Events of the studierendenWERK Berlin

Events and activities for refugee students of the Centre for Student Refugees and other departments of studierendenWERK Berlin

You can find more events for international students here.

Our basic principles and rules of behaviour:

  1. Respect:

Each and every participant is respected regardless of origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, identity or ability. Respectful communication is the basis for dialogue in the SprachCafé.

  1. Mutual support:

Participants should help and encourage each other.

  1. Inclusivity:

Everyone is welcome. No one is excluded on the basis of language skills, cultural background or other personal characteristics. Different perspectives and experiences are seen as enriching.

  1. Freedom from discrimination:

Discrimination of any kind (racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, etc.) is not tolerated. Participants who make discriminatory comments will be addressed and asked to leave the event if their misbehaviour persists.

  1. Confidentiality:

Everything that is discussed during the event remains within the group. Personal information or stories will be kept confidential to ensure a sense of safety.

Anyone who experiences discrimination against themselves or others while participating in one of our events can contact the event management or the Centre For Student Refugees at studierendenWERK BERLIN at any time (StudentRefugees@stw.berlin). We take all complaints seriously and work with those affected to find solutions.

Registration

Registration for the group programmes is possible approximately three weeks before the respective date. The registration period usually ends one day before the event.

Registration takes place via an Eveeno form, which is linked in the respective programme on the website of studierendenWERK BERLIN(www.stw.berlin/veranstaltungen).

Places will be allocated according to the date of receipt of registrations.

Registration is only possible for one person per registration and is non-transferable.

If more registrations are received than there are places available, a waiting list will be kept. In this case, the student will be notified when a place becomes available.

Cancellation

In the event of non-participation despite registration, please cancel as soon as possible.

A short reply to the registration confirmation is sufficient.

Chargeable activities:

Participants can cancel their participation in writing to StudentRefugees@stw.berlin up to 3 working days (Mon - Fri) before the start of the event.

In this case, the nominal fee will be refunded in full.

- Campaign starts on Monday - cancellations until 23:59 on the previous Tuesday

- Promotion starts on Tuesday - cancellations until 23:59 on the previous Wednesday

- Promotion starts on Wednesday - cancellations until 23:59 on the previous Thursday

- Promotion starts on Thursday - cancellations until 23:59 on the Friday before

- Promotion starts on Friday, Saturday or Sunday - cancellations until 23:59 on the previous Monday

 No refunds will be made after the above deadline.

In the event of non-appearance or cancellation of participation after the start of the event, there is no entitlement to a refund of the participation fee.

Participation costs

Our online programmes are generally free of charge. For most face-to-face events, we charge a nominal fee, which is not intended to cover the costs, but to increase the commitment to participate in the respective offer. However, this is not intended to exclude anyone from our programme. If it is difficult for you to raise the amount for the nominal fee, please send us an email to StudentRefugees@stw.berlin. We will then find a solution.

Paid training courses are explicitly labelled as such on the website. The participation fee is paid to the contractual partner Eveeno using the payment method selected during registration.

Feedback

Participants are given the opportunity to provide feedback after each programme. In addition, our organisation team can be contacted by email: StudentRefugees@stw.berlin.

Our Code of Conduct – full concept detailed below:

These rules apply to everyone present at events of any kind:

Respect One Another
We are committed to respectful interaction. Every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Consent
Only “yes” means “yes” – the boundaries of others must always be respected.

Choice of outward appearance is not consent
A person’s clothing, hairstyle, or other external attributes are never an invitation or justification for physical contact.

Appearance does not indicate gender identity
Many people struggle daily to be seen as the gender they truly are.

Power of definition
Only individuals who themselves experience marginalization can define which actions or statements are discriminatory. Their experiences and needs are taken seriously.

No Violence
All forms of psychological, sexual, or physical violence, as well as any other violations of the code of conduct, are strictly prohibited. Anyone who violates these rules will be excluded from the event.

Confidentiality, Vigilance, and Continuous Development
We strive for confidentiality, vigilance, reflection, and ongoing development. We actively work to improve our safer spaces.
We acknowledge that no space is equally safe for everyone and take individual experiences and needs into account through deliberate efforts such as respectful communication, anti-discrimination measures, and inclusion.

Safety is an ongoing process, and even with active efforts, discrimination can still occur – which is why we remain vigilant, uphold confidentiality, and seek close exchange with those around us.

1. Introduction

The Awareness Concept of the departments of Culture, International Affairs, Competencies, and the Centre for Student Refugees of the studierendenWERK Berlin is a supplement to the general terms and conditions of participation. Its goal is to create safer spaces for all participants, where diversity and creativity can be encouraged. The focus lies on the prevention of discrimination, violence, and boundary violations, as well as the active de-escalation and avoidance of conflict.

This concept is directed at all students, staff of the departments of Culture, International Affairs, Competencies and the Centre for Student Refugees of the studierendenWERK Berlin, as well as guests of the studierendenWERK Berlin. It provides a framework for respectful and inclusive interaction. It is intended to help resolve conflicts constructively, prevent them early on, and support affected individuals when needed.

Through this Awareness Concept, we aim to make events, trainings, workshops, and other activities safe and inclusive, so that all participants feel comfortable and can take part—regardless of their educational background, income, gender, etc.

2. Foundations of the Awareness Concept

Awareness describes the conscious perception and promotion of a safe, respectful, and supportive environment (safer spaces) that actively counters discrimination, violence, and boundary violations. This concept is grounded in a clear set of values: respect, diversity, empathy, and non-discriminatory communication are central.

Our awareness work is based on an intersectional approach. This means we take into account different forms of discrimination and how they overlap—such as sexism, racism, antisemitism, queerphobia, transphobia, or ableism. Our aim is to ensure that especially marginalized individuals are respected and protected at events.

3. Goals of the Awareness Concept

With this Awareness Concept, we pursue the following goals:

  • Creation of safer spaces in which all individuals are treated with respect, feel safe, and where diversity is actively encouraged. We are aware that fully achieving this ideal is not always possible due to unconscious micro-aggressions, prejudice, misunderstandings, and complex intersectional marginalizations. Nevertheless, we actively strive toward this goal and remain open to improvements.

  • Active prevention of discrimination and violence and the promotion of critical awareness around discrimination.

  • Early conflict prevention to foster a constructive and respectful atmosphere.

  • Support and empowerment of affected individuals through concrete points of contact and measures.

  • Promotion of diversity awareness: fostering a critical understanding of discrimination with a particular focus on intersectional perspectives.

4. Challenges and Intersectionality

Discrimination often occurs in complex and overlapping forms. Intersectional approaches help make these dynamics visible and allow us to address them in a targeted way. The Awareness Concept addresses challenges such as harassment of all kinds (e.g., discriminatory comments, physical, sexual, and psychological boundary violations, and other forms of violence).

Our goal is to reduce physical, linguistic, and psychological barriers as effectively and purposefully as possible, so that all individuals can participate in a safe and low-barrier environment. We recognize that the responsibility to create safety is dynamic and that there is always room for improvement. We actively work to minimize forms of exclusion, knowing that a space entirely free from exclusion is an ideal we continuously strive toward.

5. Our Code of Conduct

These rules apply to everyone present at events of any kind:

Respect One Another
We are committed to respectful interaction. Every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Consent
Only “yes” means “yes” – the boundaries of others must always be respected.

Choice of outward appearance is not consent
A person’s clothing, hairstyle, or other external attributes are never an invitation or justification for physical contact.

Appearance does not indicate gender identity
Many people struggle daily to be seen as the gender they truly are.

Power of Definition
Only individuals who themselves experience marginalization can define which actions or statements are discriminatory. Their experiences and needs are taken seriously.

No Violence
All forms of psychological, sexual, or physical violence, as well as any other violations of the code of conduct, are strictly prohibited. Anyone who violates these rules will be excluded from the event.

Confidentiality, Vigilance, and Continuous Development
We strive for confidentiality, vigilance, reflection, and ongoing development.

We actively work to improve our safer spaces. We know that no space is equally safe for everyone and take individual experiences and needs into account through deliberate efforts such as respectful communication, anti-discrimination measures, and inclusion.

Safety is a continuous process, and even with active efforts, discrimination can still occur – which is why we remain vigilant, uphold confidentiality, and seek close exchange with those around us.

6. Accessibility

Within our means, we are committed to making our events as accessible as possible. Planned measures include:

  • Physical accessibility:
    We make every effort to design event spaces to be as accessible as possible and to provide access for people with mobility impairments. However, due to structural limitations, not all venues are fully accessible.

