Welcome Service
Have you recently moved to Germany and are new to the Potsdam Science Park? The Welcome Service will help you and your family to settle in. We advise you on finding accommodation and childcare, support you in building a social network and learning the German language. So you can settle in well in Potsdam as quickly as possible!
Language School
In the international environment of the Potsdam Science Park, we offer highly qualified German and English courses at our language school. In small groups and in a warm atmosphere, you will learn based on your previous knowledge as part of a program tailored to your individual learning goals. There is also a practical benefit— you have an opportunity to network with other scientists on campus, make new friends and immerse yourself in the German lifestyle in class.
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Language Courses
Would you like to learn German so that you can communicate better in everyday life or in the office? Or English for your next presentation? We offer the employees of our contractual partners a wide range of language courses for beginners and advanced learners - whether German as a foreign...
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How do you actually say "stay healthy" in German?
As the largest of its kind, the Potsdam Science Park in Potsdam-Golm has become an indispensable part of the map of scientific research and development in the state of Brandenburg. But here, work is not only done in the field of gravitational physics or plant physiology, but language lessons are...
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Counseling
Starting life in a new country is paved with visits to public offices, the search for accommodation and learning to navigate one’s way around everyday life. We will support you in creating a stable environment for yourself, your partner and your children as soon as possible.
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Max Planck Guesthouse
The management of the Max Planck Guesthouse is also part of the Welcome Service. The guesthouse is operated by the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (AEI). As a MPI employee or guest you can find accommodation for the first part of your stay at the Potsdam Science Park until...
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Accommodation
Finding shortterm and longterm accommodation in Potsdam and Berlin can be a real challenge. Commuting times, prices in the different residential districts and the most opportune times of year to search are all important factors to consider when searching for long-term accommodation. We will help illuminate your path towards finding...
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Childcare
In principle, every child has a legal right to place in childcare in Germany. At the moment finding a suitable place in a practical location with a learning concept that meets the needs of your family is very convenient. We also know how important it is for your child to...
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Career Planning
Around 750 scientists from all over the world work and conduct research in the Potsdam Science Park. Would you also like to continue your career in Potsdam? We are happy to support you as a young professional with our career planning offers. Depending on your status, your partner can also...
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Healthcare
Falling ill in a foreign country can be frightening. We can support you in finding suitable therapists and doctors— both for physical and psychological problems. To this end, we rely on a network of English-speaking or multilingual partners. If needed, we can also accompany you to appointments to translate the...
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Government Agencies
Starting life in a new country includes numerous visits to public offices. We will support you in finding your way through the jungle of forms and refer you to competent contacts to complete your registration process. *The Welcome Service is free of charge for our contract partners´employees.
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Insurances
In addition to health insurance, we recommend household and liability insurance policies to protect you and your belongings during your stay in Germany. Sometimes these insurance policies are also required as part of a rental agreement. We support you in concluding a contract and in the event of a claim.
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Tool Loan Desk
You have found housing and would like to assemble your new furniture? At the Welcome Service office you can rent tools for a few days with a deposit of 100 €. Order your tools via email. *The Welcome Service is free of charge for our contract partners´employees.
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Welcome Service Events
Open to all employees of our contractual partners (e.g. MPI).
Contact & Opening Hours
General information
Please note that the Welcome Service and the language school work partly from home and partly from the GO:IN office. All language courses run as online or face-to-face courses. We are available to answer questions by phone and email. We are happy to offer personal and online consultations by appointment.
If you would like to pay your guesthouse bill in cash or by EC/credit card, please use the opening hours of the guesthouse administration.
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Guest house administration
Our office is located in the GO:IN Innovation Center (3rd floor, room 309).
Monday – Friday: 8.30 am – 12.30 pm*
*Cash, EC/Debit or credit card.
The office in the guest house is located to the right of the entrance area.
Monday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm*
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm*
*Only cash payments possible
Welcome Service
Our office is located in the GO:IN Innovation Center (3rd floor, room 307).
Please make an appointment for a consultation.
Carolin Schneider
Language school / Welcome Service
carolin.schneider@potsdam-sciencepark.de + 49 331 237 351 104
Eva Reis
Welcome Service & Max-Planck-Campus Guest House
eva.reis@potsdam-sciencepark.de + 49 331 237 351 108
Tina Stavemann
Welcome Service
tina.stavemann@potsdam-sciencepark.de + 49 331 237 351 145Family Life
Settling into a new environment can be a challenge for any family. We are committed to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable transition for all newcomers to Potsdam.
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Parent-Child Courses in Potsdam
Does your child have a talent for sports or music? Would you like to introduce your baby to early music education and get to know other parents? There are numerous parent-child courses on offer in the Potsdam region - whether baby swimming, climbing together or making music. You can find...
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Playgrounds in Potsdam
Did you know? Potsdam has been awarded the Unicef "Child-Friendly Community" seal and is one of the cities with the most children in Germany. It's no surprise then, that Potsdam has a great selection of playgrounds. Find out about some of the best places to play in the city!
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Fitness for Mums in Potsdam and Berlin
Have you just given birth to your first child? Or would you like to improve your fitness as a mum to feel better? Take advantage of the numerous courses on offer for mothers - from postnatal gymnastics and ilates to circuit training. We've put together a few options to help...
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Indoor Playgrounds in Potsdam and Berlin
Potsdam and Berlin have a lot to offer for kids, even in autumn and winter. How about climbing, jumping, sliding or go-karting? Indoor playgrounds are great to burn off some energy when it's raining or snowing outside. We've picked some fun places for an afternoon with the kids.
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Find Your Way
Your are new to the Potsdam Science Park as a guest or new employee? Please start here with finding your way through all the facilities we are offering.
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Eating and Shopping
It's lunchtime! Several canteens and cafés in the Potsdam Science Park offer delicious meals and snacks. When the weather is nice, outdoor areas invite you to sit in the open air. And if you want to do some quick shopping for dinner or breakfast, there are several bakeries and supermarkets...
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Living & overnight-stays
Living in the Potsdam Science Park? Of course it's possible! Studentenwerk Potsdam offers furnished one-bedroom and shared flats for students. BaseCamp, a private company, provides fully furnished rooms including a roof terrace, cinema room and fitness room. The Twenty offers furnished flats of various sizes directly on the Technology Campus.
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Social Activities in the Region
Explore Potsdam and Brandenburg
International Shopping
Picking Your Own Fruit