Many students are drawn abroad in the course of their studies. But can they afford going abroad? We show financing options for a semester abroad and explain why students should definitely travel other countries.
In our fast-paced and connected world, nearly everything seems possible. Social networks enable us to communicate with people from all around the globe. Virtual reality glasses let us travel any imaginable place without even leaving the flat. But this is not enough for many. Thus, THWS offers students of all degree programmes the chance to spend a semester abroad. Studying abroad, however, comes with certain challenges, of financial nature in particular. But the advantages outweigh the challenges by far.
The personal and linguistic development is unparalleled
"Speaking to others, learning a new language, discovering other mentalities and cultures, and exploring nature is an unforgettable experience", enthuses Luna Heuler, student in the Business and Engineering bachelor's programme at THWS. In spring 2022, Luna spent one semester at LAB University of Applied Science in Lappeenranta, Finland. In addition to the linguistic improvements, students also benefit from improved independence, self-development and from expanding their own private network. "I have made friends for life. Just this summer, there was a reunion with the friends I made in Finland", Jonas Sauer, student of the THWS bachelor's programme Media Management, reports on his semester in Finland in spring 2021. And Jonas is not alone in this. Luna not only misses her friends but also the Finnish student traditions. "Each faculty has its very own overall, mine was black", Luna says. "They were worn to each party, and for every game won, a new sticker was applied to the overall."
In spite of online lectures in the light of the corona pandemic, Luna and Jonas could still fully enjoy their student life during their semester abroad. "The worst thing that happened to me was that I almost got off at the wrong bus stop because I couldn't read the Finnish signs. The bus driver then pointed out that I had one more stop until I had to get off", Jonas tells us about his initial period in Finland and laughs. To be able to tell such anecdotes today, both students had to push their worries aside. But as they both confirm, this was definitely worth it. "These experiences are unparalleled. Everyone should make them", Luna concludes. "And don't worry! You will find friends faster than you think", Jonas adds.
Ways for students to finance their semester abroad
Studying abroad is also quite expensive: From rent, living expenses, study fees, international health insurances, travel costs, mobile phone contracts, or everyday expenses: Students wanting to go abroad are faced with a multitude of costs. "But we do not abandon our students with these issues", Thomas Schmitt from the THWS International Office (HSIN) promises. "We advise students, visit faculties, conduct information days and give information about funding programmes", Schmitt says. THWS offers various funding programmes for different countries.
Erasmus funding programmes of the EU Commission
In order to afford their semester abroad, both students applied for the programme Erasmus+, and were accepted. The Erasmus+ funding for programme countries applies to all countries within the EU. Erasmus+ for partner countries also includes countries which have entered into an association agreement with the EU, like China or the USA. The Erasmus funding programmes have existed for a long time and are thus well-established. Accordingly, there is a large network of higher education institutions offering Erasmus funding. The application process is simple. Students only need to apply with their faculty for a semester abroad in one of the countries eligible in the Erasmus programmes. If they are accepted, they are also automatically accepted in the eligible Erasmus programme.
Before leaving Germany, students already know how much financial support they will get. This enables them to plan more precisely. If students go to the same country, they receive the same funding. The only difference is from country to country. Students completing their semester abroad in Finland, where the costs of living are high, receive the Erasmus+ maximum allowance of 450 euro per month, while students in Poland receive a lower monthly allowance.
In addition to this basis rate, the Erasmus fundings offer two so-called top-ups: One for "Green Travel" by which students taking means of public transport like train, bus, ship or car sharing to travel to their destination, receive a one-time payment of 50 euro in addition to the basic allowance. The bonus "Fewer Opportunities" of up to 250 euros is directed towards students in their first degree programme, students with child(ren), students who work while studying, or students with physical or mental impairment of at least 20 percent.
The Erasmus programmes provide financial support to students for a maximum of four months in a row. Those wanting to stay abroad for longer need to submit a new request for an additional four months. Students can receive support for a total of twelve months per study cycle. What students should also know is that the funding sum is not paid monthly but that 80 percent of the overall funding sum is paid out before the semester abroad, and the remaining 20 percent after the students have completed their semester abroad.
Who is not eligible for the Erasmus programmes has the chance to apply for alternative funding options like the Promos scholarship of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), or the Auslands-BAföG. The Promos scholarship of the DAAD is directed towards students outside the EU. "Each year, we apply for financial means with the DAAD that are then fully passed on to our students", Thomas Schmitt explains. Depending on the partner country, students receive a total sum of 1,200 to 2,500 euro. The reason: The funding is also applicable for countries in South America or Africa that are far off and harder to travel which is why flights are already more expensive. Thus, students receive a monthly funding of 350 to 450 euro, depending on the country in which they complete their semester abroad. Application for a Promos scholarship is possible only via the platform Stipsys.
Auslands-BAföG has the major advantage that study fees are also taken into account. This is of particular interest for countries like the USA or Australia that charge significant study fees. The Auslands-BAföG covers up to 3,400 euro of study fees per year. Students only receive financial overall support covering the study fees. Auslands-BAföG comprises of two parts, 50 percent are funding, the other 50 percent are an interest-free loan. So, after the studies, 50 percent of the received sum must be paid back.
Students who are not eligible for BAföG in Germany should not be discouraged: Auslands-BAföG is still granted to students who do not receive regular BAföG. the International Office supports students with the application.
Now, all students have to do is pick the right funding possibility out of all available options at THWS and apply. Experience shows: "It is an investment in oneself and one's future", says Thomas Schmitt. "In the long-term a semester abroad is always worth it because you develop personally, and because of improved career perspectives."
Click here to listen to the podcast "Semester abroad in Finland"
(Podcast in German; English transcript available)