www.aspetersen.de Home > Events and dates > University courses and workshops > RWTH Aachen > Workshop FAQ

RWTH Workshop FAQ

Questions? Need more info? Check here first, this FAQ should answer the most common questions on the workshop.

If there are any questions you have which are not answered, please contact us.

Q: Where do I register for the workshop?
A: Registration is handled by the International Office , see also the workshop description here 

IMPORTANT: Since there is usually a waiting list for this workshop, only sign up if you really plan to attend. If you signed up and are not able to attend, please inform the organizers at the International Office immediately, and at least 2 days before the workshop takes place, by sending an email to azadeh.hartmann-alampour [at] zhv.rwth-aachen [dot] de, so another student from the waiting list can take your place. If you signed up for the workshop but don't show up, and didn't inform the organizers at the International Office in advance, you might not be able to attend the workshop the next time it is hosted.

Organization of the workshop is handled by the International Office:

RWTH Aachen - International Office 
(Ms.) Azadeh Hartmann-Alampour
RWTH Aachen University
Dezernat 2.0 - International Office, Fundraising and Alumni
Abt. 2.2 - Betreuung / Div. 2.2 - International Student and Scholar Services
Templergraben 57, Raum 428
52062 Aachen, Germany
Phone: 0241/80 90833
Fax: 0241 80 92662
Email: azadeh.hartmann-alampour [at] zhv.rwth-aachen [dot] de

The easiest way to register is by sending an email that includes name and matriculation (student's registration) number.

Q: I have registered for the workshop, what happens next?
A: Once you have registered for the workshop with the RWTH International Office, you will receive further information from us by email about about 1 or 2 weeks prior to the workshop.

IMPORTANT: Please make sure that your email system is configured so it does not reject email from aspetersen.de. If your organisation uses a system-wide spam filter, make sure you add the domain aspetersen.de to your "white list". If your email system rejects our email or mistakes it for spam, you might never receive these important details about the workshop.

Q: I am registered for the workshop, but unfortunately I am unable to attend, what should I do?
A: Since there is usually a waiting list for this workshop, only sign up if you really plan to attend. If you signed up and are not able to attend, please inform the organizers at the International Office immediately, and at least 2 days before the workshop takes place, by sending an email to azadeh.hartmann-alampour [at] zhv.rwth-aachen [dot] de, so another student from the waiting list can take your place. If you signed up for the workshop but don't show up, and didn't inform the organizers at the International Office in advance, you might not be able to attend the workshop the next time it is hosted.
Q: Where will future dates for the workshop be announced?
A: Future dates for the workshops will be announced in the following ways:
  1. Through our RWTH_WIC_ANNOUNCE mailing list. This is an announcement-only mailing list that is used exclusively to inform about news relating to the RWTH Workshops on Intercultural Communication.

    To sign up, enter your email address below and click Subscribe.

    Please make sure your e-mail address is correct and doesn't contain any typing errors, otherwise we won't be able to get in contact with you.

    Your e-mail address:

    Important: In order to make sure that this form is not abused by spam robots, please enter the number corresponding to the sum of 9 plus 4 into the field below.

    The sum of 9 + 4 is:



