German cultural institutions in Riyadh: Language training and cultural exchange
German language is becoming more widespread among young Saudis and other residents of the Kingdom
One of the three institutions which successfully meet this demand is the Goethe Institut in Riyadh. Located in a spacious villa in the Umm Al-Hamam district, this German cultural institute offers language courses at all levels: Beginners to advanced. The director of the institute, Frank Herzig, and his highly qualified team of distinguished teachers know how to guide their students toward the requirements of the CEFR, the Common European Framework of References for Languages. Thus, motivation and a profound expertise in language teaching are the main pillars of the Goethe Institut.
And as language proficiency is always linked to different demands, the Goethe Institut is excited to launch the following new courses and course types: Specialized courses for doctors and students of medicine, blended and e-learning courses that combine online learning with personal presence in class, as well as courses for kids aged 7 to 12. To find your perfect course, the institute can be contacted by email (info@riad.goethe.org).
In addition to language training, the Goethe Institut is offering an ambitious cultural program. To mark the opening of a new season a “Night of Music and Culture” was held in September. Local artists and musicians, as well as more than 200 guests, participated in this unique and special event under the patronage of Dieter W. Haller, Germany’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On Oct. 13 a concert with six musicians from Germany took place, showcasing traditional Bavarian folk music. More events will follow over the course of the year.
Another German educational organization in Saudi Arabia is the DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service. The DAAD is the world’s largest funding organization for the international exchange of students and researchers. Together with the Saudi Ministry of Education, the DAAD offers a special joint scholarship program for Saudi nationals with excellent grades to enable graduates and doctoral candidates to improve their academic and scientific qualifications.
A second goal of the DAAD is its cooperation with the King Saud University in Riyadh. The German department at the College for Languages and Translation offers a Bachelor degree in “German for translators” to young Saudis. Around 70 young men are currently enrolled in this program. Two Saudi professors, Faiz Alshehri and Abdullah Alsahran, as well as a DAAD lecturer from Germany, Michael Alszer, guide the future translators toward proficiency and expertise.
The German Embassy is also proud that the German International School Riyadh is well established. Parents and children alike enjoy education “made in Germany” for children aged 2 to 16. Only recently, the school has started offering kindergarten education for under-three year olds. Currently, more than 110 students are being educated at the German International School Riyadh. As a step toward a brighter future the school is planning to establish bilingual courses to attract more students.
The German Embassy and all German cultural and educational institutions work hand in hand with their Saudi partners to deepen the cultural relations and, thus, to contribute to mutual understanding. The Saudi “Vision 2030” will offer more opportunities to interact closely in the cultural field, and we are looking forward to being part of it.
The cultural relations between Germany and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are constantly growing and intensifying. At the same time the German language is becoming more widespread among young Saudis and other residents of the Kingdom.