Welcome and Orientation events for international students
DATES AND CONTENT
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First Meeting (Orientation & Getting to know each other) and Farewell Meeting
First Meeting
At the start of the intercultural study preparation course STEPin, we cordially invite all participants to the kick-off event. This first meeting offers the opportunity to get to know the permanent course group and lay the foundation for a semester together.
The focus will be on mutual introductions and initial networking, playful activities to get to know each other, and a presentation of the program: What topics can you expect? What are the goals of the course? And how can you personally benefit from the content?
The kick-off event creates an open and trusting atmosphere in which you can ask questions, discover commonalities, and experience the diversity of the group. To make it extra cozy, we also invite you to coffee and cake—the perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation and relax at the end of the afternoon.
Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: International Office, Room 009
Farewell Meeting
For our farewell meeting, we’ll gather for a cozy Potluck Dinner! Everyone brings a little something to share, and together, we’ll enjoy a relaxed evening full of good food, laughter, and memories from this semester. A perfect way to celebrate our last get-together!
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 6 pm
Location: International Office, Room 009
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German Language Course A1.1 at the LLC
The course is aimed at participants in the STEPin program and offers an introduction to the German language at level A1.1. Our German course is designed to help you communicate confidently and master everyday life in Germany (course for absolute beginners).
Course number: DE105-4 German (A1.1) STEPin
Time: Monday, 2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Room: Leibniz Language Center - F018, Building 1101
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Seminars
Sunday, October 19, 2025 “Team Building”
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: International Office, Room 009
To help you grow together as a cohesive group, we warmlyinvite you to our team building workshop! Together, we want to build trust, strengthen cooperation, and get to know each other even better through a variety of activities. Look forward to a mix of interactive games, small challenges, and lots of fun—of course, there will also be time for conversation and exchange. Team building is an important step in going through the STEPin program together and learning from each other.
Thursday, November 13, 2025 “Mental Health in College” Followed by Bowling
Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m., Followed by Bowling
Location: International Office, Room 009
Studying in a new country brings many opportunities, but also challenges. In our mental health seminar, we will look at strategies for greater well-being in everyday life, dealing with stress and exam pressure, and ways to strengthen our own mental health. Together, we want to talk about experiences, learn practical tips, and find ways to stay balanced – even during stressful phases of our studies. The seminar also offers space for group discussion and helpful contacts at the university.
Afterwards, we will go bowling together.
Wednesday, November 19, 2025 “Starting Strong : Developing your Academic Voice”
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Leibniz Language Center
Writing academic texts in English or German is a new challenge for many students. In our Academic Writing Seminar, you will receive a practical introduction to the basics of academic writing. The seminar combines short inputs with exercises in which you can directly apply what you have learned. There will also be time for questions and sharing your own experiences. This will ensure that you are well prepared for successfully writing papers during your studies.
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Social Activities
Saturday, December 13, 2025 “Christmas Market”
Time: from 6 p.m.
Location: Christmas Market in Downtown Hanover
The festive atmosphere of the Advent season invites you to stroll, enjoy, and discover together! We gladly invite you to visit the Christmas market with the STEPin group. Look forward to sparkling lights, delicious treats, and the opportunity to spend time together, chat, and enjoy the pre-Christmas atmosphere. A perfect moment to come together as a group and experience the diversity of traditions.
Friday, December 19, 2025 “Christmas cooking baking”
Time: from 6 p.m.
Location: International Office, Room 009
The Advent season is the perfect opportunity to get together and make yourselves comfortable! That's why we cordially invite you to join in for baking some cookies.
Wednesday, January 07, 2026 “Movie night”
Time: from 6 p.m.
Location: International Office, Room 009
Movie Night is all about slowing down, getting comfortable, and enjoying a good film together. Cozy seats, snacks to share, and the chance to simply relax with fellow students after a busy day. It’s the perfect little midweek escape – nothing fancy, just a friendly evening where you can lean back, laugh, and enjoy the atmosphere.
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Daytrip Hamburg
Date: October 25, 2025 | Saturday
Experience a special day in Hamburg! In addition to the classic city tour of the most important sights such as the harbor, Speicherstadt, and historic squares, a special highlight awaits you: the “Dialogue in Silence”. Here, you will be impressed by how communication can work without words.
Participation fee: €25 per person
Impression from last year!
The course lasts one semester. The programme components are compulsory, i.e. registration for the STEPin programme includes participation in ALL programmes. Up to 4 ECTS can be awarded for successful participation (depending on the pursued degree).
STEPin course is only offered for full time students doing their Master in English language.
30167 Hannover