Ibero-American Studies: Master's Program 'Communication and Society in Ibero-America'  HCIAS Student Support Services

Our goal is to help you prepare for your studies in the HCIAS master's program 'Communication and Society in Ibero-America' and ensure a smooth and successful start to your academic journey at the HCIAS. To support you during this important transition, we offer a range of services and events specifically designed for newly admitted students, including:

English Language CourseS

English courses for applicants are regularly offered to foster or achieve English proficiency on C1 level which is a requirement for the master’s program. Upcoming course offerings will be posted on this site.  

spanish Language courseS

Spanish courses for students who have not yet reached a B2 level at the start of their studies are regularly offered with the aim of enabling them to achieve this level by the end of the second semester. Upcoming course offerings will be posted on this site.

German Language courses

German proficiency is not required for the master's program. However, international students who would like to learn German as preparation for their stay in Germany are very welcome to take these courses. Upcoming course offerings will be posted on this site.

HCIAS Master Wiki

The HCIAS Master Wiki contains a collection of the most important questions and aspects about the master’s program and about studying in Heidelberg. It is designed exclusively for HCIAS master’s students and provides information on accommodation, financial support, leisure activities, transportation, online tools, semester dates, libraries, and many other topics. Access is provided to HCIAS master’s students after their application has been positively evaluated and they have been admitted to the program.

Welcome Event

This orientation event is designed to help new students get their academic journey at the HCIAS off to a good start. New students have the opportunity to get to know their fellow students, connect with the HCIAS study coordination and gain deeper insights into the structure and content of the master’s program.

During your studies, the study coordination remains a central point of contact, offering ongoing and personalized guidance. In addition to individual advising sessions, we regularly organize information events covering a range of topics that are relevant both for the progression of your studies and for planning your path after graduation.

Sharepoint

The Sharepoint-Site serves as common information hub for everything related to the master's program. It includes a calendar with HCIAS courses and events, a roadmap for the master’s examination with crucial information about the final phase of your studies, and additional details about other available course offerings. Access only for HCIAS students via Uni-ID login.

Monitoring Sheet

The monitoring sheet is a tool designed to help students systematically document and track their individual academic progress over the course of their studies. It serves as a valuable basis for one-on-one advising sessions with the study coordination. Access only for HCIAS students via Uni-ID login.

Coffee Talks ‘Career Perspectives’

Coffee Talks are online information sessions that take place each semester in order to provide HCIAS students input on potential areas for the internship and career paths after finishing the master's program. This format combines general information with first-hand insights from invited guests, followed by a Q&A session where students can direct their questions to the guests or the study coordination.

The next Coffee Talks will take place on the following dates:

• November 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM
• December 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM

HCIAS students will receive further information from the study coordination and the corresponding Moodle course.

Information Sessions on Exchange ProgramS

Since the HCIAS master’s program includes a mobility window that allows students to carry out an internship, study, or research stay abroad, we offer information sessions jointly organized with the University's Division of International Relations to provide students detailed information on partner universities, the application process and funding opportunities in Ibero-America.

The next info session will take place on November 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM.