The Welcome Center Services

Matthew, USA

"Preparing to move a family of 4 from the USA to Germany for my post-doc seemed like an impossible task. Fortunately, I found the Welcome Center early in my preparations to live abroad. The Welcome Center has been invaluable throughout this transition. They helped me find, and understand, apartment listings so that I could secure a place to live months before my actual arrival. Upon my arrival, the friendly staff was willing to meet with me one-on-one to discuss my particular situation. With their help, my family and I registered in the city, filed important paperwork for our visas, bought and registered a car, got our drivers license, found a school for our children, and are continuing to participate in Deutschkurse. Perhaps most importantly, they have given us a friendly first impression of Germany. If YOU are considering taking an academic leap and making the move to TU-Dresden, connect with the Welcome Center as early as you can… they might be your most valuable resource."

Yue, USA

"The Welcome Center at TU Dresden has given me great help in moving my family to Dresden. Establishing residence for my family members, finding schools for my children and selecting a suitable apartment are demanding tasks.   Yet, the welcome center staff provided me with step-by-step guidance and useful information to allow me make satisfying decisions, from long distance using the English language that I am comfortable with. Through my contact with the staff, I felt their enthusiasm to their own work, and their understanding to my family situation.  I rely on their recommendations in adjusting to my new life at TU Dresden.
I was fortunate to have been guided to the Welcome Center of TUD. People here helped me immensely and I am really thankful for that. They would act as mediators and communicators while I was looking for housing. Thanks to them, I was able to get a very nice apartment in a Housing Cooperative where not even a single person spoke English. If you are planning to move here from your respective country, these are the people to contact for any clarifications or preparations."

Elena, Russia

"Thank you very much for helping. You really help us keep believing in good things."

Juan, Colombia

"Danke schön für alles. You have made my stay here homelike and with all programs can you feel that you are part of Welcome group!!!"

Alexandru, Romania

"Very good English language skills and warm welcoming for new researchers. German course with Rebekka and Cultural programme with Maike, very well organized and very professional. All in one, excellent communication and high professional skills."

Zhu, China

"For foreigners the first and the most important problem is to find a suitable accommodation, especially in another country that is far away from our hometown. Thanks to the Welcome Center, which helps us to find a nice place to live, we can begin our life and work soon after arrival
The second problem is the language. As I know, most of us use English for work and research in Germany, but it is useful and helpful to learn German. We have the chance to learn it on a course, which is offered by the Welcome Center. The teacher is very friendly and good and helps us to understand the German culture.
The third topic is the integration in the local life. The Welcome Center's culture program gives us the opportunity to learn about culture, people and history of Germany.
The fourth is, which makes me thankful is: We are not alone! We can meet lots of other doctoral students, can communicate with each other, have fun, make new friends and do not feel lonely!
The Welcome Center team is like a family, like a friend and teacher. We (the PhD students) can learn a lot and can get help from them. They are patient, friendly and smart. I appreciate their support! And thanks to Maike and the other staff members, I still remember the sunshine in Hamburg, the delicious flavors in the Winery, the fresh air during the hiking tour, and also the smile among us!"

The Welcome Center German Course

Do, Vietnam

"I am very happy to give my feedback on the German course, which has been taught by Rebekka. I am sure that she is a good teacher, we already learn lots of skills in using German from her. Thank you very much for giving us a way to connect with community on the world."

Matthew, USA

"Rebekka is an outstanding instructor. She is always well organized and prepared. The class topics are chosen to maximize the usefulness of our time there. Honestly, her course is one of the highlights of my week. She is so friendly and welcoming. Sometimes, Germans can seem a bit cold to foreigners... Rebekka shatters that stereotype.  Also, the availability of a babysitter is HUGE! It would be very difficult for many of the class members to attend if this were not present. THANK YOU REBEKKA and WELCOME CENTER!"

The Welcome Center Culture Program

Petr, Czech Republic

"The excursion to the vineyard was really great experience. Not only did I learn more about Saxoneese vine making history but I also met lots of international PhD students and young researchers. With some of which I am in contact up to date. Thanks a lot and I look forward to the next trip!"

Galina, Russia

"Vielen, vielen Dank für Radebeul!!! Ich bin ganz fasziniert. Der Tag war super, er bleibt lange in Erinnerung. Das Welcome Center gibt immer eine Möglichkeit, Deutschlands Sehenswürdigkeiten kennenzulernen und neue Kontakte anzuknüpfen. Ich denke, allein hätte ich eine solche Wanderung nicht schaffen können. Das ist erlebte Landeskunde!"

Jamshid & Mahdi, Iran

I would like to thank you and your colleagues for your good programs for international researchers in 2012. Certainly this kinds of programs can help internationals to have good knowledge about Germany and its rich culture. In addition this programs could make a bridge between different people which come from different countries all over the world. Thank you again for all of your good program, help and support.