FAQs

Learn more on how to get a refund for the semesterticket at: https://resst.uni-kassel.de/

Use the freedom

Studying is one of the best times to go abroad for a longer period of time. You are not yet so firmly established professionally, probably don't have a mortgage to pay yet and are also less tied down by family commitments.* After graduation, it becomes much more difficult to coordinate a longer stay abroad with the rest of your life.

At the same time, a stay abroad is an excellent opportunity to gain new experiences, learn something about yourself and gain clarity about where you might go after your studies.

*Even if you do, there are special grants available for this, e.g. via Erasmus.

Improving a language where it is spoken

Speaking several languages always means being able to communicate with more people. Whether privately or professionally - this is always an advantage.

Your time abroad and the diverse contacts with people from all over the world will also strengthen your intercultural skills. A quality that you can put to good use later in your professional life.

Gain new content & perspectives for your studies

Have you put your heart and soul into a subject or are you completely absorbed in your degree course? A semester abroad or a summer school offers the opportunity to deepen and supplement your study profile, e.g. by taking courses that are not available in this form or combination in Kassel.

However, the forms of teaching can also differ. For example, application-oriented work is often emphasized abroad, which means you can take some practical experience home with you.

Friends for life, contacts for the job

You get to know people abroad who can become good friends. Friendships are formed that often last a lifetime. After all, the shared experience of a special time abroad forges a bond and - thanks to social networks - often lasts a lifetime.

But it's not just the memories, experiences and skills that last. You can also make contacts that open up new prospects for the future.

Increase your career opportunities

Wherever you go and whatever you plan to do abroad - experience abroad is more than just a plus point on your CV. No wonder, for employers a stay abroad signals independence, flexibility and openness in addition to foreign language skills.

It also demonstrates skills such as planning, organization, budgeting and communication as well as the ability to adapt to new challenges and overcome hurdles. These are all things that are usually essential in everyday working life, but which you will also definitely need in your life.

The University of Kassel offers a whole range of different study abroad programs. If you are unsure, you can also take our self-test.

Semester abroad

You can study at a university abroad for one or two semesters. You do not pay tuition fees at partner universities. You can usually have the courses from abroad recognized in Kassel.

Internship abroad

You also have the opportunity to complete voluntary or compulsory internships abroad. Internships after graduation are also possible. You have the flexibility to choose your own internship.

Summer School

Summer schools are short periods of study, similar to block courses, which are offered by many universities abroad. They combine international experience, international contacts and the opportunity to earn credits.

Study trip

As a rule, study trips are offered as part of a seminar. These are excursions abroad that supplement the theoretical content of the seminar with practical experience.

Language courses

You can improve your language skills on a language course abroad.

Doctorate

If you are doing a doctorate, you can take advantage of various stays abroad such as congress and lecture trips, further training, teaching stays or internships abroad.

Semester abroad

First think about which countries and regions you are interested in. We recommend reading the experience reports of other students for inspiration. Also consider which foreign languages you speak. English is sufficient in most cases.

You have several options when choosing a university:

(1) You can go to a partner university in your department, e.g. with Erasmus. Exchange places can be found under the link.

(2) As a student at the University of Kassel, you can also study in the USA or Australia for one semester free of tuition fees via the Hessen programs.

(3) If you cannot find a suitable partner university, you can apply independently as a so-called freemover at your preferred university.

Internship abroad

In principle, you can do your internship abroad anywhere where you can find an internship relevant to your studies. It is up to you whether you limit your search to a specific country/region or look for a specific area of work regardless of the country. Here too, we recommend reading the experience reports of other students for inspiration.

Summer schools

For summer schools, the location decides where you go. First look for summer schools that interest you thematically and then see where they are offered.

Study trip

The destination is usually determined by the lecturer planning the study trip.

Language course

We recommend that you take your language course in a country where the language is spoken.

Yes, this is possible.

You can go through another department if your university of choice cooperates with another department at the University of Kassel. The prerequisite for this is that your chosen university offers courses corresponding to your subject profile. Ask the responsible cooperation officer whether you can apply for the agreed places outside of your subject area. If the partner university also agrees to non-subject-specific supervision, nothing stands in the way of your semester abroad.

If you do not go through another department, you can alternatively apply independently as a freemover at your chosen university.

You can go abroad during the semester, during the semester break or even after graduation. This depends on the type of stay you would like to complete.

Many departments provide a so-called mobility window for stays abroad in a particular semester. Find out in good time from your department and take into account the requirements in your examination or study regulations.

If you complete your stay abroad at the beginning of your studies, you have the opportunity to integrate your intercultural experience into your further studies.

The opportunity to go abroad after graduation is mainly available through Erasmus internships abroad and some DAAD programs.

This depends on the type of stay you are doing:

A semester abroad is usually 4-6 months long.

An internship abroad can last 1-12 months.

Short stays such as summer schools or study trips usually last 1-2 weeks.

Language courses can be sponsored by us for a period of 1-4 weeks.

Your studies are not necessarily extended by a stay abroad. Shorter stays such as internships or summer schools can be completed during the semester break. Longer stays such as semesters abroad can be integrated into the course of study, as the courses completed abroad are usually recognized in Kassel without any problems.

It may also be possible for you to take a leave of absence during your stay abroad. Please contact your examination office for more information.

If you go abroad via a partner university, there are no tuition fees for you. Students at the University of Kassel can therefore gain valuable experience without the additional burden of tuition fees.

The cost of living in most countries is comparable to that in Germany. However, experience has shown that travel costs and the new environment will result in additional costs.

Only as part of the Erasmus program will you automatically receive a monthly scholarship when you are accepted onto a study place. Other study visits can be financed through a wide variety of scholarship programs. Depending on the type and duration, you will receive travel costs and/or monthly grants.

