Kollegiatin des Orientierungsjahres lesend in der Bibliothek des Campus Haerlen

Welcome at Salem Kolleg

The General Studies course that kick-starts your path at a university in a German speaking country.

Embark on an unforgettable, life-changing gap year with our General Studies program, providing you with essential guidance and opening the door to studying at a German university. 

Nestled on the picturesque northern shore of the Lake of Constance in Germany, Salem Kolleg offers a transformative General Studies program that provides an unforgettable gap year experience, delivering essential guidance and opening the pathway to studying at prestigious German universities.

In our global society, deciding not only what to study but also where to pursue your education is essential. However, navigating the vast number of courses and career opportunities available today can be overwhelming for many young adults.

At Salem Kolleg, we offer an inspiring orientation program tailored for both German and international students from around the world.

When embarking on a gap year abroad, important questions often arise: How does the German educational system work? Which university aligns best with my goals? Will my current qualifications be recognized? What career opportunities await me after graduation?

Our comprehensive orientation year is designed to answer all these questions and more, providing you with the clarity and confidence to make informed decisions about your academic and professional future.

Salem Kolleg embraces a unique philosophy captured by our motto:

 

"Experience it! Understand it! Decide it!"

Drawing from Kurt Hahn's principles of experiential education, our program integrates Studium Generale, leadership training, and outdoor education. By incorporating Hahn’s core principles of holistic growth, resilience, and responsible leadership, we set the stage for an unforgettable, life-shaping orientation year. This holistic approach combines rigorous academic learning with personal development and career orientation, ensuring that your time with us is both productive and enjoyable.

Join us at Salem Kolleg for a transformative gap year that will not only shape your personal and academic journey but also open doors to prestigious German universities. Experience a supportive community, engage in meaningful activities, and gain the skills and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic world. Let us help you turn your aspirations into reality and set the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.

The links above provide further important information regarding our concept, the campus and the application. Please feel free to contact us via e-mail or telephone, we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

“I also came to Salem Kolleg to find out whether I like it in Germany or not. I might not have yet decided on a specific university, but I do know I want to study here now.”
(Alumnus)
Eine Dozentin im Unterrichtsraum mit zwei Kollegiaten im Vordergrund

Studium Generale 

Throughout the year, students can choose from a variety of different seminars and courses held by well-trained and dedicated young lecturers who are experts in their field and provide insights into the humanities, social and natural sciences. In addition to the courses held on campus, students are encouraged to attend first-year seminars and lectures at the University of Konstanz and the Konstanz College of Applied Sciences (HTWG). Our university courses provide enriching insights into academic and student life, and if applicable, the credits you earn can be transferred to support your future studies.

As part of our enriching year-long "Social Reality in Europe" project, students embark on immersive research trips to selected destinations in small groups. During these trips, they engage deeply with a variety of social and political topics, fostering critical thinking and a broader global perspective. Upon their return, each group collaborates to craft an academic paper guided by our dedicated mentors and lecturers. This process not only enhances their research and writing skills but also ensures that their experiences translate into meaningful scholarly work, contributing to their overall personal and academic growth.

Claudia Groot im Gespräch mit Kollegiaten in der Bibliothek

Orientation Program 

Throughout the year, we host a variety of engaging workshops focused on helping you make informed study choices and navigate your career path. In collaborative sessions with our passionate coaching team, you'll uncover your unique skills, interests, and values. Additionally, our seminars are designed to prepare you for assessment centers and the application process. Combined with in-depth insights into various research fields, Salem Kolleg's orientation program provides the perfect foundation for making confident and successful decisions about your studies and future career.

Eine Outdoor-Gruppe posiert auf dem Gipfel eines Berges mit Berglandschaft im Hintergrund

Outdoor Education 

Outdoor education is a cornerstone of the Salem Kolleg experience, empowering students to push their boundaries and discover what they can achieve with dedication and ambition. Our comprehensive outdoor program includes leadership training, enabling each student to develop the qualities necessary to take initiative and lead effectively. The curriculum features three progressively challenging excursions: a foundation outdoor trip, a winter expedition where students build igloos and navigate on snowshoes, and a ten-day hiking and camping adventure that tests their endurance and resilience. Starting in 2025, we are thrilled to offer students the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award at Salem Kolleg, further enriching their personal growth journey. In addition to these excursions, students are encouraged to pursue personal challenges such as earning a sailing license, cycling around the Lake of Constance, or swimming across the lake in Überlingen. These experiences not only foster physical and mental strength but also prepare students for future academic and career success.

Kollegiat beim Hürdenlauf auf dem Sportplatz Härlen

Creativity and Sports 

In addition to our comprehensive orientation programs, seminars, and outdoor education, Salem Kolleg offers plenty of free time for you to engage in sports and creative activities. Whether you’re passionate about football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, athletics, gymnastics, bouldering, or weightlifting, you'll find a sport that suits your interests. Our access to the nearby Schule Schloss Salem harbour opens up exciting opportunities to learn sailing and windsurfing or to embark on canoe tours across the beautiful Lake Constance.

For those of you who thrive on creativity, Salem Kolleg provides numerous avenues to express yourself. Every year, we host a theatre project led by a professional director. Whether you choose to join in on the sports or dive into creative projects, you'll find a supportive community that fosters both physical and artistic growth. At Salem Kolleg, you can balance your academic and personal development with activities that inspire and energize you, making your gap year truly unforgettable.

The Campus

Salem Kolleg is attached to the "Härlen" campus of Schule Schloss Salem. Students live together in modern houses of eight, each equipped with four twin rooms, two bathrooms, a shared living space and a kitchen. Each row of houses has its own mentor who lives on campus and can be contacted at any time. The courses and workshops take place in modern, bright and spacious seminar roomsIn addition, our campus boasts a spacious library where you can borrow a wide selection of books and find a quiet place to work on your studies. Enjoy balanced and nutritious meals at our cafeteria, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner that can be savored either indoors or on the sunny terrace during the summer months. Our student-run fairtrade café offers a variety of delicious snacks and coffee, providing a cozy spot for relaxation and socializing. Plus, a large supermarket is conveniently located within walking distance, ensuring that all your daily needs are easily met. At Salem Kolleg, you'll find everything you need to support both your academic pursuits and personal well-being in a welcoming and vibrant community.

Our campus has numerous spaces designed for leisure and personal growth. Music enthusiasts will appreciate our several well-equipped music rooms, while the large auditorium, complete with a stage and full lighting equipment, serves as the perfect venue for our annual theatre productions. Sports lovers have access to a variety of pitches where you can play football, hockey, basketball, and volleyball, as well as a running track, high jump mat, and a fully equipped weight room with a boulder wall and gymnasium to keep you active and engaged.