  2. The list of workshop dates is also published on our web site.

  3. Our newsletter, which is distributed by email, also contains information about the dates for the RWTH workshops, as well as on our other events, articles we have written, books we recommend, etc..
If you would like to make sure you don't miss future dates for the workshop, you should choose option 1. This way, as soon as more dates for the workshop are finalized, you will automatically be notified through our RWTH_WIC_ANNOUNCE mailing list.
Q: Is there a fee for participating in this workshop?
A: No, there isn't. Participation is free for all students enrolled at RWTH Aachen University.
Q: I'm interested in what participants of previous workshops had to say about it, do you make their feedback available?
A: Yes, please see the testimonials and feedback section for a selection of what students had to say.
Q: I would like to join, but I won't have time to attend both full days of the workshop, is that o.k.?
A: Since the second day's material builds on that of the first, full attendance is highly recommended. You should consider signing up for a future workshop, when you have time to attend both full days.
Q: Is this an English language course?
A: No. This is not a conventional English course where you brush up on vocabulary and grammar. We will, however, be looking at how to upgrade your English intercultural communication skills by examining the characteristics of "English-English" (as opposed to "German-English"), and the natural diplomatic potential of the language. We can guarantee you have never encountered this approach in a conventional language course, which will significantly improve your English commmunication skills.
Q: What level should my English be?
A: With respect to the level of English used in our workshops, we guarantee clear and easy comprehension. A solid high-school level of English is usually sufficient. In no way does your English need to be perfect; you should, however, feel comfortable in contributing to discussions and participating in activities.
Q: I would like to join, but I'm not sure if my English is good enough. What should I do?
A: If you not sure whether your English skills meet the recommended level (see above), contact us and we'll be happy to have a brief chat with you on the phone. This way we can determine quickly whether you'll be comfortable in the workshop.
Q: What if I'm not a student at RWTH Aachen, but at another university?
A: These workshops are hosted by the RWTH Aachen, and are specifically targeted at RWTH students of all faculties. The admission of students of other universities (e.g. FH Aachen) is handled on a case-by-case basis, and usually only possible if vacancies for the workshop have not been filled by RWTH students. Contact the RWTH Alumni Team for details.

If you think that there's a strong enough demand for similar courses at your university, contact us.

Q: What if I'm not a student at RWTH, but an employee?
A: If you are a staff member at RWTH Aachen University, who for instance often has contacts with foreign students (e.g. employees of the International Office, the registration or examination departments), and would like to learn more about intercultural communication, please see the workshops that we give within the framework of the "Weiterbildung für das nichtwissenschaftliche Personal". Contact Vera Sevenich, RWTH Aachen, Dezernat 5, Weiterbildung für das nichtwissenschaftliche Personal  for details.
Q: What if I'm a doctoral student at RWTH?
A: If you are a doctoral student at RWTH Aachen University, you should consider taking a similar workshop we offer regularly for the Center for Doctoral Studies (CDS) .
Q: What if I'm a PostDoc at RWTH?
A: If you are a PostDoc at RWTH Aachen University, you should consider taking a similar workshop we offer for your target group. Please contact Eva Klein-Heßling, RWTH Aachen, Dezernat 8.0, who co-ordinates the non-scientific seminar program for PostDocs . Within this program, which is part of the "Excellence Initiative", we offer workshops on intercultural communication for PostDocs at RWTH Aachen University.
Q: Do you offer something for professors at RWTH?
A: If you are a professor at RWTH Aachen University, please contact Eva Klein-Heßling, RWTH Aachen, Dezernat 8.0, co-ordinator of the "Starter Kits" program for professors . Within this program, which is part of the "Excellence Initiative", we offer short workshops on intercultural communication for professors at RWTH Aachen University.
Q: Is this an accredited course?
A: No, it isn't; however, you will receive a certificate of participation, issued by the head of the Institute of Industrial and Organisational Psychology  and Director of Alumni Relations, as well as the workshop trainer.
Q: Why are the workshops held in English?
A: There are several adantages and reasons for holding the seminars in English:

  • For German students: In the future it is very likely that their intercultural communication skills will have to be applied using English. English is unarguably an important intercultural communication tool, but not just because it is the acknowledged "international language" and that "everyone speaks it"! By holding the seminar in English, participants will be shown by example how "good English" can be optimised as the "perfect" intermediary tool in intercultural communication.

  • For foreign students: The RWTH now offers Master's programmes in various subject areas, which are taught either entirely or partly in English. Many foreign students who have been recruited for these programmes would not be able to benefit from the seminars if they were to be held in German. This would prevent the seminars from reaching the widest range of participants of different cultural backgrounds as possible.


Last changes to this page:
2011/10/01		 Copyright © 1999-2012 A. & S. Petersen
www.aspetersen.de

You are here: Home > Events and dates > University courses and workshops > RWTH Aachen > Workshop FAQ