German Advising Contact Information With Office Hours From Tuesday, April 14 - Wednesday, April 22

You can reach the German advisors through a general email: germanadvising@umich.edu

We have two advisors for German undergraduates:

* Mary Rodena-Krasan (MLB 3128; mkrasan@umich.edu)
Mary's office hours this week are:

Tuesday, April 14: 10-4:30 p.m.,

Thursday, April 16: 10-11:30 a.m.,

Tuesday, April 21: 10-2:30 p.m.,

Wednesday, April 22: 10-2:30 p.m.,

and by appointment.

Mary's Link for Office Hours: https://umich.zoom.us/j/92765512004

* Karl-Georg Federhofer (MLB 3422; kallimz@umich.edu)

My office hours this week are:

Tuesday, April 14: 9-12, 1-4:30 p.m.,

Wednesday, April 15: 1-5 p.m.,

Thursday, April 16: 9-12, 1-5 p.m., 

Friday, April 17: 8-11:30, 4-5 p.m.,

Monday, April 20: 1-3 p.m.,

Tuesday, April 21: 9-12, 1-5 p.m.,

Wednesday, April 22: 11:30-2:30 p.m.,

and by appointment

My Zoom Link for Office Hours: https://umich.zoom.us/j/909147087

It is best to schedule appointments, which you have to do by 4 p.m. on the previous day. You can schedule appointments with us here: https://myadvising.lsa.umich.edu/appointments/offices/GERM

If you would like to get in contact with a peer mentor in our Department, please write to: germanmentors@umich.edu.

German Conversation Opportunities - 'Schokoladenstunde': Tuesday, April 14, 10-11 a.m., MLB 3110; and Kreativwerkstatt: Friday, April 17, 12-1 p.m.,MLB 3117

We have two weekly and informal conversation opportunities:

Schokoladenstunde convenes in the German Department Lounge (MLB 3110) every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. There will be some German chocolate to snack on. Mary Gell will bring games (e.g. Tabu), and the hour will be spent playing games and chatting in German.

Kreativwerkstatt: Chat in German and express yourself creatively. Crafting, coloring, painting, drawing, knitting, sewing, crochet, embroidery, origami? At the weekly Kreativwerkstatt, which takes place every Friday, 12-1 p.m., you will combine speaking (any level welcome, beginners included!) and creatively expressing yourself. You are encouraged to bring your own materials or (ongoing) projects, but we will also provide some materials and prompts each week. If you have any questions about Kreativwerkstatt please contact Laura Okkema.

Fatima El-Tayeb (Yale University), "Un/German in Context: Late Fascism and the Normalization of Authoritarianism": Tuesday, April 14, 3 p.m., MLB 3308

As part of the Colloquium Series, Fatima El-Tayeb will deliver a lecture titled "Un/German in Context: Late Fascism and the Normalization of Authoritarianism."

The event will take place on Tuesday, April 14, at 3 p.m. in the MLB Conference Room (3308).

This colloquium is funded by the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures and the Cultural Studies RIW.

Website: https://events.umich.edu/event/146421

Job Posting - Administrative Assistant for Bosch Group in Farmington Hills, MI: Tuesday, April 14 (Application Deadline)

Bosch Group is seeking an autonomous, proactive, and detail-oriented Administrative Assistant. This is more than a traditional administrative role; you will be a trusted partner to a team of Directors and the Regional President, empowered to drive efficiency with significant independence.

Your role is critical to the operational success of the BEG-NA Business Unit. Bosch Group is looking for a forward-thinker who doesn't just follow a process but actively helps to refine it. You will be counted on to deliver accurate and polished work, manage sensitive information with discretion, and act as a central pillar of support for the business unit, enabling the leadership team to focus on strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities:
* Serve as a key partner for managing and optimizing complex calendars, anticipating needs, and independently resolving scheduling conflicts.
* Act as a professional gatekeeper and primary point of contact for external customers, internal stakeholders, and global Bosch leadership.
* Take ownership of coordinating seamless domestic and international travel itineraries, ensuring all details are meticulously planned.
* Manage the preparation and submission of expense reports, purchase orders, budget auditing, and invoice processing, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
* Uphold and enhance our business standards by refining and formatting critical documents, including board-level presentations and spreadsheets, ensuring they are clear and professional.
* Organize board visits, customer meetings, and internal events (like Town Halls), contributing suggestions to improve the experience.
* Independently manage office logistics, from supplies and equipment to catering, ensuring the team has what it needs to succeed.
* Embrace a growth mindset by being open to supporting ad-hoc projects, learning new skills, and contributing to the continuous improvement of the administrative processes.

