A-Z of Planning a Stay Abroad

Ask your contact person at your faculty about any prerequisites for getting recognition for credits earned abroad. The Learning Agreement is a very important part of this. The Learning Agreement outlines your study programme abroad and the provisions for the formal recognition of learning outcomes at your home university. The Learning Agreement must be signed and accepted by all parties involved: Student, supervisors in Göttingen and at the host university. In exchange programmes such as Erasmus+ or the Global Exchange Programme, it is a mandatory document.

After the stay abroad, the host university issues a formal certificate of notes (grades), scope and content of the courses and assessment modalities (Transcript of Records). The Transcript of Records is the basis of recognition. Here you can find more information contacts and procedures in the faculties as well as an overview of previously recognised courses from abroad.

It is possible to take a leave of absence for the duration of the time abroad. Advantages: The semester abroad is not counted against the duration of studies and the semester fee is reduced or even waived under certain conditions. The university student status is retained during this period. If the stay abroad is required to fulfil the regulations of a degree programme, a leave of absence is not possible, but a waiver of the semester fee may be possible. You can find more information under Leave of Absence.

Whether you are applying for an exchange programme, an internship abroad, or a scholarship program, your application documents will determine your success. Find out in advance what documents and information are expected of you. In addition to formal documents such as interim or final transcripts, enrollment certificates, transcripts of records, or language certificates, you must be able to express your professional and personal motivation and expectations in a letter, which is usually informal. You will find information about what the program organizers want to know about you and your plans in the programme descriptions and information.

In an international context, you may also be required to submit documents in a foreign language, possibly even with certification. Documents issued by the University of Göttingen, such as transcripts, can usually also be obtained in English via eCampus. Please note that the University of Göttingen cannot offer any translation services beyond this. The costs of a translation service cannot be reimbursed.

Planning a stay abroad takes time and research, especially when individual needs play a role in addition to academic aspects. Göttingen International has set itself the goal of supporting all students on their way abroad. We offer information on funding programmes, suitable partner universities, advisory services at the University of Göttingen, and other points of contact to help you plan a stay abroad with special needs. Further information and helpful links can be found here.

Student testimonials offer personal insights and practical tips for your own semester abroad. Testimonials from the University of Göttingen and helpful links can be found here.

Thorough research into the expected costs of a project abroad is a key preparatory step. Take into account, for example, costs for travel, accommodation, visas, insurance, and any study or programme fees.

In many countries, it is also common to have a credit card, e.g., to pay deposits or fees. Find out about your destination country and possible providers in good time.

Also clarify whether you will have access to your German account while abroad. If you do not yet use the payment function on your smartphone, we recommend that you set up this function before you start your stay. In many regions, this is a secure and fast payment option. International transfers via providers such as Western Union, MoneyGram, and PayPal can also be a solution for uncomplicated money transfers—especially in the event of short-term problems such as the loss of a credit/bank card. Under certain circumstances, you may also need to open an account abroad. Tips for your financial planning:

• Students participating in an exchange programme at the University of Göttingen are exempt from tuition fees at the host university. Please inquire early with your home faculty about your options, e.g., with Erasmus+ KA 131 or the Global Exchange Program. Further information can be found in the section Leave of absence and re-enrollment.

• You may only receive mobility grants or scholarships after you have started your stay abroad. Make sure you have a reasonable amount of money available immediately for the first few weeks of your stay (e.g. for purchasing a means of transportation, mobile phone cards).

• Find out about discounts for mobile students, e.g., with the ESN Card or the International Student Identity Card (ISIC).

• Don't pay double rent by subletting your apartment through our Accommodation Support. Further information can be found in the section Living – at home and abroad.

• Under certain circumstances, you can reduce the cost of semester fees by applying for a leave of absence. Further information can be found in the section Leave of absence and re-enrollment.

Vaccinations for certain stays abroad need to be planned well in advance, sometimes several months before the start of the trip. More information can be found on the German Federal Foreign Office website and at your general practitioner.

Some health insurance companies may offer information about medical care in the destination country. Take advantage of this and inform yourself before the start of your planned stay.

If dealing with a chronic illness, find out as early as possible what additional arrangements should be made.

Finding your way around in a different environment, being able to (re)act appropriately, dealing with uncertain situations – a stay abroad is full of challenges. The better you prepare, the easier it will be to master these challenges. Familiarise yourself with the country and its people, as well as your own openness and ability to cope at an early stage:

• Intercultural Learning Lab
• InDiGU – Integration and Diversity at the University of Göttingen
• DAAD country information
• Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (Federal Agency for Civic Education) – Internationales

A stay abroad can also be climate-friendly. “Green travel” includes, for example, traveling to and from your destination by train, bus, bicycle, or carpool. This often takes longer than flying, but it offers the opportunity to get to know the country and its people along the way.

Climate-friendly connections are offered by Deutsche Bahn (Sparpreis Europa), Interrail, night trains, and long-distance buses such as FlixBus and Eurolines. Platforms such as Omio, Trainline, Rail Planner, and BlaBlaCar can help you plan your trip.

