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Goethe Institut – promoting German language and culture
siddlobo
| 03 September, 2008 22:25
Since most readers of easyexpat.com are generally globe trotters
who call many countries home, we’ve decided to do a series on various prominent
institutions that bring their country’s culture to the world. Today’s article
focuses on the Goethe Institut.
Established in 1951, the Goethe Insitut is a German
non-profit organization set up mainly to promote the German language and
culture outside German-speaking countries. It was set up initially to provide
training for foreign German teachers in Germany
but it has now grown into a worldwide institution with over 3300 employees and
approximately 278 million euros at its disposal.
While its primary concern is to promote the German language,
the Goethe Institut also plays an active role in promoting the country’
culture. It provides information on German society and politics and also
promotes inter-cultural relations through exchange of films, music, theatre and
literature. It's done such a great job that in 2005, along with the Societe Dante Alighieri, the British
Council, the Alliance Francaise, the Instituto Cervantes and the Instituto Camões, the Goethe Institute was
awarded the Prince of Asturias Award for outstanding achievements in communications
and the humanities.
German language
courses offered
The Goethe Institut offers a number of language courses and
different options from on-site courses to distance courses. It even has
language training facilities on websites like Second Life. The institute has
much to brag about. With over 50 years of experience and more than 170,000
participants in their German courses each year in 80 countries, it is
definitely one of the most reputed programmes available to learn the German
language.
The Goethe Institut also combines its language courses with
a cultural immersion into Germany.
It’s one to explore if you’re trying to get your feet wet about the country.
These cultural and leisure programmes combine language courses with frequent
city excursions, concerts, theatre visits, parties and operas – a
great way to explore the city, make new friends and learn a new language.
The institute has also developed a rigorous series of
examinations for learning German as a second language. These exams are set for
different levels from basic to advanced and can be taken both in Germany
and abroad. The tests (TestDaF) are recognised by the German Academic Exchange
Service and are especially aimed at people interested in studying at German
universities. You can take examinations at any level, either at the
Goethe-Institut or with any of 265 examination partners.
Fees and schedule
Courses are offered year-round at most locations and begin
at the start of each month. In general, it’s advisable to sign up for a course
one month in advance. Summer courses fill up quickly so best to book your seat
three months in advance. For people who need to apply for visas to study and
stay in Germany,
it’s advised to apply four months in advance. Fees vary widely. Eight week
courses without accommodation are 680 euros while a 2-week intensive, all
inclusive programme costs 1,420 euros. For more detailed information on
courses, schedules and fees, check the official website at www.goethe.de
Good luck or as they say in German ‘Viel glueck’.
Sidd Lobo
I think it's great that people learn multiple languages and learn about one another cultures/subcultures.
Nice