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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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© Martin Jehnichen

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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istock | © songsak chalardpongpun

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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istock | © Khanchit Khirisutchalual

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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Wartebereich mit einer Uhr und Bank.
istock | © onurdongel

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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Verschiedene Werkzeuge liegen auf einem Tisch.
© Martin Jehnichen

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).

German Regulars’ Table (Language School Participants only)

The Welcome Service Language School is excited to offer a monthly German Regulars’ Table (Stammtisch) where you can practice your conversational German. Come join us an interesting discussion about daily life or current events. All levels welcome!Please contact Carolin for detailed information and the location of the meeting: school@potsdam-sciencepark.deImportant note:…

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Create Your Own Adventskranz (Christmas Wreath) | MPI employees only

GO:IN, Am Mühlenberg 11, 14476 Potsdam, Seminar room on the groundfloor

Christmas is coming so we will be having our annual “Adventskranz basteln”. We will tell you all about this German custom and support you in creating your own Christmas Wreath. Children are welcome too.This event will only take place with a minimum of 5 participants.ParticipantsThe in-person events of the Welcome…

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Christmas Market Magic (MPI employees only)

Meeting Point: Bus Stop "Luisenplatz Süd/Park Sanssouci", Bus 605

The traditional Potsdamer Christmas market with its numerous atmospheric stalls will get you it the Christmas spirit. Discover the winter magic with its traditional arts and crafts stalls and culinary delights with us.Join us for a stroll across the Christmas market and learn something about the traditional Christmas customs and…

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German Regulars’ Table (Language School Participants only)

The Welcome Service Language School is excited to offer a monthly German Regulars’ Table (Stammtisch) where you can practice your conversational German. Come join us an interesting discussion about daily life or current events. All levels welcome!Please contact Carolin for detailed information and the location of the meeting: school@potsdam-sciencepark.deGeneral data…

Register
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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.

Family 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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istock | ©baona

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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© Martin Jehnichen

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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istock | ©PavelIvanov

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

Are you looking for an idea for an excursion with your colleagues? Or would you like to get to know the country and its people better? Here are our recommendations for Potsdam and the surrounding area.
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istock | ©Soren Svendsen

Explore Potsdam and Brandenburg

Experience Potsdam and Brandenburg! Cycle around Lake Schwielowsee, visit the world-famous palaces and gardens in Potsdam or jump into one of the more than 3,000 lakes of Brandenburg. Whether on foot, by bike, on inline skates or by raft, SUP and kayak - there is so much to discover. We...
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International Shopping

Food connects us - also with our homeland. People who set up a new life in Potsdam often long for familiar flavours. We would like to help you find the right ingredients to revive the cuisine of your home country in Germany. Here you will find important addresses for your...
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istock | ©FamVeld

Picking Your Own Fruit

The Potsdam Science Park is located in a traditional fruit-growing region. Throughout the summer, when the trees and bushes are full of cherries, plums or pears, the fruit farms in the region offer "self-picking". A harvest day with friends and family in the countryside is a great - and rewarding...
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