Requirements:
- Required:
* A strong sense of personal accountability and a focus on the details.
* Minimum 2 years of administrative support experience where you were trusted to work with significant autonomy.
* Proficiency in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem (SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
* Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to discern between urgent and important tasks.
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas and contribute in both verbal and written form.
* Proven integrity and the ability to handle confidential information with professionalism.

- Preferred:
* Bachelor's Degree.
* 5+ years of administrative support experience, ideally in a large, global organization.
* 3+ years of direct, executive-level support experience.
* An interest in leveraging modern tools; comfort with AI productivity tools is a plus.
* German language skills (written and verbal).

Website: https://jobs.bosch.com/en/job/REF279662X-administrative-assistant

Max Kade Events - 'Deutschtisch': Wednesday, April 15, 6-7 p.m., North Quad Dining Hall, and 'Kaffeestunde': Friday, April 17, 5-6 p.m., North Quad 2450

The Max Kade Residence will conclude its scheduled gatherings this week:

Deutschtisch is a weekly event in the North Quad Dining Hall for Max Kade residents and visitors from outside the Max Kade German Residence to speak German during a meal. Visitors should look for a table with German/Swiss/Austrian flags and a group of students speaking German.

Kaffeestunde is a weekly opportunity to mingle and unwind. It is a place to connect with other Max Kade residents, chat informally in German, and participate in activities prepared by facilitators. German students at all levels are welcome at the Max Kade events. If you have any questions, please ask Viola Tietje or Vera Irwin.

Job Posting - Social Media and Public Relations Associate for Goethe-Institut San Francisco, CA: Wednesday, April 15 (Application Deadline)

Part-time (32 hours/week) | Start date: May 15, 2026

Responsibilities:
* Create and manage social media strategies that align with the Institute's goals and objectives
* Develop engaging content, including text, images, and videos, tailored to the target audience across various platforms such as Instagram, and LinkedIn
* Monitor social media metrics, analyze performance data, and prepare reports to assess the effectiveness of campaigns and strategies
* Content communication, marketing and cooperation with partners on Goethe-Institut topics and projects on website and other online platforms / electronic newsletter as well as print products
* Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists
* Active participation in the regional Information team activities/events
* General administrative tasks

Requirements:
* Professional experience in the field of social media and public relations 
* Experience in CMS (Content)
* Excellent written, oral language and communication skills in both English and German
* Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, image and design tools) 
* Very high social and intercultural competencies
* 32 hours per week/hybrid works schedule, with 2 days on-site presence. Event related changes to work schedule possible including weekends, evenings. Due to the nature of this specific position different days of the week might be required (ahead notice by manager).
* Team player, proactive, solution-oriented

Benefits:
* Start Date: May 15, 2026
* Employment: 80% (32h/week), non-exempt, hourly based
* Generous vacation time, health insurance and 401(k)
* Approx. USD 60 k/year (Salary based on local compensation standards of the Goethe-Institut in the USA)
* Enthusiastic, highly professional and motivated team
* Modern workspace in new Goethe-Institut location, with excellent connection to public transportation
* Regular opportunity for professional development online/ in Germany

Applications will be accepted until April 15. The Goethe-Institut guarantees gender equality.
A valid work permit for the US is required. Unfortunately, the Goethe-Institut cannot provide any assistance in obtaining a work permit or visa.

Please submit your complete application (cover letter, résumé and the names and contact information of two references) by e-mail to Alexander Behrmann, Director Goethe-Institut San Francisco: bewerbungen-sanfrancisco@goethe.de

Contact:
Goethe-Institut San Francisco
657 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105

Phone: 415-263-8760
Email: info-sanfrancisco@goethe.de

Website: https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/ueb/kar/san-social-media-and-pub-3.html

'Schriftlich' - German Undergraduate Publication: Thursday, April 16 (Submission Deadline)

'Schriftlich' is a student-run bilingual journal exploring the interdisciplinary nature of the German language, culture, and influence through collections of student work on German-related topics. Journal submissions are open to all, not just German majors/minors, and can be submitted in German or English.

