Ways to go abroad
Many opportunities are available for students who wish to spend time abroad – find out more here!
As an enrolled student you can participate in a study stay or a traineeship abroad at a partner university through Erasmus+, the EU Programme for education, training, youth and sport, or through the PROMOS scholarship programme. On this page, the International Office also provides information about planning a self-organised stay abroad.
Erasmus+
As a student at Alanus University, you can study abroad or participate in a traineeship through the Erasmus+ scholarship programme.
PROMOS
The PROMOS scholarship programme also opens possibilities for a stay abroad in the scope of your studies.
Self-Organised Stay Abroad
If you are planning a semester abroad at a university that is not one of Alanus University’s cooperation partners, you can organise the stay yourself. Please note, however following personal responsibilities, that a self-organised stay abroad entails:
- You are responsible for the entire preparation and organisation of your stay (contacting the host university, enrolment, travel planning, international health insurance, accommodation).
- You must bear all costs associated with your stay abroad, such as tuition fees, travel expenses, visa, vaccinations, insurance and accommodation.
It is possible that achievements and credits earned at the host university will not be recognised at Alanus University. Please contact your department in advance.
Please follow the steps below when applying for a degree course or a traineeship abroad:
Step 1: Interview with the Erasmus Coordinator
Required documents for students and traineeship applicants:
- Letter of Motivation in which the project and goal of the stay abroad are clearly outlined (max. 1 page)
- Europass CV (other formats max. 2 pages)
- Language certificate or comparable proof of skills of the host country’s language or of the language of instruction, minimum level B1 (Abitur certificate is accepted)
- Summary of academic achievements from FlexNow (Master’s degree applicants must also submit a copy of their Bachelor's degree)
- For traineeships: confirmation of traineeship position by the host institution
Step 2
- Candidates for student exchange are nominated by the International Office
- Traineeship candidates apply for proof of future employment in a traineeship position (name of company, contact details must be included) and submit this to the International Office.
Step 3
- Formal consent from a university professor for study abroad / traineeship abroad in the form of a learning agreement is required.
Note: This document will be drawn up in advance by the Erasmus coordinator and delivered to you at the International Office for presentation to the relevant professor. - Completed grant agreement (after consulting with the Erasmus coordinator).
- An informal statement that you have been advised by the International Office to address the following topics: travel, health, accident and liability insurance; vaccinations; Federal Foreign Office website (travel and safety information)
Note: Please note that each partner university may request additional documents. Consult with the Erasmus coordinator before submitting these to the host university abroad.
Foreign BaföG
Even if you are not a recipient of domestic BAföG (student loan pursuant to the German Federal Training Assistance Act), you can still apply for funding through foreign BAföG. Please note that scholarships count towards the amount of your total BAföG entitlement. Performance-based scholarships, e.g. from the DAAD, are exempt from this policy up to the amount of 300 euros.
Please also note that, foreign BAfög is handled by a number of different central foreign offices. The responsible office depends upon the country of destination.
Other Funding Options
A stay abroad for study purposes is associated with many expenses. However, numerous financial support options are available. Many scholarships are based on factors outside of academic performance. These include your personality or social and political involvement.
Links below:
- DAAD Scholarship Database
- Organisations for the Promotion of Young Talent
- One-Year Scholarships for Students of All Disciplines (DAAD)
- Stipendienlotse - the scholarship database of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
Alanus University maintains contacts across the globe. Within the scope of Erasmus+, the university cooperates with numerous partner universities worldwide.
The Study Buddy Program, coordinated by the International Office, promotes intercultural exchange between international and local students. It is intended to make it easier for international students to get used to everyday life in Germany and to Alanus University. For local students, the program offers a good opportunity to gain intercultural experience and prepare for an eventual stay abroad!
As a local buddy you are the contact person for your international buddy: You help him/her with the arrival (e.g. pick up from the train station). You can also start to communicate via email beforehand. Besides, you will meet with your buddy during the semester. The planning of your activities together - whether you want to go for a coffee, improve your language skills or cook together - is up to you. Meeting in larger groups (e.g. taking your buddy to parties) gives your buddy the opportunity to quickly get to know more people.
Who can participate?
Everyone is welcome to participate and decide for themselves how much they want to commit. The program is open to students from all study fields!
Certificate of participation
If you take part on the program regularly, you will receive a certificate of participation, which could be useful, for example, for scholarship applications.
When & how should I register?
When: As soon as possible
How: Please fill out the registration form and drop it in the mailbox of the International Office at Campus II (near the mailboxes in the foyer) or
send it digitally to Gabriela: study-buddy@alanus.edu
