Small groups, large impact: Peer-to-peer Sprachcafé at THWS
Consulting doctors, ordering at a café, making small talk in German: To support international students at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) with their day-to-day, six students of the bachelor's programme Social Work organised and conducted the peer-to-peer language café Sprachcafé for international students in the summer semester 2025.
As part of the focus area "Social Work in the Migratory Society", the students developed the project independently. Anca Aicha, research associate at the Faculty of Applied Social Sciences (FAS), supported the students.
The concept: A free, low-threshold programme consisting of a digital introductory meeting and five group sessions per language level. It aims to make it easier for students from abroad to learn German and at the same time facilitate intercultural exchange. In small groups at levels A1 to C1, the students practised practical everyday situations, from dealing with authorities to conversations about family, leisure, and traditions. Role-plays and open dialogue exercises formed the methodological core.
"The students carried out the Sprachcafé-project with great reliability, flexibility, and a lot of commitment," says Anca Aicha happily. "In the personal setting of the small groups, they were able to convey the content in a particularly intensive and individual way – an aspect that our international students particularly praised."
Intercultural interactions: Learning and exploring Würzburg together
The joint digital introductory meeting was followed by five group sessions divided by language levels. Two of the groups met in person to not only learn together but to also share German dishes, take a quiz walk through Würzburg, and share experiences during a picnic in Ringpark.
According to Anca Aicha, the positive feedback would positively reflect on the value of the project. Participants emphasised how much the practical topics helped them feel more confident using the language in everyday situations. Others highlighted the pleasant atmosphere and the team's motivating commitment. "'The topics were well chosen’ and 'I learned a lot' were some of the comments," reports Anca Aicha.
About the Sprachcafé
The Sprachcafé is part of the initiative "Fit4Germany", which is funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It aims to support international students during their arrival in Germany, their studies at THWS, and their career start in Germany.
In line with the peer-to-peer approach of Fit4Germany, the offers are provided by students for students. The objectives are to promote practical language skills, cultural orientation, and social networking. The Sprachcafé makes an important contribution to students’ day-to-day as an accessible teaching and meeting format.
"We are looking forward to the next round in the winter semester 2025/26 with new motivation." The Sprachcafé will then take place for the fourth time – still enabled by student commitment to link language development and intercultural exchange in a sustainable way.
Registration for the Sprachcafé in the upcoming winter semester opens on 29 September 2025.
Further information and registration
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has driven teaching and applied research since it was founded in 1971. With about 9,000 students and a wide range of more than 60 degree programmes, we cover a broad spectrum ranging from technology to economics and social sciences, language and design. THWS is not only rooted in the region, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and not least in a versatile English-taught degree programmes.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Faculty of Applied Social Sciences
Anca Aicha
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354