  • Linguistic accessibility:
    We pay attention to accessibility in our print and online communications.

  • Psychological accessibility:
    Wherever possible, we provide quiet retreat spaces and take into account the needs of people with psychological impairments.

Despite our careful efforts, we cannot guarantee full accessibility in every case. We ask for your understanding and are committed to offering individual solutions where feasible.

7. Communication of the Awareness Concept

The concept is communicated transparently to inform participants before, during, and after the event:

  • Before the event:
    Through various channels such as flyers, the website, and social media.

  • During the event:
    An external awareness team is visibly present and approachable on-site where possible. Alternatively, our staff members are available for support, and the Code of Conduct is made clearly accessible.

8. Awareness and Support On Site

Support from our staff:
Our staff members support participants who feel uncomfortable or threatened and assist in meeting their needs, such as providing a retreat space, offering conversation, fresh air, or time alone. You can recognize our staff by their purple keychain tags.

Clear communication of measures:
It is important to us to communicate transparently and clearly about the measures taken in cases of discrimination. This includes immediate support for the affected person, consequences for discriminatory behavior, and ensuring respectful interaction at the event.

Awareness team if needed:
Depending on the needs and nature of the event, an external awareness team may be available as a point of contact for issues related to discrimination, harassment, boundary violations, or violence. Members of the awareness team can be identified by their pink vests.

Tasks of the awareness team:

  • Point of contact for all concerns regarding discrimination, harassment, or other uncomfortable situations

  • Active presence before and during the event to help ensure a safe environment

  • Implementation of awareness measures planned in advance and during the event

9. Measures in Cases of Discrimination

  • Simple and accessible options are provided for reporting incidents.

  • A quick and effective response system ensures timely action on complaints.

  • Sanctions and consequences are clearly defined and communicated transparently.

  • Reports are handled either by on-site studierendenWERK staff or the awareness team (depending on availability).

Support for the affected person:

  • Support may include accompaniment to a retreat space, access to counseling or conversation, or other necessary steps to ensure stability.

  • If needed, security or the police will be contacted—for example, in serious incidents or at the request of the affected person.

Prevention and follow-up:

  • After the immediate situation has been resolved, the incident will be anonymized and reviewed to develop preventive measures.

  • After the event, there will be an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback or report incidents of discrimination.

10. Points of Contact for Affected Persons

Individuals affected by discrimination, boundary violations, or violence can receive support from:

  • On-site studierendenWERK staff

  • On-site awareness team, depending on availability

  • External support services – a list of external contact points is provided in section 13.

11. Error Culture

A constructive approach to errors is crucial for the continuous improvement of the awareness concept. We place importance on transparency, accountability, and a willingness to grow. The following principles form the foundation of our error culture:

  • Mistakes in dealing with discrimination are acknowledged and reflected upon.

  • The awareness team and staff commit to learning from mistakes.

  • Responsibility is taken to ensure trust and credibility.

  • Feedback is analyzed to derive specific improvements.

  • Ongoing training and education of the team is pursued.

  • The awareness concept is regularly adapted to meet new challenges and needs.

  • All statements and information from those involved are treated confidentially.

12. Evaluation and Further Development

The awareness concept is regularly evaluated and refined to ensure it meets its intended goals. This is achieved through:

  • Feedback loops: Comments and feedback from participants and staff (anonymously upon request) after events.

  • Adjustment of measures based on collected experiences and emerging needs.

13. External Support Service List

Emergency Services
Website: www.berlin.de/polizei/service/notruf/notdienste

  • Police (24/7): 110

  • Fire and Emergency Medical Services (24/7): 112

  • Medical On-Call Service (24/7): 310 03 1

  • Berlin Police Citizen Service Hotline (24/7): 4664-4664

  • Emergency Dentist (Sun–Thu 8 PM–1 AM, Fri & Sat 8 PM–3 AM): 890 04-333

  • Poison Emergency Hotline (24/7): 192 40

  • Central Midwife Hotline (Daily, 2–3 hours at varying times): 214 27 71

  • Ambulance Service – German Red Cross (24/7): 197 27

  • Berlin Crisis Service (24/7): 390 63 00

  • Telephone Counseling / Suicide Prevention (24/7):
    0800-111 01 11 or 0800-111 02 22

