Foreign Language Students with Goethe-Institut Philippinen’s Language Department Hear Mr Jens Röhler
Photo Credit: Goethe-Institut Philippinen

On 6 May 2024, thirty-nine students visited the Goethe-Institut Philippinen to listen to a talk on the cultural differences between Germany and the Philippines. Goethe-Institut Philippinen is a non-profit private institution. The students were warmly welcomed by Goethe-Institut’s Director Mr Julian Fuchs, Language Department Head Mr Jens Rösler, and Administrator for Educational Cooperation Ms Angeli Ludovico. The visit constitutes an important component of the language immersive experience tour initiated by Xavier Ateneo’s History and International Studies Department, represented during the visit by Faculty Members Ms Catalina H Gaite and Mr Gleford N Lagcao Jr.

Goethe-Institut’s Language Department Head Mr Jens Rösler presenting
cultural differences between Germany and the Philippines

Aiming to expose foreign language students to an authentic learning experience, the visit provided the students an opportunity to be in contact with German native speakers and learn about the cultural differences between Germany and the Philippines. Students learned about the differences between the two countries in various aspects ranging from food preferences, demography, transportation, perceptions of time and space to work habits. They also had the chance to test their knowledge about German-speaking countries and cultures.

Goethe-Institut Philippinen’s Director Mr Julian Fuchs welcoming the foreign language students

During the visit, the students were introduced to the different functions of Goethe-Institut and the many long term benefits they can take advantage of when learning the German language. As a language and cultural center, Goethe-Institut specializes in teaching German as a foreign language, providing training for teachers and establishing linkages with different stakeholders in the artistic industry. The Institut also serves as a testing center for internationally recognized exams on German proficiency, exams generally required for those who want to work and study in Germany and in other German-speaking countries.

While at the Goethe-Institut, the student delegation took the chance to explore the learning resources of the Institut’s library. Mr Jens Rösler, the Language Department Head, also presented an online library where students can borrow digital learning resources.

With a shared goal of promoting diversity by learning a foreign language, Goethe-Institut and Xavier Ateneo’s History and International Studies Department expressed a common desire of maintaining ties for future collaborations in the areas of teaching-learning German as a foreign language, exploration of opportunities for cultural exchanges, increasing and strengthening potential points of engagements to mutually support German Language Education in Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan.