PreCIS
Preparatory Course and Support Programme for International Students

A successful start to your Bachelor's degree

With the PreCIS programme, the TU Darmstadt supports international bachelor's degree students to successfully start their studies. For first-year students in the winter semester 2021/22, PreCIS will take place from September 10, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

Study preparation: In the two-week PreCIS Prepatory Course, which takes place in September before the regular start of your studies, you prepare for your studies at TU Darmstadt.

Study support: From October to March you will participate in the PreCIS Buddy Programme. You will meet regularly with students from higher semesters to discuss questions about your studies. As a PreCIS participant, you also have the opportunity to benefit from PreCIS Workshops.

11 September – 25 September 2020

The two-week Preparatory Course in gets you ready for your studies at TU Darmstadt.

  • Intensive course in the technical language of mathematics and German as a scientific language
  • Intercultural training
  • Training in study skills
  • Orientation at the university
  • Campus excursions
Picture: Lucas Beck

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Schedule Preparatory Course 2021/22 (opens in new tab)

Course contents in detail

Intensive course in the technical language of mathematics and German as a scientific language:

You can read the mathematical term in German in the picture above? Congratulations! If not – don't worry. Many international students face this linguistic challenge in the early stages of their studies.

With a language trainer, you will acquire a basic mathematical vocabulary and practice expressing your own questions and thoughts adequately. You will also deal with German as scientific language and explore how speaking and writing at the university differs from everyday language.

Training in study skills

Student trainers impart knowledge about different types of courses and help you develop techniques for good learning. They will also cover important topics of self management and time management.

Intercultural training

In intercultural training you will receive information about the German education system, work out what culture is all about and analyse different communication styles.

Introduction to mentoring

This event prepares you for the PreCIS Buddy Programme.

Orientation at the university and in Darmstadt

  • Campus tour “Stadtmitte”
  • Campus tour “Lichtwiese”
  • Darmstadt City Rally
  • Visit to a research facility of TU Darmstadt

Excursions

The PreCIS Preparatory Course includes at least two excursions.

  • canoe trip on the river Lahn:On the river you will get to know the other PreCIS participants* better and meet your buddies for the first time.
  • visit of the particle accelerator of the GSI- Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung

Please notice that the PreCIS Prepatory Course has to take place virtually. Therefore excursions will be replaced by other activities.

December 2020 – February 2021

Experienced students from higher years accompany the PreCIS participants through their first semester at the TU Darmstadt. At regular meetings you can discuss and ask questions about your studies and your stay in Darmstadt.

Picture: Katrin Binner

As a PreCIS participant you have the opportunity to take part in two workshops during your first semester.

  • Workshop on learning planning on 3 December 2021
  • Workshop on exam preparation 21 January 2022
Bild: Jan Ehlers
Picture: Jan Ehlers

PreCIS is open to international first year students who are taking up a bachelor's degree course at TU Darmstadt in the winter semester. The PreCIS Preparatory Course is suitable for all Bachelor's degree programmes.

To be eligible to register, you must have received your admission for a Bachelor's degree course at TU Darmstadt and mus already have demonstrated all necessary language skills required for your course of study.

Participation in the PreCIS Preparatory Course, the PreCIS Buddy Programme and the PreCIS Workshops is free of charge. To participate in any course excursions (e. g. canoeing on the Lahn) we charge a contribution towards expenses of up to 30 Euros.

Only a limited number of places are available for participation in PreCIS 2021/22. You should therefore register as soon as you have received your admission to a course of study at TU Darmstadt.

Registration for PreCIS 2021/22 will be possible by June until 22 August 2021.

Learn – Discover – Make friends

What former participants say about PreCIS

Chuchu (China), Mechanical Engineering:

“Because I have participated in the language classes, I can recognise and understand technical vocabulary, especially in mathematics, more quickly.”

Toshal (Mauritius), Electrical Engineering:

“Compared to other international students, the course gave me the advantage of knowing more about how things will go at the university.”

Hassan (Syria), computer science:

"Any questions you want to ask, you can just ask. They will all be answered. My buddy advised me on how to prepare for exams – also which lectures are the most important.

Reports