Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

What is the d.a.i.?

We are a cultural and educational institute independent of any state or political leanings. Our purpose is to maintain German-American relations, and the Institute’s sponsoring organization is the non-profit Deutsch-Amerikanische Gesellschaft Tübingen e.V.

We offer events, language courses, a library, information on stays in the USA, trips & camps, and intercultural projects.

 

How long has the d.a.i. been around?

The America House was founded in Tübingen in 1952. Here you can find more information on the history of the d.a.i.

 

Do you have to be a member to use the d.a.i.?

No, you don’t have to be a member to visit the d.a.i., participate in our language courses, or use the library.

However, as a member you will enjoy many benefits: You will receive free or reduced admission to all events, a discount on all language courses, you can check out all media in the library, are regularly invited to events, and are informed about our activities. With a d.a.i. Tübingen membership, you will also receive discounts from the Carl-Schurz-Haus in Freiburg, the d.a.i. Heidelberg, and the James-F.-Byrnes Institute in Stuttgart. You can find more information here!

 

How much does membership cost and how can I become a member?

For individuals, membership costs 30€ per year, for families 40€, and for institutions 175€. Besides these options, the d.a.i. offers sponsoring memberships. These cost 100€, 250€, or 500€ per year. The membership fee is tax-deductible, and for a sponsoring membership you will receive a donation certificate. You can find membership forms here.

 

Is the d.a.i. affiliated with the university?

We do not belong to the university, but especially when it comes to our events, we often cooperate with the University of Tübingen.

 

I’m looking for information on studying / interning / working in the USA. Where can I look?

In our library, you can find a great deal of material to get some initial information – come on by (Tuesday to Friday, 1-6 pm or Saturday, 11 am-2 pm). You can also find detailed support online. We also offer individual USA advising sessions; please make an appointment so we have time for you.

Students at the University of Tübingen should also contact the Division for International Affairs for additional information relevant to spending time abroad during their studies.

 

Can I get information from you about visas?

We can give you information about most types of visas, but in some cases we will refer you to the Embassy or the Consulate General in Frankfurt.

 

What are your opening hours?

Office
Mon	closed
Tue-Fri	9:00 am- 1:00 pm	2:00 - 5:00 pm
Library
Mon	closed
Tue-Fri	1:00 - 6:00 pm
Sat	11:00 am- 02:00 pm
	! We are closed during Christmas and summer breaks !

 

Do you also offer translations or do you proofread English texts?

Yes, we are happy to translate for you and proofread all kinds of English texts. You can get more information here or directly from our language program coordinator. Unfortunately, at this time we cannot offer translations certified for use in Germany (beglaubigte Übersetzungen). However, we can offer translations certified for use in the United States for organizations that require a translation from an ATA-certified translator.

 

What language courses do you offer?

We offer English and Spanish courses for all levels and ages. In our program, you will find a wide range of courses from beginners’ courses, conversation courses, grammar courses, and refresher courses to special offers such as Business English and Medical English.

In general, our language courses start three times each year (January, April, and October), and in summer the language program also offers several shorter courses.

In addition, we offer private lessons and company courses.

 

I need to improve my English as fast as possible. What can I do?  

Take part in one of our intensive courses. We also offer private lessons that can be planned according to your needs.

 

Are the instructors Americans or Germans?

We only work with American or Latin-American “native speakers” so that you can learn English under optimal conditions as it is spoken by natives.

 

How can I become an instructor at the d.a.i.?

Your native language must be English and you must be from the USA, Canada, or Latin America. We also expect that you have (at least) a Bachelor’s degree and a significant amount of teaching experience. You can find more information here.

 

How can I find the right course for me?

The office is happy to advise you. It is helpful if you first take the self-assessment test on our language program page. There you will also find more information.

 

Will I get a certificate when I take a course with you?

No, but upon request we are happy to give you a certificate of participation.

 

Can I take the TOEFL test at the d.a.i.?

Currently, the d.a.i. offers the TOEFL® Junior™ Standard-Test, which was developed especially to evaluate the English proficiency of school-aged students between the ages of 12 and 16 and the Institutional TOEFL (TOEFL ITP). For the institutional TOEFL, we also offer special preparation courses. If you are planning to study abroad, you should first ask your host university whether this type of TOEFL test is recognized there. You can take the internet-based TOEFL (TOEFL iBT) through the University of Tübingen. You can find practice materials for all types of tests in our library.

 

What is the TOEIC Test and where can I take it?

With more than 5 million test candidates globally each year, the TOEIC test is the most frequently used test for professional English. It is recognized by companies worldwide and also accepted at universities of applied sciences and business schools as proof of sufficient English proficiency for starting a degree program. Upon request, the d.a.i. is happy to offer the TOEIC test.

 

Where can I get information on other tests like the GMAT?

Either from use in the library or here.

 

What offers do you have for teachers?

Our library offers teachers material to prepare lessons (including many movies!). School classes who visit us can take library tours, and the intercultural projects department offers English-language presentations focused on specific topics. In the cultural program, there are English-language lectures and theater performances.

 

If you teach English or any other subject related to the USA, we offer continuing education trips for teachers to American and other English-language universities (Toronto, Canada; Brisbane, Australia).

 

With the Rent an American program, an American exchange student comes to visit your classroom – for you it is free of charge, as the Robert Bosch Foundation supports the project.

 

Do you also show movies in the original language?

Yes, we sometimes show films in English, and as a d.a.i. member you will receive discounts for the original language movies shown at the Museum Lichtspiele. You can get information on upcoming movies under program/movies.

 

Are there other d.a.i.s in Germany?

Yes, there are ten other German-American Institutes or Centers – here is the list.

 

Can I work at the d.a.i.?

Yes, we are always happy to welcome volunteers. You can work on a regular basis in the library or occasionally at events and festivals. For students, we also offer internships.

 

Who creates the program?

The Cultural Officer and the Director plan and organize the d.a.i. events together. A program advisory board that includes many cultural institutions from Tübingen supports our work with discussions and ideas. And we are always happy to hear your suggestions!

 

And who is responsible for the work?

The members of the association Deutsch-Amerikanischen Gesellschaft Tübingen e.V. elect a board, the Executive Committee, every two years at the members’ meeting. This body delegates its tasks to the Director.