Uni-Tübingen

Information for Students

How does Service-Learning fit in your studies?

Are you socially involved or interested in social issues? Service-Learning is an educational format that can enable you to contribute to civil society during your studies. As part of a course, you will acquire theoretical content (Learning) and apply it in practice in a non-profit context (Service). This gives you the chance to gain specialized and transversal     competencies, as well as to reflect on the academic knowledge you gain. You will also have the opportunity to actively address a social issue, which will be acknowledged as the first unit of your Civic Engagement Certificate.

Service-Learning with an international dimension
As part of the CIVIS project you can network with students from other participating European universities. This can give you different perspectives on your subject and you can learn about alternative approaches to a shared European challenge. The five major challenges are (1) Health, (2) Cities, Territories and Mobilities, (3) Digital and Technological Transformation, (4) Climate, Environment and Energy, (5) Society, Culture, Heritage.

Students’ Opinions

Course: "Civic Engagement in Europe: a Transdisciplinary Approach" WiSe 2021/22

Teachers: Franziska Müller & Iris Nikolopoulos & Charoula Fotiadou | University Tübingen, Pilar Aramburuzabala & Marta Alonso | Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Marian Marin & Radu-Daniel Pintilii | University Bukarest
Quote from Johanna, Bachelor Student:

I can strongly recommend taking the course to help spread awareness and knowledge about Civic Engagement- maybe even to get involved yourself. As the course went on, I noticed how little I knew about the dimensions and versatility of Civic Engagement. This course is not comparable to other courses taught at university […]. 

  • [T]he collegiate atmosphere was supported by all teachers.  

  • The teaching style made voicing my opinion and taking part in the discussions very easy and every opinion seemed welcome. 

  • The unique system of creating an e-portfolio as a group with little tasks every week makes it easy to follow the course and to keep up the learning and thought process concerning the topic of Civic Engagement. 

Course: "Online publishing for a fairer world tomorrow" WiSe 2020/21

Lecturers: Kathrin Schumann, Johannes Lauterbach
Partners: Tübinger Weltladen, Aktionszentrum Arme Welt e. V.

Are you wondering how you can imagine a Service-Learning course as a student? We asked around!
Our student author Sarah Sommerau got a taste of it and recorded her impressions in a short report. Many thanks to them as well as to the Aktionszentrum Arme Welt e. V. for the additions to their main areas of work.

You can access the field report by clicking on the right. You will also find the first student contributions that resulted from the seminar and are now being published bit by bit.

FAQ

How can I become socially involved?

Service-Learning courses are an opportunity to address a real challenge to society working alongside lecturers and community partners. Together you will develop solutions which are generally put into practice.
If you want to get even more involved, why not find out more about our program`s office to give you Credit Points for your civic engagement while you are studying, as well as about the Civic Engagement Certificate?
If you have any questions about registration/withdrawal, terms of participation, Studium Professionale courses etc., you can find out more on the relevant pages or at the FAQ for Studium Professionale (future Transdisciplinary Course Program).

How many Credit Points can I receive?

The number of potential Credit Points depends significantly on the Service -Learning class in question and the amount of work connected with it (30 hrs are equal to 1 CP). As a rule you receive between 3 – 6 CP after successfully completing the program.

Can I have the classes credited for my certificates?

Service-Learning classes are the primary component of the Civic Engagement Certificate and can be credited to it. For other certificates please contact the relevant coordination offices.

Which community partners do you work with?

Among others, we have worked with the following community partners:

  • Botanischer Garten
  • Colibri e. V.
  • FAIRstrickt
  • Institut français Tübingen
  • Ohne Rüstung Leben
  • Refugee Law Clinic "Human Rights Law in Practice"

Do I need to have specific (specialized, personal, etc.) experience to participate?

Usually you do not have to meet any special requirements or conditions in order to participate in Service-Learning courses. However, if any are recommended you can find more information on the course description in alma.

I’m an international student (incoming). What do I need to know?

International students can register for Service-Learning courses via alma. Please contact us, if you have to complete graded course work, as Studium Professionale options are normally not graded. If you want to acquire certificates in this framework, please contact the relevant coordinator as soon as possible.

I’ve got an idea for a Service-Learning course. Whom do I contact?

We love to hear your ideas and suggestions. Please reach out to us via e-mail, phone or fill out our Contact Form.