iSTEPS ILC Program

The International Office and the Center of Language and Communciation (ZSK) have teamed up to offer German Intensive Language Courses (ILC) during the lecture-free period before the start of the lecture period.

Courses are usually tuition-based, but through the iSTEPS program at UR, students in certain degree programs may be exempt from tuition and attend classes free of charge.

In addition to the German language course, the program also includes social activities and excursions. For these activities, a contribution is required.

The Intensive German Courses always take place during the lecture-free period. The beginning and end of the courses vary slightly from semester to semester, depending on when the lecture period of the semester is set to start. In general, courses begin about 5 weeks before lectures commence and consists of 20 days of lessons.

Course dates in fall 2024: September 9 - October 8, 2024

Classes are held daily Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 2:30pm.

Students enrolled in the following degree programs have the opportunity to apply for an Intensive German Language Course through the iSTEPS program at UR:

• Master British Studies
• Master Computational Science
• Master Ecology, Evolution, Conservation
• Master Economics
• Master English Linguistics
• Master European Studies
• Master European-American Studies
• Master Mathematics
• Master Physics
• Master Advanced Synthesis and Catalysis (SynCat)

Please note:

The option to participate in an intensive language course through the iSTEPS program is only available to regular students of the above-mentioned degree programs and not to students in double degree programs.

The iSTEPS ILC program offers intensive German courses covering levels A1 to B2. The curriculum for each level consists of 104 hours of lessons and is divided into two sub-courses:

• Course 1: Language Course (80 lessons)
• Course 2: Language Training (24 lessons)

It is possible to complete half a proficiency level (A1.1, A1.2, A2.1, A2.2, etc.) within one ILC course.

As an eligible student admitted to the iSTEPS ILC program, you will be exempt from paying the tuition fee.

However, you will have to pay a mandatory contribution of € 90  for the social activities and excursions included in the ILC program.

After successfully completing the Intensive Course, students receive a "Schein" (certificate) with their ECTS credits and grades. A total of 12 ECTS credits is awarded for the Intensive German Course. The criteria for receiving ECTS credits are as follows:

• Regular attendance (at least 75%)
• Active participation in class
• Successful completion of all mandatory course assessments (e.g. tests)

The awarded grade has no influence on the number of ECTS credits that students receive. The overall grade is determined by the median grade from the two sub-courses. The Language Course is weighted 75%  and the Language Training 25%.

Each course is assessed as follows:

Language Course:

• Mid-term test (40%)
• Final test (60%)

Language Training:

• Active participation/course performance assessment (40%)
• Course-related work/paper/project (60%)

By completing the application form below, eligible students can apply for a place on the course. Application deadline for the fall 2024 ILC program is July 10, 2024.

Please note:

• A place on the ILC program is not guaranteed and is subject to availability.
• Admission to the ILC program will be granted after the application deadline by the end of July at the latest.
• In order to participate in the ILC program you must take a placement test. Details regarding the placement test will be provided after admission to the course.