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The DACH-Institut in Colombia specializes in German as a foreign language for adults. Since its foundation, it has aimed to support people linguistically and culturally on their way to Germany, Austria or Switzerland and to open up new educational and professional opportunities for them in German-speaking countries. With its licensing as an ÖSD examination centre, internationally recognized ÖSD German exams can now also be taken directly at the institute.
The DACH-Institut was founded in 2018 and is now one of the established providers of German language courses in Medellín. It supports course participants from all over Colombia, both in person and online. The course programme covers levels A1 to C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), as well as special preparation courses for language exams
One focus is on language preparation for international professionals. For this purpose, the institute works with national and international partners and supports numerous participants each year on their way to vocational training, university studies or work in German-speaking countries. In the healthcare sector in particular, nursing professionals are regularly prepared for a professional future in Germany.
A special feature is the combination of language teaching, intercultural preparation and individual guidance. Through close cooperation with the advisory organization WBD Colombia, participants also receive support with questions relating to vocational training, university studies or work, as well as visas and integration in German-speaking countries.
A wide range of options and flexible schedules for learning German
The DACH-Institut offers German courses in both in-person and online formats. The course programme includes intensive, extensive, private and dual courses, as well as special exam preparation courses. To meet the different scheduling needs of participants, courses are offered in the mornings, evenings and on Saturdays, as well as online. There are also regular discounts and combined offers for several course levels.
Participants include young people aged 15 and over, university students and working professionals, as well as international professionals who are learning German for university studies, vocational training, work, voluntary service, migration or personal interest. Many are preparing for university studies or a professional future in Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
A welcoming learning atmosphere and personal support
“As a family-like institute, personal contact with our participants is particularly important to us. With a maximum of 14 people per course, we can respond individually to the needs of our learners and support them throughout their entire learning process. Many participants spend several months or even years with us and appreciate the atmosphere of trust as well as the personal support that goes beyond language teaching itself,” says institute director Dominik Leistner.
In its teaching, the DACH-Institut places great emphasis on a communicative and action-oriented methodology using interactive exercises, digital media and authentic materials. The course programme is complemented by conversation clubs, revision sessions, workshops and events that combine language learning with the culture of German-speaking countries.
In addition, the organization sees itself as a place for meeting and exchange. Regular information events and cooperation with universities and other educational institutions promote exchange between Colombia and German-speaking countries.
Friendly learning environment with an international teaching team
The DACH-Institut offers an international and open learning environment. Its team consists of native speakers from German-speaking countries as well as Colombian teachers with great enthusiasm for the German language and culture.
The institute is located in a green and quiet district of Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring”. In this special setting, the DACH-Institut sees itself as a welcoming place that gives learners a sense of home while they discover a new language and culture.
The classrooms are designed for small learning groups, making personal, individual and high-quality teaching possible. There are also various areas for relaxing, playing and socializing. “After all, languages are best learned in a pleasant atmosphere,” Mr Leistner adds. One small detail: the DACH-Institut is visited every day by squirrels and hummingbirds – and occasionally by parrots too.
Why an ÖSD examination centre now?
With up to 600 enrolments per year, an experienced teaching team and a clear international focus, the DACH-Institut has developed into an important point of contact for German learners in the Antioquia region. Licensing as an ÖSD examination centre is an important step in offering participants high-quality language certificates locally.
The motivation to become an examination centre of the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD) arose from the institute’s daily work with German learners and international professionals. In recent years, demand for German exams in Medellín and the Antioquia region has increased continuously. At the same time, the range of available exams was greatly reduced. This showed a clear need for an additional, internationally recognized certification option.
ÖSD and pluricentricity
Dominik Leistner, who is also ÖSD examination official, also confirms how important the connection between the pluricentric approach of ÖSD and the institute’s own identity as the DACH-Institut is to him. “We do not only teach the German language, but also prepare our participants for living, working and studying throughout the German-speaking world. Taking into account the linguistic and cultural diversity of Germany, Austria and Switzerland therefore fits very well with our educational approach.”
New opportunities with German
As a licensed ÖSD examination centre, Mr Leistner says, the institute offers participants the opportunity to complete language courses and internationally recognized exams in one place. At the same time, the institute sees this as an opportunity to further strengthen the quality of language education and improve access to language certificates in the region.
The organization’s aim is to establish ÖSD as a permanent part of the language education landscape in Medellín, gradually expand the range of exams and qualify additional teachers to work as examiners. In this way, it aims to make a sustainable contribution to promoting the German language as well as the linguistic and professional mobility of participants.
The following ÖSD German exams can currently be taken at the DACH-Institut:
Contact
DACH-Institut
Cra. 48B #10 SUR-76, El Poblado, Medellín, El Poblado, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