If you are interested in submitting a piece of writing, please do so here. The deadline is Thursday, April 16.

'Schriftlich' welcomes submissions on a rolling basis. If interested, apply now.

If you have any questions, please contact Daphne (dwelter@umich.edu).

Essential Travel Logistics for Students: Friday, April 17, 3-4 p.m., Remote

Traveling as a student can be an amazing experience, but it can also be challenging if you're not well-prepared. This presentation will provide a general guide to help you prepare for smart and safe travel. Key points will include what to pack, transportation options, finding accommodation, budgeting, and more.

In order to participate, please register here:
https://sessions.studentlife.umich.edu/track/event/21244

This session is part of the International Center’s Global Wolverines: Preparing You to Have a Successful International Experience event series.

German Peer Mentors 2026-2027: Friday, April 17 (Application Deadline)

German majors and minors who have attained junior/senior standing by August 2026 and who are interested in sharing their experience with German to help their fellow undergraduates should apply.

If you are interested in becoming a peer mentor, please apply by Friday, April 17.

Mary or I are able to answer your questions.

Job Posting - Project Assistant for Goethe-Institut Los Angeles: Monday, April 20 (Application Deadline)

Part-time (20 hours/week) | Until December 31, 2026

Responsibilities:
* Assist in planning, organizing, and implementing events and projects.
* Provide administrative and organizational support to all departments.
* Assist in coordinating project and event logistics, including scheduling, venue arrangements, and guest services.
* Communicate with creatives, artists, sponsors, and cultural partners.
* Help prepare promotional materials and prepare social media content.
* Maintain records, databases, and correspondence.

Requirements:
* Native speaker level in English, German minimum B2 level, Spanish considered an advantage
* University degree (BA or higher) in cultural studies or German studies or equivalent
* Experience in project management desired, experience in festival support an advantage
* Very good organization and communication skills; negotiation skills an advantage
* Team player; ability to work under stress
* Willingness for flexible hours and occasional travel for business or training purposes
* Working knowledge of all common MS Office products and willingness to work with different databases and programs (e.g. Contens, Canva)

Benefits:
* Start Date: as soon as possible until December 31st, 2026
* Employment: 50% (20h/week) with 2 days onsite at the Goethe-Institut Los Angeles, 1901 W 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90057 (hybrid work schedule)
* Nonexempt / hourly paid
* Approx. USD 2,400/month (salary based on local compensation standards of the Goethe-Institut in the USA)
* Enthusiastic, highly professional and motivated team
* Modern workspace in the Goethe-Institut location, with excellent connection to public transportation
* Regular opportunities for professional development online
* Additional benefits include generous vacation time
* The Goethe-Institut offers a competitive benefits package. The Goethe-Institut is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and guarantees gender equality.

A valid work permit for the US is required. Unfortunately, the Goethe-Institut cannot provide any assistance in obtaining a work permit or visa.

How to Apply:
* Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
* Please email your written application only with the following required documents:
- Cover Letter (1/2 – 1 page max.)
- CV
- 2 References 
* Please submit your complete application by email to:
Simone Maier, Director of Administration Goethe-Institut Los Angeles: simone.maier@goethe.de

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Website: https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/ueb/kar/laa.html

Job Posting - Marketing and Communications Specialist at the University of Michigan: Thursday, April 23 (Application Deadline)

The Departments of Germanic Languages and Literatures (GLL) and Slavic Languages and Literatures (SLL) at the University of Michigan seeks a qualified, collaborative, enthusiastic, and service-oriented Marketing and Communications Specialist. These departments emphasize language, literature and the arts in larger social, cultural and political processes. As the Marketing and Communications Specialist you will be a strategic partner in the development of digital and print marketing strategies and responsible for applying these strategies to each department's print and digital platforms. You will also plan and support a dynamic calendar of events to support the department's missions. Effectively communicating and working in partnership and consultation with departmental stakeholders are essential to success in this position.

