Advance Your Career

The “Promote Your Career” project is supported as part of the FIT program (Promotion of International Talent for Integration into Higher Education and the Labor Market) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR). The project will run from 2024 to 2028. The primary target group consists of international students enrolled in the English-language master’s programs “Electrical Communication Engineering,” “Global Political Economy and Development,” “Economic Behavior and Governance,” and “International Food Business and Consumer Studies.”

The goal of the project is to support international students with tailored Services from the start of their studies through to a successful career launch. The International Office, the Career Service, and the International Study Center/Language Center are responsible for implementing the project in close collaboration with the academic programs.

What does the project entail?

“Promote Your Career” helps international students prepare linguistically, academically, and personally for their future academic and professional paths in Germany. The project brings together services from the International Language Center, the Career Service, and the International Office.

The services cover three key areas:


Learning German and improving language skills: The International Language Center offers German courses from A1 to B2 that are specifically tailored to the participants’ needs. In addition to practical everyday language skills, the courses also teach language skills relevant to academic and professional life.

Planning your career and entering the German job market: The Career Service supports you with career guidance and helps you enter the German job market. Through workshops and counseling sessions, you’ll receive information and practical support on various career topics, among other things.

Building a sense of community and getting to know the university: The International Office organizes social and intercultural services where you can meet other international and German students, make connections, and discover the university and student life in Kassel.

What makes our PYC German language courses special?

The language courses offered by the “Promote Your Career” project differ significantly from the general German language courses offered by the International Study Center/Language Center. They offer you a decisive advantage: From the very beginning, they are consistently geared toward your professional success. Even at the beginner levels A1 and A2, they integrate elements of professional language into the lessons. Accompanying workshops address workplace-relevant communication situations, support you through the job application process, and help you develop your intercultural skills. Starting at the intermediate level (B1), specialised communicative courses are added to specifically train skills such as presenting, arguing, and discussing.

The application period for the 2026–27 winter semester runs from September 14 to October 9, 2026. 

In the 2026/27 winter semester, we are offering the following German courses.

 

Course 1: German for Absolute Beginners, Target Level: A1.1, corresponding to Level A1.1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Course Content: This course was developed for beginners with no prior knowledge of German and teaches strategies for simple communication situations in academic and everyday life. All four skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—are practiced and supported by online materials on the Moodle learning platform.

Textbook: *Netzwerk neu A1.1*, textbook and workbook with audio and video materials (Klett Verlag), ISBN: 978-3-12-607161-1. Purchase of the textbook is mandatory.

Course dates: October 26, 2026–February 10, 2027, Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:00–7:15 p.m. (including a 15-minute break). Attendance requirement: 75% ECTS credits: 8

This course includes two mandatory Moodle workshops: Saturday, November 7, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., online via Zoom; and Saturday, November 14, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., online via Zoom.

 

Course 2: Hybrid German Course for Advanced Learners Target level: A2.2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Course dates: October 28, 2026–February 12, 2027, Wednesdays 4:00–7:15 p.m. + Fridays, 2:00–5:15 p.m. (including a 15-minute break). Attendance requirement: 75%, ECTS: 8

Course Content: This course was developed for advanced learners with prior knowledge of the German language. It teaches strategies for communicative situations at the university, in everyday life, and in the workplace. All four skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—are practiced and supplemented with online materials on the Moodle learning platform for further study and exam preparation.This level concludes with an exam at the A2 level. 

Textbook to be purchased separately: Netzwerk neu A2.2 – Hybrid Edition by allango, course and workbook with audio and video, Klett Verlag, ISBN 978-3-12-607287-8.

This course includes two mandatory career-oriented online workshops on Saturday, January 23, 2027, and Saturday, January 30, 2027, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

 

Course 3: Hybrid German Course for Advanced Learners Target level: B1.1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Course dates: October 28, 2026–February 12, 2027, Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:00–5:15 p.m. (including a 15-minute break). Attendance requirement: 75% ECTS: 8

Course Content: This course teaches important language fundamentals for everyday life and the workplace. In addition to vocabulary and grammar, the focus is on speaking and writing skills as well as typical situations in the professional world: understanding job postings, writing cover letters, conducting phone calls and technical discussions, as well as arguing professionally, giving presentations, and presenting one’s own professional background. Videos, online materials, lesson quizzes, and writing assignments are available on the Moodle learning platform for further study and exam preparation. 

Textbook to be purchased separately: *Netzwerk neu B1.1 Hybrid Edition* by allango, course and workbook with audio and video, Klett Verlag, ISBN 978-3-12-607290-8

This course includes two mandatory career-oriented online workshops on Saturday, January 23, 2027, and Saturday, January 30, 2027, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Who can participate in the “Promote Your Career” project?

