Goethe Orientation Studies (GO)

At a glance

For: prospective students, people with a wide range of interests

Topics: Study program with orientation phase, orientation in the initial study phase, study success through orientation, sustainable choice of subject through real study experiences

Location: Goethe University Frankfurt

Mission: Find your subject!

To be really sure and trust your own decision when it comes to choosing your subject - this is the wish that prospective students come to the Goethe Orientation Course (GO). Because this choice sets the course for your own future. At the Goethe University (GU) you can get a comprehensive orientation in the natural and life sciences as well as the humanities and social sciences - and in a more diverse way than anywhere else in Germany.

In focus: our students

have a wide range of interests but cannot yet decide on a field of study
have already shortlisted a few subjects, but are not yet sure which subject is right for them
have already studied or completed an apprenticeship, but were not happy with it and would now like to orientate themselves systematically again
want to know what university and studying actually mean and whether it is something for them

The profiles and needs of our GO students are very different and are therefore treated individually. The mission “Find YOUR subject!” starts within, i.e. with the students themselves: We see (self-)reflection, exploration of one's own interests and skills paired with diversity-sensitive advice and peer mentoring support (by students for...) as the core of our program students) as well as real experience of everyday university life.

Togetherness, shared commitment and shaping the university are an important part of student and university life and benefit particularly from the funded projects, even beyond the funding period.

Systematic and individual orientation

The GO's offerings include support in skills development and basic building, an interdisciplinary overview, research proximity and practical relevance. Arriving and settling in while studying and at the university are also fundamental parts of our culture. The GU's subjects and institutions set up this program so that knowledge and content reach the GO students directly from the experts and there are always contact persons available.

Successful!

After or during the orientation phase (one or two semesters, depending on whether the GO is in the natural sciences or the humanities), the students experience their first successes: Having started in the jungle of subjects and with unclear expectations, the students are now reconciling their idea of a subject at every turn along the way with your own experiences. Your own potential is discovered and developed until you clearly see the goal of your journey and you make a reflected and sustainable decision for YOUR subject!

This is often not for a subject at the GU, but it also leads some students to an apprenticeship or another educational path, and in some cases to study at another university. For the Goethe University, the GO brings in-depth exchange between the subjects, teaching material and open events. In addition, the program at GU acts like a laboratory for innovative teaching, which we develop and try out, and provides impetus for general course development. Mission accomplished: GO – Find YOUR subject!