Many questions arise when planning a stay abroad. To help you find answers quickly, we have compiled frequently asked questions here. If you don't find your question here, we welcome your inquiry by email (This email address is protected against spambots! JavaScript must be enabled to view it!) or give us a call. We'd be happy to advise you!
General questions about stays abroad
How do I plan a stay abroad?
Decide whether you would prefer to study abroad or gain initial international professional experience.
- Studying abroad is advantageous if you can find suitable study programs at the partner university and earn credits abroad that can be credited THM
- An internship is particularly suitable towards the end of your studies. You can complete your practical training/work placement semester at a company abroad and possibly even write your thesis there. Depending on your degree program and specialization, foreign universities or research institutions may also offer internships.
- Short-term stays such as Summer/Winter Schools and RISE research internships offer the opportunity to experience international life during the semester break.
The international exchange and internship coordinators will help you make the right decision. We also strongly recommend attending the information sessions offered by the International Office . You will receive valuable tips and support there.
When is a suitable time for me to go abroad?
It is important that you clarify with the Departmental International Coordinator which semester in your individual study plan is the most suitable for a stay abroad.
Experience shows that stays abroad only make sense from the 3rd semester onwards, or from the 2nd semester of a Master's programme.
For a semester abroad, the winter semester is significantly easier to organize due to differences in the academic calendar. Starting the winter semester is usually straightforward, allowing you to travel to your host university without stress and participate in the mandatory orientation days. However,
if your semester abroad starts in the summer semester, the semester dates can overlap considerably, which is inconvenient. While the winter semester at THM runs until mid-February (including exams), the summer semester at foreign host universities often begins as early as January. This means you either miss the end of the winter semester at THM (exam weeks) or you miss the start of the semester at your host university. The latter is not an option. The start of the semester at your host university is irreplaceable.
Who can I contact with which questions about my stay abroad?
- For questions regarding application and financing: International Office (IO) (This email address is protected against spambots! JavaScript must be enabled to view it!)
- Questions regarding course selection, learning agreement, recognition of credits, partner universities: Departmental International Coordinator in your Department
- Questions about internship requirements: Contact the internship coordinator in your Department
- Questions regarding the requirements for the thesis: Supervising professor of the thesis
- Questions about programmes and various mobility options: IO and the Department
- Questions about the host university: Local Coordinator of the host university
Take advantage of the comprehensive information available on the homepage and the information events, such as the Go Out information days and the Go Out semester program. These events also serve to prepare you for your meeting with the Departmental International Coordinator .
Is there a student loan programme for studying abroad?
In principle, it is possible to apply for BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) for a period of study or an internship abroad. Students who do not receive domestic BAföG can also apply for BAföG for studies abroad, as it is assumed that studying abroad requires more financial resources. BAföG for studies abroad can be applied for once for a period of 3-12 months and is currently not counted towards the maximum funding period for domestic BAföG, provided that the study abroad period is not a mandatory component of the student's studies at home. However, these regulations change frequently. Detailed advice on BAföG for studies abroad can be obtained from the student services organization responsible for your destination country.
Can I get a refund for my semester ticket during my stay abroad?
You can have the cost of your semester ticket for the entire semester at THM reimbursed by the AStA (General Student Committee). Requirements and instructions can be found on the AStA website .
Can I obtain a language certificate from THM ?
You can submit a certificate of your current foreign language proficiency at the THM Language Centre .
How can I stay up to date?
- Subscribe to the outgoing newsletter
- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram (@thm.internationaloffice)
- Enroll in our Moodle course " Study Abroad "
I need proof of intercultural competence. How can I provide this proof?
- successful participation in the International Buddy Programme (proof not older than 2 years)
- Participation in intercultural training (proof not older than 2 years)
- Modules of your Department (e.g. "Intercultural Communication", "Intercultural Communication Competencies", etc.)
- Verifiable international experience of at least 3 months' duration and not older than 2 years
Do I need to re-register at THM even though I'm doing a semester abroad?
must enrolled at THM during your semester abroad . Be sure re-register by the deadline. You can get your semester ticket fees reimbursed by the AStA (here's how). Alternatively, you can apply for a leave of absence . However, this is only recommended in exceptional circumstances.
Study abroad semester
What documents do I need for an application?
The required documents depend on the program/scholarship you are applying for. You can apply directly to the International Office for Erasmus+ , THM .weltweit , the Hessian state partnerships , and PROMOS . Application documents and deadlines can be found on the respective pages.
Are there any application requirements?
The requirements for the individual programs and financial support can be found on the corresponding pages under Programs and Funding Opportunities .
Where can I find the EU Subject/ISCED code for my course?
The EU Subject/ISCED code is primarily required for the Erasmus+ program. A list of the ISCED codes for the Degree Courses at THM , along with their English names, can be found here: EU Subject/ISCED Degree Courses THM
Where can I study abroad?
