Offers during the Semester

Preparatory German courses

Please find information on our preparatory German courses here.

Study-related language courses

Please find information on the language courses offered by HSBI on the Language Center pages.

You can also attend other language courses (e.g. English, French, Arabic, Chinese) at Bielefeld University’s Language Centre as an occasional student.

Please find more information on Bielefeld University’s Language Centre here.

Other language courses

There are also other language schools in Bielefeld that offer German and other language courses.


You can use the professional online language courses developed by speexx to train and improve your skills in English, Spanish, French, Italian or German. The courses are available for self-study in ILIAS. In the ILIAS repository, you will also find other courses that you can take for free. The language courses can be found under Repository > Self-learning courses > Language Trainings or directly via this ILIAS link.
Seminars and workshops

HSBI offers a variety of seminars, workshops and training courses that could also be of interest to you. This includes support on the following topics:

  • Scientific writing (workshops and individual advice)
  • Use of the library (e.g. literature research, citation methods)
  • Oral and written presentations
  • Application training
  • Exam nerves
Please find more information here.
Association for International Students

ViSiB is a non-profit association that has been working for international students since 1985.
The association awards scholarships for which you can apply through the International Office.

Please find more information on the association’s page.
Psychosocial counselling

Since the International Office wants you all to feel as comfortable as possible during your time here, we would like to draw your attention to an important service: Our university offers advice and support for the most diverse challenges in life: If you feel tired, overwhelmed, lonely or need advice, Student Advising and Counselling is your point of contact!

The consultation is free of charge, strictly anonymous and without any obligation.

This is a service for any minor or major emotional problem, and everything discussed there is kept confidential between you and the advisers.

Your contact person is Ulrike Rehm. Her office is located in HSBI’s A building on the third floor: Room A 345.

Do you feel that counselling at HSBI not anonymous enough? Then you can ask Ms Rehm for free counselling addresses in the city of Bielefeld; contact points that also offer a service in English.

Please note: You are welcome to seek advice at the International Office at any time, but Student Advising and Counselling is the best address for emotional support. You can go there directly without informing the International Office if you wish.

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Information & offers on the website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/advisory-service/psychological-wellbeing/

Activities for international students

The International Office offers numerous activities for international students every semester. Registration for the activities will be approximately two weeks before the start of the activity exclusively by e-mail at international.office@hsbi.de.

If an activity is fully booked, we will be happy to put you on a waiting list.

 

Activities in the winter semester 2024/2025

29 October: Chat & Snack

Would you like to meet new people and build a global network? Then come and meet at Chat & Snack! Every last Tuesday of the month during the semester, you will have the opportunity to chat with people from all over the world over drinks, snacks and games in a relaxed atmosphere. No matter who you are, you can make new friends and expand your network here. Use the chance to connect with other students and experience cultural diversity! No registration required.

 

30 October: Halloween cinema in the Audimax

Spooky fun in the Audimax! For Halloween, we will screen a surprise English-language horror film. Of course, there will also be popcorn and drinks. Sign up, come by and prepare to be spooked. If you like, come in a Halloween costume!
We will send an e-mail with information on how to sign up 2 weeks in advance.

 

06 November: Company tour Schüco International KG

Schüco is a company in the building supply industry, based in Bielefeld and active in 80 countries. The guided tour will begin with a presentation about the company, followed by a tour through the Welcome Forum, including the showrooms for Products and Fabrication. We will send an e-mail with information on how to sign up 2 weeks in advance.

 

9 November: Hike to the television tower

Would you like to discover nature around Bielefeld? Then grab a pair of weather-proof shoes and join us on a hike to the television Tower! Enjoy the fresh air, beautiful views and experience the green heart of Bielefeld. This activity is perfect for those who are new to the city and love nature! On the way to the television tower, you will have the talk to others and get to know Bielefeld’s forests and hills. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, you will be welcome to join us. Get your water bottle and let’s go!* We will send an e-mail with information on how to sign up 2 weeks in advance.

*In case of heavy rain, we reserve the right to cancel the event at short notice.

 

16 November: HSBI Flea Market – Act2Sustain

On Saturday, 16 November from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the sustainability team “Flea Market & Co.” will host the next Act2Sustain flea market in the main hallway of HSBI’s main building. You will be able to buy used items and clothing at fair prices and thus give them a new home. Come by and rummage through the stalls and clothes rails. No registration required.

 

21 November: Company tour CLAAS KGaA mbH

CLAAS is a leading global manufacturer of agricultural machinery. While its headquarters are based in East Westphalia-Lippe, the company is also active in Europe (e.g. England, France, Italy and Spain), Asia and the Americas. If you sign up, you can expect a varied tour with interesting insights. We will send an e-mail with information on how to sign up 2 weeks in advance.

 

26 November: Chat & Snack

Would you like to meet new people and build a global network? Then come and meet at Chat & Snack! Every last Tuesday of the month during the semester, you will have the opportunity to chat with people from all over the world over drinks, snacks and games in a relaxed atmosphere. No matter who you are, you can make new friends and expand your network here. Use the chance to connect with other students and experience cultural diversity! No registration required.

 

Tba in December: Baking Christmas cookies

Would you like to check out classic German Christmas cookie recipes or bring your own delicious recipes to try them out together in the kitchen? Taste some new treats and find out which taste best. We look forward to many participants to make this event as diverse as possible. We will send an e-mail with information on how to sign up 2 weeks in advance.

 

04 December: International Christmas celebration

Details will be published here shortly.