    • English: 6 PM–Midnight daily – 440 10 60 7

    • Russian (24/7): 440 10 60 6

  • Addiction Support Hotline – Berlin e.V. (24/7): 192 37 or 0180 5313031

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (24/7): 192 95

  • Berlin AIDS Support – 12 PM to 10 PM daily: 8856400

  • BiG Hotline (Domestic violence support for women, 24/7): 611 03 00

  • LARA (Rape crisis center, Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM): 216 88 88

  • Shelter Paula Panke e.V.:

    • Tue & Wed 4–6 PM, Fri 10 AM–12 PM – 485 47 02

  • Shelter Hestia e.V.:

    • Tue 10–12 AM, Wed 2–4 PM, Thu 10–12 AM – 440 6058

  • Women’s Crisis Hotline: 615 42 43

    • Mon: 10 AM–12 PM

    • Tue: 3–5 PM

    • Wed: 7–9 PM

    • Thu: 10 AM–12 PM

    • Fri: 7–9 PM

    • Sat & Sun: 5–7 PM

  • Migrant Women’s Counseling (Mon 10–12 AM): 615 75 96

  • Frieda Women’s Center (Stalking counseling – Fr. Köhler): 4224276

  • Free Legal Counseling – Schoko-Fabrik, Naunynstr. 72, 10997 Berlin (Mon–Thu 10 AM–2 PM): 615 2999

  • Emergency Shelter for Women – “FrauenbeDacht” Residence: 274 96 297

  • Miles – LGBTQ+ Migrant Support (Mon–Fri 2–5 PM): 225 02 215

  • Gay Emergency Hotline (Daily 5–7 PM): 216 33 36

  • Lesbian Counseling:

    • Mon, Wed, Fri 2–5 PM

    • Tue 10 AM–4 PM, Thu 3–6 PM – 215 20 00

  • Gay Counseling Berlin (24/7): 233 690 70

  • Victim Support (Mon–Fri 10 AM–1 PM, Tue & Thu 3–6 PM): 395 2867

  • Clinic & Counseling Center for Homeless People (Ostbahnhof):

    • Counseling: Mon–Thu 9 AM–2 PM, Fri 8 AM–1 PM

    • Practice: Mon–Fri 8 AM–1 PM – 29 66 85 36 / 29 66 85 37

  • Children’s Emergency Service (24/7): 61 00 61

  • Youth Emergency Service (from age 14, 24/7): 61 00 62

  • Girls’ Emergency Service (24/7): 61 00 63

  • Child Protection Hotline (24/7): 61 00 66

Berlin Crisis Service

Provides telephone or in-person crisis counseling and intervention without prior registration. Multilingual. In urgent cases, home visits possible. Doctors on-call. All locations open daily from 4 PM to midnight. 24/7 coverage via regional standby.

Opening hours:

  • Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM: Phone info and referrals only

Regional contacts:

  • Mitte, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg: 390 63 10

  • Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf: 390 63 20

  • Spandau: 390 63 30

  • Pankow: 390 63 40

  • Reinickendorf: 390 63 50

  • Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Tempelhof-Schöneberg: 390 63 60

  • Lichtenberg, Marzahn-Hellersdorf: 390 63 70

  • Treptow-Köpenick: 390 63 80

  • Neukölln: 390 63 90
    Website: www.berliner-krisendienst.de

Social Psychiatric Services of Berlin District Offices

Counseling, referrals, crisis intervention, and if necessary, outreach in homes or communities.

  • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM–4 PM

  • Contact: 115 (forwarded to appropriate district office)

  • More info

Child and Youth Psychiatric Services of the District Offices

Support in crises, including medical, psychological, and social-pedagogical services.

  • Hours:

    • Mon–Thu: 9 AM–3 PM

    • Fri: 9 AM–1 PM

  • Contact: 115

  • More info

Telephone Counseling Services

Helplines for Children, Youth, and Parents

  • Children and Youth Hotline (anonymous/confidential, Mon–Sat 2–8 PM):

  • Neuhland: Counseling for children, youth, and parents in psychological crises and suicidal risk

  • BIG Hotline: Domestic violence support for women and children

  • Parents Hotline: Support for parenting questions