Support schemes
For a good start
Buddy programme
The Buddy Programme offers international degree-seeking and exchange students a helping hand during the settling-in phase.
The buddies, experienced students from the University of Erfurt:
- help the international students on their arrival
- show them their first routes on campus
- show them their study city
- help them to make contacts
- support them with questions and challenges
Intensive German course
The Language Centre offers a free intensive German course for international students at the University of Erfurt every semester before the start of the lecture period.
- Target groups:
- Exchange students
- international students on English-language Master's programmes (from 2nd semester) and international doctoral students
- Winter semester course: September / Summer semester course: March
- Duration: 4 weeks, 80 hours of German lessons
- Levels offered: A1, A2.1, B1.1
- Credit points / ECTS: 6
Exchange students register as part of their application!
Degree-seeking students (from 2nd semester) and doctoral students register via the Language Centre!
Hospitality project
Strangers Become Friends
Getting to know the local culture and way of life
The award-winning hospitality project Strangers Become Friends matches international students with host families in the city of Erfurt. With the help of the project, students can get to know people from Erfurt outside the campus. Hosts and students can explore Erfurt and Thuringia together, play sports and music, cook together, and so on.
International Regulars Table
What? The International Regulars Rable is a good opportunity to get to know people from other countries, make friends and improve your foreign language skills.
Where? Havana Bar (Neuwerkstr. 10)
When? Every third Monday of the month, 8 pm
Offers on campus
German Meet & Speak
What? Practice and improve your German skills! Informal meeting with local and international students to speak German. Ask your individual questions concerning homework, term papers, German language. Discuss and network with German students who are happy to answer your questions and chat with you.
When? Every second week on Thursdays, from 4.00 to 6.00 pm, on the following dates in winter semester 2025/26:
- 16.10.2025
- 30.10.2025
- 13.11.2025
- 27.11.2025
- 11.12.2025
- 08.01.2026
- 22.01.2026
- 05.02.2026
Where? Lernwerkstatt - C03 - Lehrgebäude 1, room 0028
Café International - Journey around the world
Café I is an event organised by the Studierendenwerk Thüringen. Typically, a student presents an aspect of the respective country, culture or language. Typical dishes from the country are also brought along.
What does Café I offer?
- interesting presentations and networking with other students
- typical dishes from the country
- traditional dances
The Café International programme is organised by student scouts from Erfurt's universities.
When does it take place? Every Tuesday at 8 pm during the lecture period
Where does it take place? Cafeteria Hörsaal 7 (University of Erfurt, Campus, C02 - Administration Building)
Learning languages as a team
The Language Learning in Tandem project is organised by the Language Centre. In tandem, two people can support each other in learning a language. Tandem learning is a form of open learning in which two people with different first languages work together to teach each other the other language.
Advantages:
- individual time management
- free choice of topics
- flexible learning
- linguistic and intercultural exchange
Swap Shop
You couldn't bring any household items from abroad? No problem!
The Swap Shopis a sustainable exchange centre for household items. International students who come to Erfurt to study can borrow household items there for the duration of their stay. The puzzle box is located in the basement of C07 - teaching building 2, room 3b (-112).
Sample items (subject to availability!):
- Cups and glasses
- Pots and pans
- Plates and bowls
Student groups
University group Erfurt International Students
Erfurt International Students (EIS) was newly founded in 2025. The university group itself has been in existence since 2013.
EIS regularly organises events on and off campus and is committed to:
- the integration of international students into socio-cultural activities
- the internationalisation of campus life
- a cosmopolitan and inclusive campus culture
AEGEE
The AEGEE university group at the University of Erfurt is part of the Europe-wide AEGEE network (Association des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l'Europe / European Students' Forum), which campaigns for the interests of young people in Europe and promotes their growing together.
Student matters
Student Council (StuRa)
The Student Council (StuRa) represents the interests of students at the university.
The International Affairs department of the Student Council advises international students on campus and works closely with the International Office of the University of Erfurt, as well as with the student councils and university groups.
The department is committed to:
- the rights, interests and integration of all international students at the University of Erfurt
- the promotion of a cosmopolitan and non-discriminatory university culture
- the promotion of cross-cultural exchange
University Sports
Studying doesn't just take place in the lecture halls!
The University Sports Club offers a variety of inexpensive sports courses, including, for example: football, climbing, floorball, trampolining, yoga, aroha, etc.
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