About Us

bibis (Bildungswerk des Bielefelder Schulvereins e.V.) is a committed, government-approved institute of education.

We strive to offer you a qualified course design and qualified teaching, which will enable you to reach your language goals in the shortest possible time. The students’ welfare is of utmost concern to us. We take great care to provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with emphasis on communication. We appreciate personal contact.

 

To optimise your course experience, we offer the following services:

  • Qualified language counselling
  • Placement test
  • Careful selection of the course that suits you best
  • Internationally mixed groups, with students from all over the world
  • Homogenous classes, from beginner to advanced level
  • Regular performance assessment and examinations, as well as examination preparations
  • Online courses & hybrid courses via the video conferencing software "zoom"
  • Loan of digital equipment such as laptops and tablets
  • Individual IT-support if you are participating online
  • Information on council services and departments
  • Assistance with visa matters
  • Arranging for insurance cover
  • Arranging for accommodation
  • Individual counselling throughout the whole time of your language training at bibis
  • Counselling and assistance with university applications

 

Our history

In 1973, the responsible body of today’s bibis, the Bielefelder Schulverein e.V.[Bielefeld School Association; a registered non-profit association], was founded by academic lecturers and professors as well as local members of the public. In 1982, after an agreement with the Principal’s Office of Bielefeld University, the association was assigned the task of providing language training for foreign university and Studienkolleg applicants. In 1987 bibis Bildungswerk des Bielefelder Schulvereins – was founded. We work in accordance with the guidelines of the North Rhine-Westfalian Law of Further Education and were approved as an institue of extracurricular education by the Minister of Education and Arts of North Rhine-Westfalia. bibis sees itself as an ambassador for language and culture.

 

The School

bibis is situated in the heart of Bielefeld. Our seminar rooms are in a building complex which formerly housed a machine factory. In this attractive historic work of architecture, a project of the EXPO 2000 was realised: Dürkopp Tor 6 [Dürkopp Gate 6], a model project combining vocational education and the living together of young people.

Next to our school, there is a modern youth hotel, a centre for vocational and extracurricular education, and an independent theatre. Our school, in the historic part of the building, is completely renovated. The technical equipment is state-of the-art, and the rooms are spacious and flooded with light. To optimize online courses and digital exams bibis has modern hardware and a fibre optic connection. 

 

Our teachers

With bibis you find a team of committed mother-tongue teachers. It is our policy that all of them have a qualified educational and subject-specific education, as well as many years of teaching practice, which is regularly 'updated’ through further teacher training. Our teachers are versed in the currently essential format of teaching online via conference and educational software. But most important: They enjoy their work. What our students appreciate very much is that a class is taught by teams of three, where older and younger colleagues form an ideal mixture of experience, vigour, and individual competence. Do you have any questions, requests, or critical comments? Don't hesitate! Your teachers will have a sympathetic ear for you, even after class. They are happy to help you with practical advice and tips for making the most of your stay in Bielefeld.

 

The lessons

Those who learn with interest and joy, learn faster and better. Therefore your lessons are

  • in international learner groups
  • communication-orientated and varied
  • in accordance with state-of-the-art educational methodology
  • with up-to-date teaching materials and modern media
  • either online or face-to-face; each with its own tailored didactics and methodology
  • with regular performance assessment
  • in a relaxed and motivating atmosphere where learning is fun.

For we know from experience: This concept is the best way to fast and guaranteed achievements.

 

Our students

Our students come from all over the world. In 2012 people from 70 to 100 nations attended our courses, many of them on the recommendation of former bibis students. A lot of students aim at taking the language proficiency examinations that are prerequisite for the admission to studies at German institutes of higher education. But we also have students who came to Bielefeld for professional reasons or through private contacts. We have a further advantage that makes us attractive for learning German: In and around Bielefeld most people do not speak a form of dialect but standard German.

 

Co-operation partners

  • TestDaF Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum
  • telc gGmbH
  • Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences
  • Bielefeld University
  • BAMF
  • VHS Bielefeld

 

Memberships

  • Fachverband Deutsch als Fremdsprache (FaDaF)
  • Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft für eine andere Weiterbildung NRW (LAAW)
  • Gütesiegelverbund Weiterbildung NRW
  • bwb

 

 

 

 

Obituary Elke Sattler

 Elke Sattler


On December 31st, 2021, our dear teacher Elke Sattler passed away after a short serious illness. bibis – Bildungswerk des Bielefelder Schulvereins - mourns the loss of a loyal and reliable colleague of many years.
Elke had been part of the bibis team since the early 90s. Our students got to know Elke as a patient and affectionate teacher who taught with confidence at all language levels. She could answer any question (really any question) about German grammar and spelling, and with tons of enthusiasm would help her students face the difficulties of the German language. She did all of this with passion and everlasting kindness.
The younger colleagues who joined bibis after her also benefited from her wealth of knowledge. For them, she was always approachable, offered support and good advice. She was greatly beloved and respected by all.
Outside the classroom, Elke was a person who stood up for the people around her. She had a clear political stance, questioned things critically and got involved. At the same time, she was always a good listener.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague Elke Sattler and will always remember her fondly.
Our thoughts and condolences go to the grieving family.

In the name of the entire bibis team
Ingrid v. Löwis, Director