The University of Kassel supports its students' plans to study abroad in every respect. The chances of completing a study-related stay abroad are therefore very good. For example, the funding rate for the Promos and Shosta scholarship programs is over 90% of all applicants.

For a long time now, applications have no longer been based solely on outstanding performance. On the contrary: grades tend to play a subordinate role. Commitment, motivation and the student's biography are far more important nowadays. Scholarship providers take the applicant's profile into account when making their selection

Use our advisory service to optimize your application. For example, the International Office of the University of Kassel regularly offers workshops on writing letters of motivation.

If your desired project is not feasible despite everything, we will be happy to advise you on possible alternatives.

BAföG abroad is an excellent funding option for stays abroad during your studies. Anyone who is entitled to BAföG in Germany can usually also receive BAföG for a period of study abroad.

In addition, BAföG abroad is also interesting for those who are considered to be borderline cases and do not receive any domestic BAföG. As the assessment limits for studying abroad are set differently, such students often have the opportunity to receive adjusted grants for their studies abroad.

Both semesters abroad and compulsory internships are funded. Grants are available for living and travel expenses. If tuition fees are incurred, these are covered up to a certain amount.

BAföG abroad can also be combined with many scholarships such as Erasmus or Promos.

Knowledge of the local language will make your stay abroad easier. However, knowledge of English is sufficient in many cases.

Most universities offer a sufficient number of good courses in English. English is often the working language for internships abroad.

Don't be put off by linguistic challenges. Instead, see it as an opportunity to improve your language skills.

At the University of Kassel, you have the opportunity to prepare yourself very well linguistically through many courses. Language courses can also be completed in advance as part of the Erasmus program.

Some exchange programs require proof of language skills at a certain level.

Learning languages at the University of Kassel

International Study Center/Language Center

A good and relatively inexpensive way to prepare yourself linguistically is to take part in language courses offered by the Language Center at the International Study Center/Language Center of the University of Kassel. Each semester, the Language Center offers a large selection of different language courses for numerous languages and different levels.

Using foreign languages

The Language Center also offers other opportunities, mostly free of charge, to use and practice the foreign language you have learned, such as a tandem initiative, the "German" meeting point or the media library. You can find out more about the offers on the Language Center's homepage.

Learning languages in the region

The adult education centers in Kassel or your home town also offer a wide range of language courses. Addresses and programs of the adult education centers in North Hesse can be found under the link.

To apply for a place at a foreign university or a scholarship, language skills often have to be proven or recorded by means of a language certificate or language test. Please refer to the relevant announcement for information on how to provide proof.

Proof of language proficiency

Most scholarship programs require proof of language proficiency. You can have your knowledge of the language of instruction/country language certified using a standardized form. This usually assesses listening, speaking, writing and reading comprehension in the foreign language.

At the University of Kassel, you can take the test for this language certificate at the International Study Center/Language Center.

For appointments, please contact the office of the Language Center (Mon-Fri 9-11 am; Tel. +49 561-804 3689) If you are a student of Department 02 (Language and Literature Studies), you can contact one of the lecturers of Department 02.

Language test

Many universities abroad require proof of language proficiency in the form of a recognized language test. These tests are offered by various institutions in Germany and are subject to a fee.
You can find out which test you need to take for your application in your application documents or on the website of the host university.

The best-known language tests include the following:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Each participant is obliged to take out adequate insurance cover independently. Neither the EU nor the DAAD or the University of Kassel are liable for damages resulting from illness, death, accident, personal injury, loss or damage to property in connection with your stay abroad.

It is therefore essential that you take out adequate insurance cover abroad. The following insurances should be taken out:

• Travel insurance, if applicable (including repatriation from abroad)
• Liability insurance (professional and personal liability, if applicable)
• Accident and serious illness insurance (including full or partial incapacity to work)

Legally insured persons: All participants should be in possession of a "European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)". With the EHIC, national health insurance generally also offers basic insurance cover for stays in other EU countries. However, the cover provided by the EHIC or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially if repatriation or special medical procedures are required. In such cases, supplementary private insurance may be useful. As a rule, private international health insurance must be taken out for stays in Turkey.

It is particularly important to take out supplementary private insurance for stays in non-EU countries. Statutory health insurance often does not apply or only applies to a limited extent. Please contact your health insurance company for more information.

Note: It is possible to participate in the DAAD group insurance at your own expense. For further information, please contact the DAAD Insurance Office (Tel.: 0228/882-294)

If you are spending a semester abroad at a foreign university, you will receive information about potential accommodation for students after you have registered at the respective university. For those in a hurry: Do your own research on the website of your host university.

For other study-related stays: Please try to find accommodation in your host country independently and in good time. You can often find tips and advice in the experience reports of other students.

Please find out in good time whether you need a visa for the respective host country. You can obtain binding information from the relevant consulates, the DAAD and the Federal Foreign Office.

Can I participate in the Erasmus+ program as an international student from a non-EU country?

Yes, all students who complete a full course of study at the University of Kassel leading to a recognized degree can participate in the Erasmus+ programme. This also includes international students from third countries.

Please note that you may need to apply for a visa for the host country, depending on your residence status. It is therefore essential that you inform the Foreigners' Registration Office about your plans to study abroad and also obtain information in advance from the University of Kassel's Visa Information Office:visa-info[at]uni-kassel[dot]de

Please inform yourself on the following page: https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/studium/im-studium/studentisches-leben/studentische-selbstverwaltung/studentische-hochschulpolitik/asta-referate-und-autonome-referate/referat-fuer-soziales-und-antidiskriminierung.html