THM THM with numerous partner universities abroad. Further information can be found under Partner Universities .
When choosing a partner university, ensure that your Department has an agreement for your study cycle (BA/MA/PhD) and that the courses are relevant to your subject area and language . The Departmental International Coordinator in your Department can assist you with this.
You can also plan your stay abroad independently as a freemover .
Will the academic credits I earned abroad be recognized towards my studies at home?
Mutual recognition of academic credits earned through exchange programs and the Erasmus+ program is generally guaranteed. The Credit Point System (ECTS), also used by German universities, facilitates the recognition of academic achievements earned abroad. To have your credits earned abroad recognized, you must your study plan (Learning Agreement) with your Department before your stay abroad .
The form can be found in the download section.
If you are completing your stay via the Erasmus+ program , you will receive information on how to create the Online Learning Agreement .
Recognition of your credits earned abroad will take place after your return, upon proof of successful completion of courses at the host university and a confirmed/signed Learning Agreement from your home department ( THM ). Your international or partnership coordinator and, in some cases, the examination board will be involved.
The recognized credits will be entered into your academic record at the dean's office of your Department . You will need to present the recognition certificate from your Department .
Erasmus+
Where can I find the EU Subject/ISCED code for my course?
The EU Subject/ISCED code is primarily required for the Erasmus+ program. A list of the ISCED codes for the Degree Courses at THM , along with their English names, can be found here: EU Subject/ISCED Degree Courses THM
What does sustainable travel ("Green Travel") mean?
Sustainable travel is rewarded with additional financial support.
The current regulations regarding funding can be found in the declaration of honor .
The Green Travel top-up can be paid out if 51% of the journey was made using a sustainable means of transport.
Which means of transport are considered sustainable?
The following Further of transport are classified as sustainable:
- Train
- Carpooling (provided the car remains at the destination)
- bus
- Bicycle
- on foot
- Ship (if no alternatives are available)
The following Further of transport are NOT classified as sustainable:
- Car (individual driver, electric car, hybrid)
- Carpooling (provided the car is driven back home after arrival, e.g. by parents)
- Airplane
- Ship (if other alternatives are available)
You apply for the "Green Travel" top-up with the declaration of honor for top-ups to the Erasmus+ grant. The Green Travel top-up can be combined with a Social top-up.
What are (the criteria for) social top-ups?
Social top-ups are supplementary payments for students with fewer opportunities. This additional funding amounts to €250 per month and can be combined with the top-up for sustainable travel ("Green Travel").
You apply for the Social Top-up with the Declaration of Honor for Top-ups to the Erasmus+ grant.
The special funding can only be granted once, even if several criteria are met.
There is no legal entitlement to a specific amount or duration of funding.
- first-generation academic
- Employment
- Disability/chronic illness with additional financial needs abroad
- with child
first-generation academic
Neither parent or caregiver holds a university, university of applied sciences, college, or vocational academy degree comparable to a German university degree. Degree Courses completed abroad are considered equivalent to a university degree, even if they are not officially recognized in Germany.
Employment
- They must have been continuously employed for at least six months within one year prior to the start of their semester abroad and
- The employment was subject to social security contributions and the monthly net wage was above EUR 450 and below EUR 850 (all activities added together) and
- The employment will not be continued during the stay abroad and
- The employment was not carried out on a self-employed basis and
- They are not pursuing a dual study programme
Disability/chronic illness with additional financial needs abroad
With chronic illness:
- Proof by medical certificate
- There must be an additional financial need abroad (the type of illness does not need to be specified) or
- a disability (from GdB20)
You can choose between:
1. a flat-rate top-up of EUR 250/month, without proof of costs or
2. A so-called real cost application of up to EUR 15,000 for the additional costs you incur as a result of your stay abroad. You can find more information and support under Studying Abroad with a Disability .
with child
You are taking your child(ren) with you abroad. In addition to the funding amounts mentioned above, you will then receive €250 per month without needing to provide proof of costs, regardless of the number of children. Alternatively, you can submit a claim for actual costs of up to €15,000 with supporting documentation. Information and support regarding the actual costs claim can be found under Studying with Children Abroad .
Internships abroad
Is there financial support available for internships abroad?
Yes! Financial support from the International Office is available for internships lasting 6 weeks or longer. You can find out more in the section on internships abroad .
Will an internship abroad count towards my degree at home?
The process for recognizing a professional internship abroad is the same as for a domestic internship: through the internship coordinator of your degree program ( list of internship coordinators and BPS/BPP coordinators). Please refer to the regulations and procedural guidelines published Department
As with academic credits earned abroad, recognition is not possible without prior agreement. Therefore, please contact the individuals mentioned above BEFORE starting your internship.
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