The project’s primary target group consists of international students enrolled in an English-language master’s program at the University of Kassel (Electrical Communication Engineering, Global Political Economy and Development, Economic Behavior and Governance, International Food Business and Consumer Studies, and others). Participation in the project is free of charge, but the number of available spots is limited. We recommend applying early. In accordance with DAAD guidelines, exchange students and students from partner universities are not eligible to participate in the project.

What do our German courses cover?

In our German courses, you can specifically expand your language skills. We offer tailored content for proficiency levels A1 through B2. We’ll prepare you for any situation: communicate with greater confidence in everyday life, make a strong impression at work with professional language, and master the linguistic challenges of your studies. Our practical courses provide you with optimal preparation for your personal and professional journey. We collaborate with the International Office and the Career Service, which offer workshops in a professional context and company field trips.

Our workshops strengthen your communication skills, support you in applying for an internship or job, and teach you the intercultural competencies that are essential in professional life. 

On our Moodle learning platform, you’ll find numerous resources for in-depth study and review: exercises and quizzes, vocabulary lists, idioms, learning apps, videos, podcasts, links to helpful websites with additional information, and study tips. 

How are the language courses structured?

You’ll learn German during the semester and during semester breaks in intensive courses so that you can reach the B2 level according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) after two years. 

Example of a two-year program:

Image source: L. Schikowski, created with ChatGPT

How can I apply for a spot in the program?

We’re launching a new cycle of the project in the winter semester of 26/27. Therefore, all participants who are not yet enrolled in the PYC courses must reapply for the project. All applications for the summer semester of 2026 will no longer be valid.

In addition to general information and details about your German language skills, you must submit a statement of purpose. Please make notes on this in advance. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) must be filled out. If these fields are left blank, you will receive an error message and your application will not be received by us. If your documents are incomplete, you will need to reapply. 

The application form for the winter semester 26/27 will be available from September 14 through October 9.

Do I need to provide proof of my German language proficiency?

If you have no knowledge of German, no proof is required. If you have prior knowledge, we ask that you take an online test from Cornelsen Verlag.

Select the appropriate level: A1, A2, B1, and plan to spend about 45 to 60 minutes on the test. Do not use a dictionary during the test. At the end, you’ll receive your results via email—this serves as proof of your German language skills. If you have a language certificate, please upload it as a PDF file along with your other supporting documents in the application form; other file formats will not be accepted.

Which documents must be uploaded with the application?

The following documents are required as a single PDF file with your application: Certificate of Enrollment (not a letter of admission!), language certificate (no older than 1 year), or Cornelsen test (level A1.2 or higher). Only PDF files are accepted when uploading; otherwise, you will receive an error message. Applications submitted with an admission letter will not be accepted. Therefore, please send us the correct documents from the start. You can merge individual files using pdf24: https://tools.pdf24.org/de/.

What should I do if my level is higher than that of the current project course?

We recommend that you first take the Cornelsen test at the level you have already reached. If your level is higher than that of the current courses, we unfortunately cannot officially admit you to the program this semester. You can then reapply for the next semester, provided we have available spots at that time. However, you have the option of taking general language courses at the Language Center (at your own expense, if applicable). 

You can find information about the ISZ courses under “German for Studies and Careers.” For detailed information about the ISZ courses, please send an email to deutschlernen[at]uni-kassel[dot]de.

What happens if I drop a course?

If you have a valid reason for dropping out of a course—such as illness, an accident, a death in the family, etc.—you must contact us immediately in writing by email at pyc-german-for-the-job[at]uni-kassel[dot]de. We will try to find a solution for you.

Is attendance mandatory for the Promote Your Career German courses?

Yes, as with all courses at the International Language Center, there is a 75% attendance requirement. Attendance at the German courses and workshops in the program is mandatory. If you miss too many sessions, you will not be admitted to the exam, and we may assign your spot in the program to other students. Please only register for our program if you can realistically meet the 75% attendance requirement.

PYC Language
International Study Center/Language Center at the University of Kassel
Kurt-Wolters-Straße 5, Room 2025
D-34125 Kassel
Tel.: +49 (0)561-804-3772
Email: pyc-german-for-the-job[at]uni-kassel[dot]de

 

PYC Career

UniKasselTransfer Career Service 

Advisory Office in the Campus Center
Moritzstraße 18, Ground Floor, Room 0106

Phone: +49 561 804-3263

Email: career[at]uni-kassel[dot]de

 

PYC Coordinator & Social Affairs

International Office – Maria Weisensee

Campus Center, Moritzstraße 18, 2nd floor 

Phone: +49 561 804-3564

Email: promote-your-career[at]uni-kassel[dot]de