If you would like to download this information, click on the "More" button at the top of the page, then select "Print this chapter" and print to pdf.


Here to help Registration desk: 30 min before - 30 min after course; lobby, ground floor. Or email us at training@gesis.org


1. Get started on our learning platform

Our online learning platform is the place where you’ll find all course-relevant information and materials as well as a chance to get in touch with your lecturer and/or other participants before the start of the course. Make sure to register for the platform and join your course in due time so you can prepare optimally and get all the latest updates!

1.1 Create an account and join your course

Go to elearning.gesis.org and click “Log in” in the top right corner. You can log in using your GESIS user account. If you don't have a GESIS user account yet, sign up here. Once you are signed in, click on the link to your course that we sent you via email. You will be asked to enter the enrollment code we have sent you via email upon registration.

1.2 Set up your computer
Please refer to your course syllabus and any emails sent around by GESIS Training and/or the instructors as to which software/packages to install before the course.

1.3 Complete the pre-course work

Check if any preparatory work has been allocated to your course, such as pre-course readings, recordings, or assignments. Any pre-course work must be completed before the start of the course.


2. Prepare your trip

In-person GESIS Training courses take place either in Mannheim or in Cologne. Please organize your own travel and accommodation.

When arranging travel and accommodation, please ensure that your booking is refundable. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and documentation to enter Germany. GESIS is not liable for reimbursing the cost of travel or accommodation made by participants.

2.1 Check course times

Make sure you have familiarized yourself with course times. These are indicated in your course syllabus. All times are in German local time (CET / CEST).

2.2 Know the venue

Courses in Mannheim take place at B6, 4-5, 68519 Mannheim. Courses in Cologne take place at Unter Sachsenhausen 6-8, 50667 Cologne. All course rooms are located on the ground floor of the respective GESIS building and will be signposted. Your specific course room is indicated in your course syllabus.

2.3 Netiquette

GESIS Training is committed to providing a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for everyone at its events. We value friendly and constructive interaction among all participants, lecturers, and staff, and we want the learning and teaching atmosphere to be characterized by respect, appreciation, trust, and recognition of diversity. We therefore ask you to review and follow our Netiquette.



3. Start your course on site

You’re all set for your course to start! 

3.1 Bring your own device

GESIS Training does not provide laptops for participants. Please bring your own device to work with during the course. Please refer to your course syllabus and any emails sent around by GESIS Training and/or the instructors as to which software/packages to install before the course.

3.2 Register and collect your name tag

On each day of your course, please come by the registration desk (located in the lobby) and sign in. You will be handed a name tag upon registration on the first day; please always wear this name tag while on the GESIS premises. Please note that you will only receive a course certificate if you have attended at least 80% of your course, so don’t forget to sign in every morning!

3.3 Wireless internet access

Wi-Fi is available in the entire building and the courtyard. The login details are available at the registration desk and in the course rooms.

We also provide eduroam access for participants whose organizations participate in the eduroam program.


4. Social events

Almost all GESIS Training courses provide extra opportunities for networking in the form of one or more social events. Please refer to the respective format’s website for some general information on these social events.

More detailed information on the social events will be posted on your course website on the learning platform about two weeks before the start of the course.


5. Certificates

Participants in all GESIS Training courses can earn a certificate of attendance. For some formats, we additionally offer the option to receive an ECTS certificate.

5.1 Certificate of attendance

You will automatically receive a certificate of attendance if you have participated in at least 80% of the course. The certificate of attendance will be available for download from our booking platform. You will be notified via email once the certificate is ready for download.

5.2 ECTS credits

Thanks to our partnership with the University of Cologne and the University of Mannheim, participants in GESIS Spring Seminar, GESIS Summer School, and GESIS Fall Seminar courses may earn European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points. Please refer to the respective format’s website for more information on the specific conditions.

ECTS certificates will be sent out via email after they have been validated by our partner universities. Please note that this may take a couple of weeks.


6. Local information

For local information (e.g., how to get there, where to eat) on Mannheim and Cologne, check out the "Local information" section in the General Information tab and don't hesitate to reach out to the GESIS Training team onsite for their personal recommendations 😊