This position will be hybrid in nature with the expectation of 3-4 days per week in person and 1-2 days per week working remotely depending on the time of year. Schedule flexibility is required in order to support events and may indicate the need to be in person 5 days a week at some points during the academic year. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Responsibilities:
- Marketing and Communication - 25%
* Develop marketing and social media strategies using experience and expertise to outline plans and present recommendations to Chair and Chief Administrator as needed including but not limited to: increasing awareness of units/courses and increasing enrollments in specific courses, boosting declared majors/minors through social media, website and other digital and print platforms. Implement plan(s) according to established deadlines.
* Develop relationships with faculty, graduate students and staff in order to develop website content and enhance the content of publicity materials by understanding the cultures and needs of the Departments and their audiences.
* Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of digital and other marketing tactics including the creation of user-friendly reports for colleagues and departmental leadership.
* Strategically evaluate and proactively enhance units' websites on a regular basis. Identifying and implementing ways to improve its layout/visual presentation, enhance the content and engage the intended audiences (current and future graduate students, undergraduate students, alumni and faculty in similar fields across academia).
* Ensure content on websites, publicity, and social media is consistent with the units' message and image, while adhering to University and LSA formats, styles, and logo standards. Review and update websites, publicity, and social media accordingly.
* Develop an annual timeline for auditing each page of the website to ensure each page is reviewed and updated on an annual basis by the assigned stakeholder.

- Digital/Social Media - 25%
* Proactively utilize social media platforms to publicize departmental events, activities, and programs. Foster engagement with students, alumni and the broader public through social media platforms.
* Develop and maintain a digital content calendar for the units. Utilize social media content scheduling, data summarization and social listening/monitoring tools.
* Photograph, or arrange for the photography of events and individuals for departmental publicity. Maintain a digital archive of all images for each unit and its respective events/programming.
* Create content for and manage the digital screen in MLB, 3rd floor.
* Partner with units within LSA and other communities internal and external to the University of Michigan to develop events, marketing materials, conduct outreach, etc.

- Graphic Design - 25%
* Design and create original flyers, posters, digital signage, event programs, and other required event and publicity materials in partnership and consultation with stakeholders as needed and requested, using DEI friendly communication and accommodation design techniques and guidelines. Collaborate with stakeholders on timeline requirements, meet agreed upon deadlines.
* Design and layout departmental annual newsletters. SLL is sent by early July and early January; GLL is sent by the end of May and early December.
* Follow all University of Michigan, LSA and departmental brand guidelines in the development of print materials.
* Design logos and other graphic identifiers as needed for specific events and programs.
* Utilize University of Michigan preferred vendors for printing, coordinate printing bids for all projects and ensure cost effectiveness.
* Ensure all design files are formatted and compressed per vendor guidelines to ensure high quality printing and visual presentation.

- Event Planning and Implementation -15%
* Organize and coordinate in-person and virtual logistics in collaboration with faculty and staff stakeholders for a wide range of departmental events including but not limited to, catering, venues, flights, lodging, transportation, audio/visual and IT needs, and honorarium payments. Provide in-person coverage for events, as needed. Set up and break down all events.
* Utilize internal tracking systems to ensure all stakeholders are consistently aware of the progress and status of events. Communicate consistently with stakeholders ensuring they are aware of progress and status of events.
* Create and send detailed itineraries to invited guests in collaboration with faculty and staff stakeholders.
* Provide primary staff support for GLL's Annual German Day (outreach event).
* Work directly with the faculty director on all aspects of planning and support for the event, which brings in 400+ middle and high school students in early April. Please see: https://lsa.umich.edu/german/germanday.html

- Administrative/Other - 5%
* Develop budgets ranging from $1,500 - $30,000 (~ $50K annually) for events and marketing projects, monitor expenses and ensure events stay within budget.
* Retain a historical record of archived website pages and all marketing/social media content created.
* Write/create and update best practice documents for all facets of this position.
* Attend LSA Communicators group meetings.
* Consult with and collaborate with LSA Marketing/Communications as needed.
* Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, graphic design or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* At least three years of professional experience related to this position's outlined responsibilities.
* Creative and innovative graphic design experience especially for social media and other digital platforms with expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Suite software.
* A demonstrated commitment to the values of LSA with the ability to integrate these values in a marketing strategy.
* Outstanding oral and written communication skills with proven editorial skills and experience enhancing content quality to meet unit goals.
* Proven ability to excel in a team setting promoting a culture of respect and collaboration.
* Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the capability to execute multiple projects simultaneously.
* Self-starter who can work independently and with limited direction.
* Creative problem-solving skills.
* This position requires the ability to move materials weighing up to 25 pounds to a height of 3-4 feet and set them on tables, carts, or other surfaces. The chosen candidate must have the ability to physically set up and tear down events including moving and arranging tables, chairs, and mobile equipment.

