Planning a semester abroad

In order to study at one of Viadrina's partner universities, you need health insurance, just like in Germany.

Within the EU, your European health insurance is often sufficient. However, we recommend that you take out additional insurance if necessary.

Supplementary insurance is usually required for stays abroad outside Europe.

Note:
Please check with your insurance company which services are covered abroad and, if necessary, take out supplementary insurance that also includes, for example, repatriation in the event of illness.

Further information:
http://www.ess-europe.de/

Independent insurance advice:
https://www.bundderversicherten.de/

Staying in other European countries

For the most part, EU citizens do not need a visa for their stay in other European countries, but in some cases there are local residence formalities to be observed. You can usually obtain information on this from our partner universities and the respective diplomatic mission in the host country.

Non-EU citizens can usually apply for a visa at the relevant embassy or consulate in Germany. In very rare cases, it is necessary to apply from your home country. It is also possible to study in EU member states without a visa and in accordance with the REST Directive. Within the framework of EU mobility, you can also stay in other member states for up to 360 days with a German residence permit for study purposes (with the exception of Ireland and Denmark). The information sheet on the country-specific mobility procedures can be found here. Please note that despite this, partner universities in some countries advise you to apply for a visa.
In addition, you must extend your existing residence permit in Germany before the start of your stay abroad so that it is still valid if you wish to re-enter the country. Otherwise, it will not be possible to re-enter Germany without a valid residence permit, or you will have to clarify formalities from your home country again.
Note that the application formalities for visas and residence permits take a lot of time and take care of them in good time.

Stays outside Europe

For study visits to non-EU countries, EU and non-EU citizens alike usually need a visa. Please enquire about the formalities at the embassies of the respective country. You will receive corresponding information from your coordinator at the Viadrina and the respective partner university or from the embassies/consulates.

First steps of the visa application

• You have been accepted for an exchange programme by Viadrina International Affairs.
• After your acceptance for a Viadrina partner university, you will be invited to information events and informed about general procedures for applying to the partner university and visa formalities.
• Inquire at the embassy of the respective country whether you need a visa and what formalities need to be completed
• After the application process has been completed by the Viadrina International Affairs department and you have been admitted to the partner university, the university will send you a letter of acceptance.
• Use this Letter of Acceptance to apply for a visa at the relevant diplomatic mission abroad.

Some of our partner universities offer accommodation in student residences and may also help you to find other accommodation options. Information can be found directly on the websites of the partner universities.

Please take particular care when seeking help from estate agents abroad. It is best to take someone who speaks the language and knows the country with you when you sign a tenancy agreement. Some universities offer a so-called buddy, mentor or tutor programme - so you could also ask a local student for help with finding accommodation.

On Facebook, you will find many different groups relating to the partner university, city and country. These groups often address housing issues and offer rooms directly. You can also find information about living abroad in the testimonials of former exchange students.

Student residence

Student residences can offer a wide variety of accommodation options. Halls of residence are often organised in such a way that you occupy a single room and share a bathroom and kitchen with flatmates. In other student residences, there are complete flats with small kitchenettes and their own bathroom. The dormitories also vary considerably in terms of furnishings, and you often have to bring your own bed linen and/or kitchen utensils. However, the websites usually provide detailed information on this.

Be aware that the rooms are often double rooms, especially in Eastern Europe, so you will have to share them with another person. Sometimes student residences also offer rooms for single occupancy, but at a higher cost.

Please also bear in mind that some halls of residence have comparatively strict rules, e.g. no visitors or alcohol are permitted and offences will be punished. A hall of residence often has larger common rooms, on-site contact persons and sports facilities. Washing facilities with dryers and cleaning of public areas are usually also part of the facilities. Sometimes so-called meal plans are linked to rooms in the hall of residence, i.e. certain or all meals are included in the usually higher rent.

The costs in halls of residence vary widely and depend on the national cost level and the facilities. Whether they are cheaper or more expensive than private accommodation also depends on the country and city. Also be aware that some halls of residence may be located on or within walking distance of campus and not always in the city centre.