuing the certificate have English language skills at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) B2 level.

To successfully complete module 1, you will have to:
a) take one of the job-related English language courses from our programme (‘Office Communication in English - Intermediate Course’ or ‘Office Communication in English - Advanced Course’)

or

b) demonstrate by some other means that you already have the required language skills: e.g. by taking a mobility test at the Language Centre or by submitting proof of an (academic) publication that you have written in English.

You are unsure whether we will accept your language certificate? Get in touch! We will be happy to speak to you.

You didn’t find an English language course that matches your needs in our regular programme? We can also offer courses specifically designed for particular target groups. Feel free to get in touch!

Demonstrate that you are sensitive to cultural differences.

Module 2 ‘Intercultural Skills’ is designed to raise awareness of cultural differences and develop an understanding of how our cultural background influences the way we behave and the way we perceive and interpret the behaviour of others.

To successfully complete module 2:
You will have to take two courses; first a basic and then an advanced intercultural training course.

In addition to the courses that are taught in German, we also offer an advanced intercultural training course on ‘Navigating Conflicts in International Contexts: The Power of Communication’ that is taught in English.

Participate in a staff mobility and gain intercultural experience abroad.

Module 3 ‘Intercultural Experience’ is designed to give participants an idea of what it is like to be an international visitor. You will participate in a staff mobility experience at an institution abroad and - if you have completed modules 1 and 2 already - will get the opportunity to put into practice what you have learned there.

To successfully complete module 3, you will have to:
Spend a total of at least five working days in another EU country - either consecutive or combining several stays with a duration of at least two days each - and write a reflective report (at least two DIN A4-size pages) about your experience. If you work in the Central Administration, please read our information sheet (available in German only).

Below are two examples of what your mobility experience could look like:

1. "Job shadow" a person who is working in a role that is similar to yours at an internationally recognised university in another EU country.

“Job shadowing” is a form of work-related learning in which you get the opportunity to gain an insight into an international colleague’s field of work. As the “shadower”, you spend a limited amount of time at your host organisation, where you observe how specific workflows and processes are carried out, and how your counterpart deals with the challenges typically faced in your field. When, in turn taking on the role of the “host”, you take an international colleague in and give them insights into your tasks and regular workflows.

You are interested in participating in a job shadowing experience? Here are some of the options that are available to you:
-Apply for a place on our annual job shadowing exchange with the University of Caen, which is organised by the team at Professional Development.
-Get in touch with Professional Development for assistance in making contact with one of our other partner universities.
-Contact colleagues at universities abroad directly (e.g. at our partner universities within the CHARM-EU alliance) to find a job shadowing partner.

A guide with more detailed information about what a job shadowing experience involves, how you can prepare and follow up effectively and what an ideal job shadowing visit looks like will soon be available here.

2. Attend a "staff week" that is related to your job duties. You can search for staff weeks on the iMotion website.

Funding opportunities: You can receive funding for your mobility through the Erasmus+ programme. There are a range of options that can be funded. More detailed information and contacts for advice on funding opportunities under Erasmus+ can be found on the web pages of the Service Centre InterNational Transfer.

Advice: You still have questions or need some assistance? You already have an idea for your job-related mobility experience and need some help putting it into practice? Your circumstances won’t allow you to go abroad anytime soon? Get in touch and we will find out which format or combination of formats works best for you. We will find a solution that fits your specific situation!

Did you know? Together with the Service Centre InterNational Transfer, we hold at least one information event each year for members of our support staff who are interested in participating in a mobility experience. Check our calendar of events.

What Our Participants Say About Their Intercultural Experiences

‘It was totally worth it, a great experience! The topics covered were very interesting, and it was great to meet people from so many different countries and to be speaking English all the time.’

‘All in all, I think […] this Erasmus Staff Week was just great. I found both the work-related discussions and the exchange with people from other cultures very motivating.’