Events
March 2026Language Course: Basics of the German Language
We are pleased to announce that we will offer the basic German language course again in March 2026. The course is designed for complete beginners and will give you the opportunity to acquire basic knowledge of the German language in order to master simple situations in everyday life in Germany.
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 12:00hWelcome Meet & Coffee
We kindly invite you to use this opportunity to chat with us in a personal conversation, have a coffee and get to know other international researchers at UDE. We will also be joined by our colleagues from the GCPlus. No need to register, just meet us at die Brücke at noon!
Target group: international researchers, all levels
Location: Cafe die Brücke, Campus Essen (opposite of the canteen)
Thursday, 26 March 2026, 17:00hHealth Insurance in Germany (NRW Welcome Services Event Alliance)
The Welcome Center of the University of Bonn invites you to an online informative event on the topic of "health insurance in Germany". An expert will explain the differences between statutory health insurance (GKV) and private health insurance (PKV) in an easy-to-understand manner and explain who should choose which type of insurance. You will also receive practical tips on what to do if you or your child is ill, how to find a doctor, and have the opportunity to ask all your questions in a Q&A session.
Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026, 17:00h
Event format: online via Zoom
Language: English
Duration: ca. 1 hour
Registration is possible via this link.
This event is part of the NRW Welcome Services Event Alliance and conducted by the University of Bonn.
07 April 2026, 11:00hKick-Off Welcome Session
On every first Tuesday of the month, the Welcome Service is offering an online info-event for new international researchers at UDE. We will briefly introduce ourselves and our services and will be available for any questions. You do not need to register but can simply join by clicking the link below.
Thursday, 23 April 2026, 15:00hFind Your Pension (NRW Welcome Services Event Alliance)
Digital information session for international and German researchers who are currently employed. The Find-Your-Pension-Team will give an overview on various aspects of accumulating pension entitlements within Europe. In addition you will receive general and concise information about the statutory German pension scheme DRV and the occupations pension scheme VBL for employees in public services.
Date: Thursday, 23 April 2026, 15:00h
Event format: online via Zoom
Language: English
Duration: ca. 2 hours
Registration will be possible soon.
This event is part of the NRW Welcome Services Event Alliance and conducted by the RWTH Aachen.
Tuesday, 09 June 2026, 10:30hThe German Academic Research Landscape (NRW Welcome Services Event Alliance)
A variety of institutions with diverse objectives and interests characterise the German research landscape. In this seminar, participants will learn about the German higher education system, non-university research institutions as well as possible entry positions and funding opportunities for international junior scientists. In addition, the seminar will also present career prospects beyond research positions.
Date: Tuesday, 09 June 2026, 10:30h
Format: online via Zoom
Duration: ca. 2 hours
Registration is possible until 08 June 2026 via this link.
This event is part of the NRW Welcome Services Event Alliance and conducted by the HHU Düsseldorf.
Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 17:00hAcademic Life in Germany (NRW Welcome Services Event Alliance)
A 70-80 minute digital info session "Academic Life in Germany" on the German academic system, its specific cultural standards and their impact on scientific work. You will learn about stumbling blocks that international researschers must overcome and how to successfully interact with colleagues, professors and academic staff.
Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026, 17:00h
Format: online via Zoom
Duration: ca. 1,5 hours
Registrations will open soon and be possible until 15 June 2026.
This event is part of the NRW Welcome Services Event Alliance and conducted by the RWTH Aachen.
Saturday, 20 June 2026Guided Tour at the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site in Essen
Come join us on a guided walk at the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the living history of the Ruhr area first hand.
Date: Saturday, 20 June 2026
Format: in-person excursion
Duration: 2 hours+
Monday, 07 September 2025, 10amInfo Event: Your Rights and Duties as an Employee
Dear colleagues,
You have come to us from abroad to teach and/or do research in NRW. Particularly if you have not yet fully mastered the German language, some things in the work area may not be easy to understand. To support you and in order to prevent difficulties based on lack of knowledge, the Staff Council of UDE would like to inform you in English about your rights and obligations as an employee.
We will address the following topics in a short presentation: Staff categories, employment contracts, job descriptions, working hours (overtime, extra work, home office), teaching loads, leave, public holidays, interruption of work (temporary absences, maternity leave etc.).
There will also be room for your individual questions afterwards.
We look forward to the exchange with you!
Date: 07 September 2025, 10am
Event format: online via Zoom
Speakers: Melanie Goggin and Torsten Schaller, members of UDE’s staff council
Duration: about 1 hour
Registration for this event is possible via the form below until August 31, 2026.
Please note that this event is organised and carried out by members of the university of Duisburg-Essen. While we invite all members of universities from all over NRW to join us, we would like to point out that some of the information might be targeted specifically to members of UDE and can differ from university to university.
Events for Early Career Researchers
The Graduate Center Plus (GC Plus) offers a varied program of workshops, information and career events for doctoral students and postdocs.
The full program can be found on the website of the GC Plus.