When planning a stay abroad, many questions arise. To help you find answers quickly, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions here. If you don't find your question here, we look forward to receiving your inquiry by email (This email address is being protected from spam bots! To display JavaScript must be turned on! ) or a phone call. We would be happy to advise you!
General questions about stays abroad
How do I plan a stay abroad?
Clarify whether you would rather study abroad or gain your first international professional experience.
- For a Studying abroad speaks when you find suitable courses at the partner university and you can acquire credits abroad, which you can count towards your studies at the THM .
- On Internship is particularly suitable at the end of your studies. You can complete your practical phase/professional semester in a company abroad and possibly also your thesis make abroad. Foreign universities or research institutions are also suitable for internships, depending on the course and focus.
- Short-term stays such as summer/winter schools, RISE research internships offer the opportunity to get a taste of international life during the semester break.
The Foreign and Internship Representative help you make the right decision. Also, be sure to take the information events of the International Office part. Here you will receive valuable tips and support.
When is a suitable time for me to go abroad?
It is important that you clarify with the Departmental International Coordinator N, which semester is the right for a stay abroad in your individual course of study.
Experience shows that stays abroad only make sense from the third semester onwards or from the second semester of the Master's programme onwards.
For a semester abroad, the winter semester is much easier to manage organizationally due to discrepancies in the academic calendar. The start of the winter semester is generally smooth, allowing you to travel to the host university and participate in the mandatory orientation days there.
At the start of the semester abroad in the summer semester, the semester times sometimes overlap considerably, which is unfavorable. While a winter semester at THM runs until mid-February (including the examination period), the summer semester at foreign host universities often begins in January. You either miss the end of the winter semester at the THM (examination weeks) or you miss the start of the semester at the host university. The latter is not an option. You cannot replace the start of the semester at the host university.
Who do I contact with which questions about the stay abroad?
- For questions regarding application, financing: International Office (IO) (This email address is being protected from spam bots! To display JavaScript must be turned on! )
- Questions about the choice of subjects, learning aggreement, recognition, partner universities: Departmental International Coordinator N of your Department S
- Questions about internship requirements: Practical officer of your Department S
- Questions about requirements for the thesis: Supervising professor of the thesis
- Questions about programmes and various mobility: IO and the Department
- Questions about the host university: local coordinator of the host university
Use the extensive range of information on the homepage and the information events, such as Go Out info days and the Go Out semester programme. These events also serve to prepare you for the interview with the Departmental International Coordinator .
Is there BAföG abroad?
In principle, it is possible to apply for BAföG for a study visit or for an internship abroad. In principle, students who do not receive domestic BAföG can also apply for foreign BAföG, as it is assumed that there is an increased financial requirement for studying abroad. BAföG abroad can be applied for once for a period of 3-12 months and is currently not counted towards the maximum funding period of the domestic BAföG if the study abroad is not a mandatory part of the study at home. However, the regulations on this change very frequently. You can get detailed advice on BAföG abroad from the student union responsible for your destination country.
Can I have my semester ticket refunded during my stay abroad?
You can check the costs for the semester ticket for the entire semester of the THM You can get reimbursed by the AStA. Requirements and instructions can be found on the Homepage of the AStA.
Can I get a language certificate from the THM ?
You can obtain a certificate of your current foreign language skills in the THM Language Center with us.
How do I stay up to date?
- Subscribe to the Outgoing newsletter
- Follow us on Facebook & Instagram (@thm.internationaloffice)
- Enroll in our Moodle course "stays abroad" a
I need proof of intercultural competence. How can I provide this proof?
- successful participation in International Buddy Programme (Proof not older than 2 years)
- Participation in intercultural training (proof not older than 2 years)
- Modules of your Department S (e.g. "Intercultural Communication", "Intercultural Communication Competencies", or similar)
- Demonstrable international experience of at least 3 months and not older than 2 years
Do I have to re-register at the THM even though I'm doing a semester abroad?
Yes, during your semester abroad must you at the THM enrolled be. Contact us necessarily on time return. You can check out the fees for that Refund the semester ticket at the AstA let (so). Alternatively, you can apply for a leave of absence. However, this is only recommended in individual cases.
semester abroad
What documents do I need for an application?
The required documents depend on the programme/scholarship you are applying for. At the International Office you can apply directly for Erasmus +, THM.worldwide, the Hessian state partnerships and PROMOS Apply. You can find the application documents and deadlines on the relevant pages.
Are there application requirements?
The requirements for the individual programmes and financial support can be found on the relevant pages programmes and funding opportunities.
Where can I find the EU Subject/ ISCED code for my course?