The EU education programme Erasmus+ KA131 offers additional funding for choosing low-emission means of transport. You can find more information on this topic here .

Try to use low-emission means of transport in your everyday life in your host country: use buses and trains, rent bicycles, or walk short distances. Many cities offer good infrastructure for this. This way, you conserve resources and get to know your surroundings more consciously.

Helpful links:

• Comparison of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of different modes of transport: ecopassenger
• The CO₂ calculator from the Umweltbundesamt: CO₂ calculator – Umweltbundesamt
• Information on CO₂ offsetting: CO₂ offsetting – Umweltbundesamt
• Find the best connection based on travel time, price, and emissions: routeRANK
• Information on climate-efficient airlines: Atmosfair
• Sustainable Erasmus+ experience reports: studieren weltweit

Inform yourself before your stay about local support and counseling services, as well as current travel warnings and the security situation in your host country, for example, via the Federal Foreign Office.

Before you start your journey, sign up for the ELEFAND crisis prevention list (for German citizens).

We recommend that, before your departure, you grant a trusted person a power of attorney for handling matters in Germany on your behalf.

It is also a good idea to bring copies of your travel and identity documents with you or store them online. You should also make note of essential (emergency) telephone numbers and contact details.

As part of the University of Göttingen's exchange programmes, a safety briefing is provided containing important information. Reading is mandatory.

Your contacts at the host university, the police, embassies/consulates, and, if applicable, DAAD representatives can provide you with immediate assistance.

Investing time in good language preparation pays off quickly. After all, making friends, finding your way around in a new environment and, above all, the success of your studies or your internship depend to a large extent on your language skills. The central point of contact for acquiring and deepening language skills is the Central Institution for Languages and Key Qualifications (ZESS) at Göttingen University.

Often, students from other disciplines can also participate in the language courses of the philological subjects at Göttingen University – this is particularly useful for languages that are not offered as standard at the ZESS.

For a successful application for a study place abroad or a grant, you must also be able to prove your language competence. ZESS offers some options for you here:

• Language certificates for study abroad at ZESS

• UNICERT at ZESS

The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is recognized worldwide as a student ID card and, like the ESN Card, the membership card of the Erasmus Student Network, offers advantages and discounts. Further information can be found in the section Finances.

Before you go abroad, make sure that you have sufficient insurance coverage for the period of your stay. Insurance companies offer information and advice on this topic.

Within the European Union, German insurance policies are typically effective. Your insurance card is proof of your German health insurance, which must be marked European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)on the back. Persons with private health insurance are not entitled to receive a EHIC.

German insurance policies are usually not accepted outside of the European Union. Proof of appropriate insurance coverage must be provided when applying for a visa or enrolling at a foreign university.

We also strongly recommend that you take out additional health insurance abroad, eg, to cover the costs of repatriation.

In addition to health insurance, you should also take out accident and liability insurance. Liability, accident and health insurance are often offered as a package (for example, by DAAD).

Bring written confirmation of your insurance coverage with you (in English, if possible). Special regulations apply to medical and medical-related degree programmes, especially with respect to liability insurance.

As a student or intern, you may need a visa to enter all non-European countries including, since 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom. Contact the appropriate embassy or consular office as early as possible for information and to apply. It is not often possible to change your visa status after you have entered the country. You can find an overview of embassies and consulates here.

Students at the University of Göttingen who do not have EU citizenship should be sure to inform themselves well in advance of the visa and legal residency criteria of the host country.

USA: Current Information
In light of recent developments in the USA, we would like to draw your attention to the advisory services of the DAAD as well as the current travel and security information from the German Foreign Office. Please note that there may be difficulties in obtaining a visa from the US authorities for planned stays in the USA. There is a risk that a visa may not be issued or issued on time, or that entry into the USA may be denied even with a valid visa.

At many partner universities, exchange students have the opportunity to rent a room in a student residence. The respective university provides information on this. Please remember to apply or register in time for university-owned housing.
It is also possible to search for private accommodation or host families through offers on online platforms. However, do not transfer rent or deposits in advance without proper verification!
Student testimonials can be a helpful source of information.
After your arrival in the host country, registration with the local authorities is required. Your host institution will inform you about the procedure and support you if needed. Please follow their instructions carefully.

The Accommodation Service of Göttingen International offers assistance with subletting out their place, for students who are planning a stay abroad.
Please note that mobile individuals are responsible for finding and renting accommodation themselves. Unfortunately, the University of Göttingen is unable to provide support in this matter.

If you have taken part in an exchange programme such as Erasmus+ or the Global Exchange Programme, or if you have received funding, please remember to submit all required final documents within the respective deadline.

As a rule, this also includes submitting a report on your experiences. Please take some time to write it. Your insights can be very valuable for future students.

Remember to submit a recognition application so that the credits you earned abroad can be transferred to your degree programme. Further information can be found here.

It is also important to reflect on your experiences after returning home in order to gain new perspectives. We recommend taking part in the returnee workshop offered by the Intercultural Learning Lab IKL (e.g. i2Move).

Keep documents such as your Transcript of Records or Certificate of Stay in a safe place. You may need them again later in life.