ERFURT – Teaching German to people from other countries is an important goal, serving, among other things, integration into society and the labor market, as well as cultural exchange across national borders. This is implemented by teachers of German as a Foreign and Second Language (GFL/GSL). In Thuringia, the Friedrich Schiller University Jena is particularly active in this area, operating so-called German Studies Institute Partnerships (GIPs) abroad together with the Philipps University of Marburg. These partnerships facilitate cooperation in the initial, continuing, and advanced training of GFL/GSL teachers, as well as networking and international exchange. Against this backdrop, both universities are hosting an International GIP Symposium from August 4 to 8 entitled "Subject-Specific and Language-Integrated Teaching in Schools, Universities, and the Workplace." The event, which will take place at several locations in Thuringia, will focus on the topic of vocational German language instruction. The German Professional School (GPS) is a cooperation partner of the universities, providing organizational and financial support for the symposium. Since its founding last year, GPS has been preparing migrants specifically for vocational training in Thuringia and placing them in companies; this is achieved through courses in German language and (social) culture, as well as comprehensive career coaching. The kick-off event for the GIP Symposium will take place on August 4, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the COMCENTER Brühl, the event venue of LEG Thüringen– GPS is located within LEG.
The primary target audience for the entire event is teachers of German as a Foreign Language (GFL) and German as a Second Language (GSL) from the various countries where the two universities maintain Joint International Programs (GIPs). These countries are Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Spain, Poland, the Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The GIPs are funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). Symposium participants also include academics, representatives from educational institutions, and business leaders. The opening event on August 4th will facilitate intensive exchange among all participants through lectures, workshops, and other networking formats. Lecture topics include practical, vocational language training and a concrete example of GFL/GSL activities abroad: the situation of vocational German language instruction in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The workshops will focus on modern GFL/GSL teaching methods in the field of vocational German language instruction.
In the following days, the participants work in groups on further topics. In addition, the teachers have numerous opportunities to visit Thuringian companies and gain diverse knowledge about vocational German language instruction and the dual vocational training system in Germany. This is supported by GPS, which, through its work, has a close network with Thuringian companies.
All media representatives are cordially invited to attend the opening event.
- Location: Erfurt, COMCENTER Brühl, Mainzerhofstraße 10
- Time: Monday, August 4, 2025, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM – from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM there will be an opportunity to speak with the organizers
Further information about the event, including the program:
https://www.german-professional-school.de/aktuelles/veranstaltungen/fach--und-sprachintegrierter-unterricht-in-schule-hochschule-und-beruf
