In today’s time language education has been reframed as something that complements and supports interests and other activities, rather than something that is necessary in a classroom. Moreover, with many Young Indians looking forward to pursuing their higher education in universities abroad, learning a foreign language has almost become a trend. And especially Germany has always been such a hotspot and learning German is almost a must before taking that plunge into the world of International Education. Thus, being known as that go-to brand that promotes the study of German, encouraging international cultural exchange, Goethe-Institut Mumbai comes out as a committed entity where learning German isn’t just about learning a language, but also getting to know the German culture closely.
As the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany with a worldwide presence, the Goethe-Institut in India is extensive and strong, comprising six institutes (in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata) and five Goethe-Centers (in Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Hyderabad and Trivandrum). The fact that all the centers have been in constant progression of societal service for over 50-years is testimony to their solid experience in imparting German language to generations of learners.
As an organization, the Goethe-Institut is constantly evolving and investing in the latest modes and methods of teaching and learning to deliver knowledge of the German language and of Germany as a destination. “Our decades’ worth of experience and expertise gained through targeted development and training of staff in imparting German language lessons in person, online or in hybrid formats is strategically combined with modern-day developments to ensure a world-class experience for students and staff alike”, stated – Ms. Julia Hußlein, the Deputy Director and Head of the Language Department at Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai.
Towards all-round development of all
With a clear aim of helping all its students better their inert-personalities, in-turn boosting their careers, helping them build confidence and improve memory, at Goethe-Institut from classroom technology to library services, learners benefit from the state-of-the-art infrastructure as well as wide range of supplementary offers. Moreover, to support their learning and gain a holistic experience of Sprache, Kultur and Deutschland (Language, culture, Germany) under one roof, the library houses books, magazines and other research material in order to provide up-to-date information about current aspects of cultural, social and political life in Germany. ”We offer a wide range of media and information services for all interested in contemporary Germany or in teaching and studying German as a foreign language”, added Ms. Julia Hußlein.
Additionally, the institute is dedicated to ensuring an immersive and authentic learning atmosphere in the classroom, where German is the teaching language from day one across all levels, be it in Mumbai or in Munich. This facilitates a deep understanding and affinity towards the language and culture. Also, the Goethe-Institut has more than 125 partner schools in Maharashtra, which is supported by their Educational Services Team.
At Goethe-Institut, the focus is always on the development of both their staff and students, where the onboard teachers are specially trained to teach German as a foreign language. There is a dedicated initiative just for the teachers called – ‘DLL – Deutsch Lehren Lernen’ (Learn to teach German), which was created by specialists at the Goethe-Instituts in collaboration with representatives of the scientific community. Also, all the teachers speak German as good as a native speaker and have experience in working with people from different countries and cultures. They regularly receive training so that they are always up-to-date with the latest developments in teaching German.
Hallmark of versatility and adaptability
According to a famous quote on language learning – “Language is not a genetic gift, but a social gift”, and thus – Goethe-Institut Mumbai works in this direction, progressing towards strengthening international cultural exchange, and yet, actively promoting the fields of art, cinema, theater, dance and literature. The institute also cooperates with institutions, publishing houses and libraries in India to foster translation of German literature as well as the professional exchange with Germany. Furthermore, Goethe also promotes a wide spectrum of cultural events with the aim of presenting German culture, particularly its contemporary aspects, in India. The converse is made possible by their partners abroad who invite Indian artists, scholars and researchers for participation in programmes, discussions, lectures, etc. thereby creating room for cross-cultural exchange.
The teachers at Goethe-Institut are highly motivated, and apart from being pro language-counselors, they go out of their way to help their students to succeed in their goals. They keep students on their toes for the whole class with their interactive and lively sessions, be it via face-to-face courses or online. Also, being well-known for its ability to change and make the most out of a situation, the institute and its management works in unison towards upholding their already existing quality standards as prescribed by their Head Office in Munich. This holds even truer in these pandemic-driven times where Goethe continues to impart high quality German language courses while adjusting their impressive portfolio to meet the evolving requirements of their clientele.
All in all, having the most consistent teams and departments working together to create programs for the students that inspire and excite them to be connected with Germany, Goethe-Institut partnering with institutes like DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), end up preparing students for higher studies in Germany or for relocation of working professionals. As more and more Indian working professionals are also looking for jobs in Germany, especially since the implementation of the new immigration policy that favors foreign labor, the lack of skilled working professionals in Germany coupled with a large variety of employment opportunities makes Germany an attractive destination. And, indeed Goethe-Institut Mumbai has become the undoubted hub that is bridging the gap and facilitating quality career growth for many.
Ms. Julia Hußlein – Deputy Director and Head of the Language Department
Operating as the head of language courses and examinations as well as the Educational Services, Ms. Julia came to Mumbai in the year 2019. Before she came to Mumbai, she worked at Goethe-Institut in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and the headquarters in Munich.
