Many questions arise when planning a stay abroad. So that you can find answers quickly, we have collected frequently asked questions here. If you cannot find your question here in , we look forward to receiving your inquiry by e-mail ( 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 useful at the end of the course. You can complete your practical phase/professional semester in a company abroad and possibly also yours 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, etc. offer the opportunity to get a taste of international life during the semester breaks.
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 find valuable tips and support. Ours is also helpful information video:
When is a suitable time for me to go abroad?
It is important that you clarify with the international coordinator which semester in your individual course of study is the most suitable for a stay abroad.
Experience shows that semester stays only make sense from the 3rd semester or from the 2nd master's semester
For semesters abroad, the winter semester is much easier to organize in terms of organization due to deviations in the academic calendar. The start of the winter semester is usually problem-free, so that you can travel relaxed to the host university and take part 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 subject selection, learning agreement, recognition, partner universities: international representatives of your department
- Questions about internship requirements: Internship representatives in your department
- Questions about requirements for the thesis: Supervising professor of the thesis
- Questions about programmes and various mobilities: 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 your interview with the foreign representative.
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 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 the International Buddy Programme (proof not older than 2 years)
- Participation in intercultural training (proof not older than 2 years)
- Modules from your department (e.g. "Intercultural Communication", "Intercultural Communication Competencies", etc.)
- 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 country partnerships and PROMOS apply. The application documents can be found 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 a partner university, make sure that your department has an agreement for your study cycle (BA/MA/PhD) and for your choice of courses professional as well as linguistically is relevant. The international representatives of your department can support you 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 representative in the department. The form can be found in download area.
The recognition of the foreign achievements takes place after your return with proof of the successfully completed courses at the host university as well as the signed Learning Agreement by your home department ( THM ). Your international or partnership representative and, in some cases, the examination board are involved.
The entry of the recognized achievements in your overview of achievements takes place in the dean's office of your department. To do this, you present the recognition certificate from your department and the mobility certificate from the International Office.
Mobility certificate for the registration of achievements that are recognized after a phase abroad on the THM degree
Please contact the dean's secretariat of your department so that your credits from the phase abroad can be included in your performance overview. The recognized achievements are registered there for your overview of achievements. The following must be submitted to the dean's secretariat:
- Transcript of records from the host university
- Certificate of recognition from your department
- Mobility certificate
You can obtain the mobility certificate from the International Office via the following link (this generates a corresponding email request to the International Office):
Request mobility certificate for programme participants.
For speedy processing, please ensure that you include all the necessary information in the e-mail (first name, Last name / course of study / period of the phase abroad / host country of your phase abroad).
You should have received an answer to your request from the International Office within four working days.
Mobility certificate (without mobility programme)
Have you organized and completed your semester abroad/internship abroad without the involvement of the THM International Office?
Then you need one for the registration of the recognition of foreign achievements by the dean's office of your faculty Mobility certificate (without mobility programme).
Fill out this form completely and print it out. You can obtain the required confirmation of the information, for example, from the International Office (Ms. Fonseca in Gießen /Ms. Shrestha in Friedberg/Ms. Müller-Eibich). There you present the form together with the confirmation of departure from your host university or your internship confirmation from the host company. Please note: the confirmation of residence/internship confirmation must state the start and end date of your academic stay. Any vacation periods before or after the semester/internship are not included.
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 a one-off top-up of €50. If the criteria for social top-ups also apply, an additional 4 travel days can also be funded.
The top-up for Green Travel can be paid out if 50% of the trip was made with a sustainable means of transport.
The following Further of transport are classified as sustainable:
- train
- carpool
- electric car
- bus
- bicycle
- on foot
- Ship (if no alternatives available)
You apply for the top-up "Green Travel" with the Declaration of Honor for top-ups on the Erasmus+ grant.
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
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 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 officers). 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.
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