Binational Teacher Training Degree Course for German and Polish

The double degree programme Lehramt Deutsch-Polnisch binational (binational German-Polish teacher training degree) is a cooperation between the University of Greifswald’s Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the University of Szczecin. The degree course will train students to teach German and Polish as either a first or foreign language in both countries. Graduates will be qualified to teach at "Gymnasien" (grammar schools) and mixed secondary schools in Germany, as well as primary schools (years 4 through 8) and all kinds of secondary schools in Poland. The standard length of study is 10 semesters. The teaching is shared almost evenly by the University of Greifswald and the University of Szczecin and ends with a double degree: the Erstes Staatsexamen (First State Examination) at the University of Greifswald and the Magister at the University of Szczecin. The degree course has no admission restrictions; students applying to the University of Greifswald only require corresponding language skills: level A2 CEFR in Polish and B2 CEFR in German. The degree course was developed around the expertise of the two universities in the fields of German, Polish and educational sciences. Students learn historical and systematic aspects of the German and Polish languages and literatures and attain the skills required for teaching both languages. This is complimented by relevant knowledge in the areas of education and psychology. In order to attain a near-native level of language, one of the key focus areas is the acquisition of the neighbouring language. This will be realised not only by classical forms of language teaching but also by the use of online tandems. In tandem learning, students help one another to learn the neighbouring language. Furthermore, the degree course is distinguished by its strong practice orientation. Students complete periods of teaching practice in both countries and therefore gain an intensive insight into the two school systems. The periods of study in the neighbouring country and the contact with the students at the partner university also help to broaden their intercultural competence. The Binational Teacher Training Degree Course for German and Polish (Lehramt Deutsch-Polnisch binational) is one of very few double degree programmes for students training to become teachers in the whole of Europe, and the first collaboration of its kind between Germany and Poland. The degree programme not only provides students with new career perspectives but also makes a significant contribution to cultural exchange in the border region, fostering the coalescence of the two neighbouring nations.