Thurgau University of Teacher Education Student Information. Lehre Weiterbildung Forschung. Pädagogische Hochschule Thurgau.

Transcription

1 Thurgau University of Teacher Education Student Information Lehre Weiterbildung Forschung Pädagogische Hochschule Thurgau.

2 About Us The Thurgau University of Teacher Education (PHTG) offers preservice and in-service teacher education for all age groups and has a centre for research and development striving to interconnect research and teaching. Location PHTG is located in Kreuzlingen, a middle-sized town in the beautiful canton of Thurgau, adjacent to the German border in the north-east corner of Switzerland and only an hour from Zurich, Switzerland s biggest city. Due to its central and unique location on the shores of Lake Constance (the third largest lake in Central Europe) Kreuzlingen is an attractive, yet by Swiss standards very affordable town.

3 Bachelor Study Programmes In three years of full-time study teachers are trained in pre-primary (kindergarten) or primary school education (grades 1-6). The degree awarded by PHTG to successful candidates is the Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Primary/Primary Education. Courses concentrate not only on teaching skills and practical training but also on many individual subjects (including music, arts & crafts). Master Study Programmes PHTG further offers two Master Programmes for teaching at secondary school level. The MA course Sekundarstufe I prepares students for a teaching career in secondary schools teaching 3 to 4 subjects on a Keystage 3/4 or Junior High level. The course Sekundarstufe II enables students who have previously completed a degree programme at a Master s level to gain a teaching qualification and includes modules in education and methodology whilst offering practical training. Successful students are awarded the degree of Master of Advanced Studies in Secondary and Higher Education and are qualified to teach their subjects at a post-16 level (A-levels, Senior High, Baccalauréat...). PHTG offers these courses in cooperation with the neighbouring University of Konstanz in Germany (officially classed as one of Germany s few elite universities ) where students acquire their academic knowledge related to their chosen subject areas.

4 Another Master Programme, the MA for Early Childhood Education, is offered to students interested in working with children aged 0 4. All courses of study are structured according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) and allow for flexibility and mobility due to this transparent credit system. With about 700 students we are a small community with a friendly atmosphere. Our students and lecturers offer a friendly welcome to exchange students, who can count on everybody s helpfulness. Facilities The new and purpose-built PHTG Campus is fully equipped with modern student facilities. The library offers some items for loan and a modern and quiet environment for research and study. Other facilities are specialist to the courses we offer and include a performing arts studio, science laboratories, art studios, athletics fields and gyms as well as fully equipped design & technology and music rooms. All teaching rooms are equipped with advanced media technology, students have wireless internet access and there are sufficient computers available for students to work on. Knowledge of new media and communication technology are seen as an integral part of a teacher s basic set of skills. E-learning is facilitated wherever possible and a New Media Centre offers the latest audio-visual equipment with support to encourage regulare use.

5 Cross-border and International Collaboration PHTG is only a few minutes away from the Swiss-German border and therefore closely collaborates with the German University of Konstanz. Selected lectures and (language) courses given at the University of Konstanz can be attended by our students and they have access to the university s excellent library and sports facilities. University of Konstanz picture: Ralf Metzger As an ERASMUS university PHTG has many links to other European universities and colleges working in the field of teacher training. PHTG further supports the mobility of students, lecturers and researchers through individual cooperations in Asia and the US. Check > International for a comprehensive list of our partner universities and collaborations.

6 Courses on Offer for International Students Generally, the language of instruction at PHTG is German. Students with at least some knowledge of the German language may enrol in all courses on offer. In addition, a choice of courses in English is on offer and in the spring semester up to 30 ECTS can be gained in English (usually in combination with courses at the University of Konstanz or, if desired, with self-study tasks set by the home institution). Our study programme in English is best suited for future primary school or future English language teachers. Check > International for more details. Students with little or no knowledge of the German language who would like to study at PHTG are requested to attend either intensive German course at the beginning of their stay or a German language course during the semester (subject to availability). Furthermore, an intensive German language course is offered by the Lake Constance Summer School each year in August which is eligible for funding (ERASMUS students only!). Accommodation The International Office rents out rooms in fully furnished and centrally located international student flats, costing around 400 CHF per month. Bicycles are provided against deposit.

7 Academic Calendar Autumn Semester: Mid October End of January (week 43 week 4) Spring Semester: Mid February Beginning of July (week 8 week 25) + 2 weeks vacation Assessment Periods: At the end of a module or semester (weeks 5/6, weeks 26/27) Teaching Placements: Up to 3 weeks in January/February or in April/May Visit > International for further information about the academic calendar. The attendance of courses at the University of Konstanz requires a slightly prolonged duration of stay during the spring semester (until mid-july/week 29).

8 Applications and Contact Applications must be received at the latest by May 1 st for the autumn semester and November 1 st for the spring semester. Visit > International for further information or order our detailed Study Guide for International Students in English from our International Office: internationaloffice@phtg.ch Pädagogische Hochschule Thurgau International Office Unterer Schulweg 3 CH 8280 Kreuzlingen Tel: Fax: september