The EU subject/ISCED code is requested for the Erasmus+ programme in particular. A list of the ISCED codes of the Degree Courses at the THM, as well as their English names, can be found here in the overview: EU Subject/ ISCED Degree Courses THM
Where can I study abroad?
The THM cooperates with numerous partner universities abroad. For more information, see partner universities.
When choosing the partner university, make sure that your Department has an agreement for your study cycle (BA/MA/Promotion) and for your choice of course both professional as well as linguistically is relevant. You can support the Departmental International Coordinator N of your Department S here.
You can also start your stay abroad independently as a start planning a little earlier. to plan.
Will the study achievements acquired abroad be credited to my studies at home?
Mutual recognition of study achievements within the framework of exchange programmes and in the ERASMUS programme is usually guaranteed. The credit point system (ECTS) also used by German universities facilitates the recognition of certificates of achievement obtained abroad. The prerequisite for the recognition of your foreign achievements is that you BEFORE you start your stay abroad Coordinate your study plan (Learning Agreement) with your international or partnership officer in the Department .
You can find the form in the download area.
Complete your stay via the Erasmus+ programme, you can obtain information about the preparation of the Online Learning Agreement.
Recognition of your international achievements will be granted upon your return, based on proof of the courses successfully completed at the host university and the confirmed/signed Learning Agreement by your home department (THM). Your international or partnership coordinator and, in some cases, the examination board are involved.
The registration of the recognized services in your performance overview takes place in the dean's secretariat of your Department see. To do this, present the certificate of approval of your Department .
Erasmus +
Where can I find the EU Subject/ ISCED code for my course?
The EU subject/ISCED code is requested for the Erasmus+ programme in particular. A list of the ISCED codes of the Degree Courses at the THM, as well as their English names, can be found here in the overview: EU Subject/ ISCED Degree Courses THM
What does sustainable travel mean "Green Travel"?
Sustainable travel is rewarded with additional financial support.
The current funding regulations can be found in the Declaration of Honor.
The Green Travel Top-Up can be paid out if 51% of the trip was completed 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 available)
The following Further of transport are NOT classified as sustainable:
- Car (single person driving, electric car, hybrid)
- Carpooling (if the car is driven back home after arrival, e.g. by parents)
- Airplane
- Ship (if other alternatives are available)
You apply for the top-up "Green Travel" with the Declaration of Honor For top-ups to the Erasmus+ scholarship. 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 top-up amounts for students with fewer opportunities. The additional funding also amounts to €250/month and can be combined with the top-up for sustainable travel ("Green Travel").
You request the social top-up with the Declaration of Honor for top-ups on the Erasmus+ grant.
The special grant can only be granted once, even if several criteria apply.
There is no legal entitlement to a specific funding amount or funding period.
- First academic
- employment
- Disability/chronic illness with additional financial needs abroad
- with child
First academic
Both parents or caregivers do not have a degree from a university, technical college, college or vocational academy that is comparable to a university degree. Degree Courses completed abroad are counted as a university degree, even if they are not recognized in Germany.
employment
- You have been continuously gainfully employed for at least six months within one year before the start of the semester abroad and
- The employment was subject to social security contributions and the monthly net wage was over EUR 450 and under EUR 850 (all activities added up) and
- The employment is not continued during the stay abroad and
- The employment was not self-employed and
- You are not pursuing a dual degree
Disability/chronic illness with additional financial needs abroad
With chronic illness:
- Proof by medical certificate
- there must be additional financial needs abroad (the type of illness does not have to be stated) or
- a disability (from GdB20)
You can choose between:
1. a flat top-up of 250 EUR/month, without proof of costs or
2. a so-called real cost application of up to EUR 15,000 for the additional costs that you incur because you are abroad. Visit for more information and support Studying abroad with a disability.
with child
You take your child(ren) with you abroad. You will then receive EUR 250/month in addition to the above-mentioned funding amounts without proof of costs, regardless of the number of children, or you can submit an application for real costs of up to EUR 15,000 with proof. Information and support for the real cost application can be found at Studying abroad with a child.
Internships abroad
Is there financial support for internships abroad?
Yes! Financial support from the International Office is possible for an internship of 6 weeks or more. Find out more in the section Internships abroad.
Will an internship abroad count towards my studies at home?
The question of the recognition of a professional internship abroad is handled in the same way as for an internship in Germany: via the internship officer for your degree programme (List of Internship Officers and BPS BPP representative). Please note the regulations and procedural instructions published by your Department .
As with study achievements completed abroad, the following applies: no recognition without prior agreement. Please contact the above-mentioned persons BEFORE starting your internship.
Your question was not included? Contact us via This email address is being protected from spam bots! To display JavaScript must be turned on! . We are happy to help!
Giessen Campus | Building A13
Open consultation hours: