Semester Abroad, Internship or Thesis - this is how to go abroad!
Do you want to get more out of your studies? Then a study-related stay abroad can broaden your horizons: You will deepen your technical knowledge, gain international experience and learn about everyday working or studying life in another country. At the same time, you will be able to discover new cultures and improve your language skills.
Sounds interesting to you? Here you can find out which options are open to you and how to plan a stay abroad.
Study abroad
During your studies, you have the opportunity to study at a foreign university for some time and spend a so-called semester abroad. Study stays at one of the many Erasmus+ partner universities of the HSWT are the most popular option.
Alternatively, you can self-organise a semester abroad as a freemover at a university of your choice.
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Studying at a Partner University
During a semester abroad at an Erasmus+ partner university the conditions of the student exchange (admission, exemption from tuition fees, recognition of academic achievements, etc.) are already regulated by the universities. This means you can count on reliable support from the host university. Your advantage: in the Erasmus+ Programme you have the possibility to apply for financial funding for your semester abroad.
Study stays at a partner university outside the Erasmus+ region may be possible by arrangement. It is best to contact the International Office if you are interested in this option.
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Studying as a Freemover
In the case of a self-organised semester abroad, students apply to a foreign university themselves as so-called freemovers and independently of the contacts of the HSWT. This allows you to study at the university of your choice or in your desired country even without a partnership.
First, find out about the semester times, application deadlines and what modules are offered. Usually, there are tuition fees, which can vary depending on the country and university. If you're planning a study stay as a freemover, make sure to contact the International Office at HSWT to find out what else you need to keep in mind and what funding options are available.
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Recognition of Study Achievements Abroad
Which modules can be recognised for a study abroad stay must be worked out with the International Affairs Officer of your department and recorded in a Learning Agreement before your stay at the host university.
The examination board of your department is responsible for the recognition of academic achievements. Once you have returned, you have to submit the transcript of records from the host university, the Learning Agreements and your application for recognition to the examination board. Here you can find an overview of the procedure for the recognition of study and examination achievements gained abroad at the HSWT. General information is also available at „AN!“ of the German Rector's Conference (HRK).
Further Information on Studying Abroad
- News
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Announcements about current opportunities and scholarships are available in the ‘News’ section of the Intranet. You will need your HSWT login.
- From North America to Down Under
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Students can find information on study visits to Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia or the USA at GOstralia!-GOmerica!. Applications for stays at HSWT partner universities in Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia are handled by GOstralia!GOmerica!
The Ranke-Heinemann Institute organises study visits to Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The Amerikahaus offers a wide range of information on study related stays in the USA and Canada.
- DAAD
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The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides comprehensive information on studying abroad as well as relevant country information.
- Tips and Reports
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Students report on their stays abroad in the Experience Reports, at studieren-weltweit or ‘PROMOS bewegt!’.
Internship & Thesis Abroad
By doing an internship abroad, you gain work experience in an international environment and expand your key qualifications such as communication and cooperation skills. You acquire knowledge about foreign cultures and markets.
Writing your Bachelor's or Master's thesis is another opportunity to integrate a stay abroad into your studies.
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Mandatory Internship
Generally, you have the option of completing a mandatory internship in a foreign company, organisation or at a university abroad.
The Officer for Practical Study of your degree programme can provide you with information on the respective requirements and approve the internship placement or company abroad. -
Voluntary Internship & Graduate Internships
Within the framework of a voluntary internship, e.g. during the semester break, it is also possible to carry out a practice-related stay abroad.
An internship directly after completing your studies, a so-called graduate internship, also offers the opportunity to gain experience abroad. This can be a suitable way to transition into working life or to bridge the gap until starting post-graduate studies.
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Internship Database
Our internship database (Intranet) can make it easier for you to find suitable employers for your internship or thesis abroad.
Here you will find organisations where HSWT students have completed internships in recent years. Please note that these are not recommendations.Further internship opportunities abroad are offered, for example on the career platform Hochschuljobbörse, and for students in agriculture, by the German Farmer’s Union.
Short Stays Abroad
You can also gain professional experience abroad during a short stay. Apart from opportunities at foreign universities, such as Erasmus+ BIPs (Blended Intensive Programmes) or summer and winter schools, language courses are also an option. The stays usually last one to three weeks, but can still be worthwhile and add a little more variety to your CV.
- Erasmus+ BIPs
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Blended Intensive Programmes, so-called BIPs, are offered by universities throughout Europe and combine a phase of virtual teamwork with a short physical stay abroad. Current announcements of BIPs at partner universities of the HSWT are published in the Intranet and may be eligible for financial support through Erasmus+.
- Bavarian University Centres
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The Bavarian University Centres regularly offer summer schools in India, China, Southeast Europe and Latin America, among other places.
- DAAD
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The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides detailed information on language & summer courses.
German-French double degree
Between Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences and the French university L’Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, there has been a longstanding successful ERASMUS+ cooperation. In addition to student exchanges, the two partners also offer a German-French double degree in the following degree programmes:
Participation enables students from both partners to obtain a Bachelor's degree from HSWT as well as an Ingénieur Grade Master's degree from the French partner university L'Institut Agro Rennes-Angers.
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Requirements
- Good academic performance
- Successful completion of all relevant examinations and internships before starting your studies in France
- French language skills at level B2 (CEFR)
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Course of Study
- 1st until 6th semester
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Studies at Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences, including compulsory internship
- From the 7th semester
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Studies at L'Institut Agro Rennes-Angers
- 10th semester
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Final internship and completion of the final thesis under German-French supervision
- Academic degree
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Certificate from Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (LA/LB: Bachelor of Engineering, GB: Bachelor of Science) & French degree certificate from L'Institut Agro Rennes-Angers (Ingénieur Grade Master)
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Good reasons for a double degree
- two internationally recognised degrees from a single course of study
- double opportunities on the labour market
- close practical relevance through internships & projects in Germany & France
- acquisition of additional professional qualifications
- authorisation to do a doctorate
- perfection of foreign language & intercultural competence
- deepen your knowledge of the country & gain an insight into a different university system
- attractive professional fields await you in Germany & France
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Further information
Interested HSWT students can contact Friederike Strube from the HSWT International Office, Funding and Career Service.
French students should contact the International Office of the L'Institut Agro Rennes-Angers directly. Information about the organisation of the study stay at the Weihenstephan campus can be found on our page for exchange students.
Experience Reports from Students
Would you like to know how other HSWT students experienced their stay abroad or which experiences were particularly valuable? Personal insights and tips on organising a stay abroad can be found in the experience reports from students in the Intranet. To view the experience reports, you need to log in to the website.
Preparation & Planning for a Study-Related Stay Abroad
- Choosing a Host Country
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Find out about suitable universities for a semester abroad or about companies for internships and theses in your country of choice.
- Language Skills
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Language skills in the language of instruction or working language are required and may need to be proven. Information on language tests and courses can be found at the Language Centre.
- Entry and Residence Regulations
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Which visa or work regulations apply in the host country depends among other things on the purpose of your stay and your country of origin. Find out as early as possible about the current regulations, deadlines and fees.
- Insurances
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Check what insurance cover is required and to what extent it is already covered by your existing health, accident and liability insurance.
- Finances
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Find out about funding opportunities for your stay abroad.
- Further Information
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You can find announcements about study abroad opportunities and scholarships in the Intranet. Our Moodle course ‘Wegweiser Auslandsaufenthalt im Studium’ (with HSWT login) also offers help with your preparations.
- Contact the International Office
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We offer advice when it comes to planning your stay abroad!