Desired Qualifications:
* Experience using a variety of tactics and strategies for enhancing the profile of a unit within higher education.
* Demonstrated experience planning events including budget development and oversight
* Experience evaluating marketing and social media campaigns/strategies.
* A commitment to lifelong learning and staying current with digital technologies.
* A commitment to the mission and goals of GLL and SLL.

How to Apply:
* A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume and must specifically address the required qualifications of the position. Candidates that do not include a cover letter and indicate how they meet the required qualifications will not be considered for the position.

Website: https://careers.umich.edu/job_detail/275988/marketing-and-communications-specialist

Heinz Prechter Scholarship for Internships in Germany: Thursday, April 30 (Extended Application Deadline)

The $2,500 Heinz Prechter Scholarship aims to support a Michigan student completing an internship in Germany to encourage learning about German business and culture.

College and university professors conducting study projects directed at introducing a group of students to Germany, its culture, language, business environment and network, are also encouraged to apply.

Sponsored by the German American Business Council of Michigan (GABC), the Scholarship is named after Heinz Prechter to honor the unparalleled contributions he made to the advancement of international relations between Germany and Michigan.

Application Requirements:
* Letter of Application: description of the applicant’s qualifications including academic background, relevant employment history, and a statement indicating why the applicant wants to in Germany
* Resume: include academic background, employment history, special interests, accomplishments and awards, and international travel
* Offer-of-Internship Letter: written in German or English, on the company’s letterhead and signed by an appropriate company official
* Letters of Recommendation: letters of recommendation from at least two faculty members who teach in the applicant’s fields of study.
* Course Transcripts: comprehensive academic transcripts of all semesters completed at institutions of higher education

Notes for Applicants:
* Applicants must complete a video/phone interview with the scholarship committee. Part of the interview will be conducted in German to assess the applicant’s basic conversational skills in the language.
* Scholarship recipients must agree to submit to the GABC a written report of their internships and (if schedule permits) to give an oral presentation on the internship at a GABC event.
* Submit completed application and supporting documentation by Thursday, April 30.

Contact Anna Swartz at info@gabcmi.org for further details.

The committee will make rolling decisions. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, once they have received an actual internship offer.

Website: https://gabcmi.org/hps

International Internship Scholarship Through College of Engineering: Friday, May 1 (Application Deadline)

Want to explore new and diverse cultures while gaining valuable engineering experience? The College of Engineering (CoE) is excited to offer financial support in the form of scholarships to students participating in international internships.

Awards between $1,000-$3,000 will be made to CoE undergraduates pursuing international internships during the spring/summer term.

The scholarship is designed to benefit those who would otherwise face financial barriers to participation and is open to students pursuing in-person, paid or unpaid, international internships (for credit or not for credit).

Website: https://mcompass.umich.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=10413

Fulbright U.S. Student Program: Sunday, August 30 (Campus Deadline)

The Institute of International Education (IIE), on behalf of the U.S. State Department, administers the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, which offers research, study, and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates and graduate students. This competition is administered on campus by the International Institute.

In 2025-2026, the University of Michigan was a "top producer" of finalists for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.

Website: https://ii.umich.edu/ii/funding/fulbright-program/fulbright-us-student.html

Study Abroad in Germany - Winter 2027 in Tübingen: Tuesday, September 15 (Application Deadline)

The Tübingen program, which is organized through the Center for Global and Intercultural Studies (CGIS), takes place in the Winter term, and it is intended for students who have completed at least German 221/231 by the end of the Fall 2026 term. The German Department strongly recommends that you precede your stay in Tübingen by attending one or two three-week sessions at the Goethe Institut.

This Goethe Institut segment is not part of the CGIS program itself. Please talk with Mary or me about the Goethe segment.

The CGIS portion in Tübingen will start early in March with a mandatory 'Startkurs' (up to 6 credits). While you will be enrolled for the Winter 2027 term at the University of Michigan, you will then take classes during the 'Sommersemester' at the Universität Tübingen (mid April - late July). You will earn 15-18 credits for Winter 2027: the courses that you take in Tübingen can be language courses for international students or regular university courses.

Various university courses outside the English Department are taught in English. Tübingen credits can be used to satisfy degree requirements for a German major or minor.

For more information about the Tübingen program and to apply, use this link: https://mcompass.umich.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=10248