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"Lost in Germany?" Tools for Navigating Cultural Adaptation
| Format | Face-to-face course (room tbc) |
| Course language | English (Level B1 required) |
| Course date and time | Thursday, 10 December 2026, 2.00 – 5.00 p.m. |
| Registration | until Tuesday, 8 December 2026, 10 a.m. via the registration form (click here) |
| Further information | sarah.gisch(at)uni-saarland.de |
| Course fee | free of charge for international Bachelor's and Master's students and doctoral students from all faculties of Saarland University |
| ECTS points | The workshop (4 hours) is recognized within the Core skills programme (Kompass – Schlüsselkompetenzen) of ZeLL. You can receive a certificate of equivalence: 30 hours = 1 credit point (CP). Conditions/further information on the acquisition of CP/ECTS credits |
Different, unfamiliar, or even strange – or just plain exhausting?
Moving to a new country and adapting to a different cultural and academic environment is a big step – and can be challenging. Things may work differently from what you expected. You may feel overwhelmed, uncertain, out of place, or simply exhausted – whether you have just arrived in Germany or have been here for some time.
But you’re not alone. People who step outside their familiar surroundings can face similar challenges, although their experiences may differ considerably. That sense of not quite feeling settled or at ease can persist, even long after the initial transition.
Because people respond differently to stress, the stress that comes with cultural adaptation can often go unnoticed or be overlooked as an underlying cause. Yet it is a natural part of many mobility experiences, and there are strategies to navigate the challenges of cultural adaptation more effectively – and even turn it into an opportunity for growth.
In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore practical tools and strategies to better understand and cope with cultural adaptation. Through short theoretical inputs, hands-on exercises, and guided reflection, you’ll gain fresh perspectives on the adaptation process and explore ways to navigate your time in Germany with greater ease.
You can share experiences, exchange practical tips, and connect with other international students in a safe and supportive space.
What we’ll cover
1. My experience in Germany
- Identifying your personal stressors and coping resources
- Reflecting on and strengthening your strategies for navigating cultural adaptation
- Rethinking the “culture shock” model
2. My communities and social connections
- Getting to know and making use of support networks on and off campus
By the end of the workshop
You’ll have a clearer understanding of your own adaptation process and feel better equipped to cope with the challenges that may arise along the way.
Tutor:
Sarah Gisch is a research associate at the International Study Center Saar (ISZ Saar) at Saarland University. In addition to teaching intercultural communication, she coordinates the project “International academic culture”, which aims to improve the academic success of international students at Saarland University. She has extensive experience as an intercultural trainer in various, mainly university-related contexts and cooperative projects.