1 April 2026
1 Day
English
KiezLab, Tamara-Danz-Str. 13, 2nd floor, 10243 Berlin
TU Berlin Certificate of Professional Education
On-site
Lecturer/ Trainer
Dr. Philippa Cook
900 €
Participants from the Scholars at Risk Berlin-Brandenburg network get a 100%-discount (see information in "Dates & Price")
COMMUNICATION AND WORK CULTURE IN GERMANY: A SEMINAR FOR INTERNATIONAL ACADEMICS
This interactive one-day workshop supports international researchers in developing their competencies for working well and communicating effectively in German academic and professional contexts. It offers compact and practical advice and insights on topics spanning communication styles, workplace norms and regulations, and how to work successfully in diverse teams. There will be time and space to share your experiences with other researchers new to the German system and ask questions too. The aim is that participants will be equipped with a toolbox of skills, useful knowledge and increased confidence to not just survive the academic workplace but to thrive and flourish in their new role here and will leave feeling able to deal effectively and appropriately with challenges that arise in the workplace and to benefit from the opportunities offered there.
LEARNING GOALS
On finishing the course, participants- Gain a deeper understanding of workplace norms and practices typical of German academia and acquire skills to confidently navigate the workplace
- Increase awareness of different communication styles in both spoken and written registers and develop strategies for communicating professionally and appropriately
- Enhance ability for working effectively in intercultural teams and diverse working groups and with different stakeholders (supervisors, professors, peers, administrators)
- Reflect on their own cultural identity and become empowered and more able to navigate uncertain or unfamiliar situations with less fear and insecurity
CONTENT
- Culture(s) and Interculturality
- Dealing with uncertain and unfamiliar situations
- Different communication styles and norms
- Handling communicative interactions at work
- Work culture
- Navigating the multicultural workplace with confidence
- Transfer to everyday settings and genuine experiences
- Analysis and reflection on Case Studies, Discussion based on interviews conducted with international academics from Philippa Cook’s consultancy practice
Teaching Methods
- Interactive inputs covering workplace norms, communication tendencies, and professional expectations and responsibilities
- Self-reflective exercises on culture and identity
- Analysis of real situations from everyday university and working life in Germany including interviews conducted with established international academics
- Group work and discussions
- Peer exchange about personal experiences in Germany
TARGET GROUP
Each year, universities in Berlin and Brandenburg provide a safe haven for researchers who, due to war, persecution, or other threats, are unable to pursue their work freely. While hosting Scholars at Risk ensures immediate protection, establishing long-term career perspectives within the German academic landscape often remains challenging.The Scholars at Risk Berlin-Brandenburg network, supported by Bard College, offers various professional development opportunities to help these scholars navigate the German research system and secure sustainable career paths. This three-day “Science Management” seminar, offered by the TU Berlin Academy, targets scholars with a doctoral degree or those in the final stages of their PhD, from all academic disciplines. It equips participants with practical skills for managing research projects, navigating institutional structures, and advancing their professional integration into academia.
PREREQUISITES
English level of at least B1DATE & PRICE
DATE
PRICE
1. Send Us a Quick Email:
- You can use the subject line: "Course Discount Request"
- In your message, briefly mention your university and if you are a Scholar at Risk.
2. Receive Your Personal Code:
3. Complete Your Booking:
- Click in this course "Building your Career Strategy for Academia & beyond" on the button below "Add to cart".
- Enter your code in the shopping cart to automatically apply the reduced fee.
- Finalize the checkout process.
Cooperation
"Piloting Leadership Supports for Threatened Scholars and Practitioners" project is funded by Bard College (USA) and Bard College Berlin. The goal of this project is to design and implement new, innovative supports for at-risk scholars and civil society actors participating in university-based protective fellowships by centering leadership development for resilience and sustained impact.LECTURER/ TRAINER
Dr. Philippa Cook is a workshop-facilitator, careers advisor and coach (QRC certified) specializing in career orientation for academics (ECRs) in Germany. She is passionate about advising, supporting and empowering international candidates in crafting their career pathway and launching themselves into Germany's complex job-market post-PhD.
