{"id":118459,"date":"2023-06-12T15:42:33","date_gmt":"2023-06-12T13:42:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.studium.uni-mainz.de\/stays-abroad\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T13:48:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T12:48:28","slug":"stays-abroad","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.studium.uni-mainz.de\/en\/during-your-studies\/stays-abroad\/","title":{"rendered":"Stays abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/jgu-base-pageheader>\n\n<\/jgu-base-heading>\n\n\n\n

At Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) you have the opportunity to combine your studies with a stay abroad. Not only will you get to know other cultures and interesting people, you are also certain to have an invaluable experience that will broaden your personal horizons. We provide you with important information and assist you in planning your individual stay abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Off you go to discover the world!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether you want to study, complete an internship, or go on a research trip, and whether you are joining a structured exchange program or doing it on your own \u2013 JGU offers a wide range of funding opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seize the opportunity to gain experience abroad. JGU can help you go abroad on your terms to the destination of your choosing, suited to your studies \u2013 you won\u2019t find a better time to do it. Browse through what we have to offer and find the program that fits you best. We are happy to advise you on everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One or two semesters of studying abroad just isn\u2019t enough? Then an international study program might be right for you. This means you would complete part of your studies abroad and in many cases even earn two degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n<\/jgu-base-buttonitem>\n\n<\/jgu-base-button>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/jgu-base-section>\n\n\n

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Before embarking on a stay abroad, you should have already settled into your studies at JGU. Some study regulations specify windows for stays abroad \u2013 such as required elective courses in the 4th or 5th semester. And if it is important for you to receive credit for your stay abroad, only your Academic Advisory Office<\/a> can decide whether courses from your studies, internship, or language teaching assistant placement abroad can be credited towards your degree. You can also talk to your academic advisors about when a stay abroad would be particularly advantageous for you.

Be sure to start planning your stay abroad well in advance and inquire about application deadlines as soon as possible. Also, keep in mind that different programs have different application deadlines. For most scholarship programs, the earliest you can apply is in the 2nd semester of your bachelor\u2019s degree program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n

If you are studying for a bachelor\u2019s degree, a stay abroad is recommended starting in the third or fourth semester. At this point, you will already have a general overview of the field of research in your subject and will be able to show proof of completed courses and grades. A later stay abroad is also conceivable for instance if you would like to gather material for your bachelor\u2019s thesis abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n\n \n\n

You can also spend time abroad while studying for your master\u2019s degree \u2013 to gain experience abroad or obtain material for your master\u2019s thesis, for example. You can decide when on an individual basis depending on your master\u2019s degree program.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n\n \n\n

The timing of a stay abroad while working on your doctorate depends largely on your goal for your time abroad. Do you want to collect data, take part in conferences, present or advise on existing research findings? Ultimately, you are responsible for putting together your individual stay abroad and discussing your plans with your supervisors.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n\n \n\n

During the state examination phase, you can expand your language proficiency or focus on international content with a stay abroad. It is also worth utilizing the time to collect data for your exam thesis. A stay abroad could be possible after the first or second state examination depending on your individual program structure. It is possible to study abroad during the state examination phase, especially in the Law and Medicine degree programs.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordion>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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You are probably thinking about how you can pay for a stay abroad. In many cases, you can obtain financial support from scholarship programs. To give you the opportunity to study abroad regardless of your financial circumstances, JGU offers a number of scholarship programs and advising on financial aid, depending on the type of stay abroad and your academic progress.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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When choosing your host country, you should keep in mind that you must be able to follow the courses and write exams\/term papers, or, if you are doing an internship, you must be able to work effectively. So be sure to choose a host country where you have at least a basic command of the language. Even if courses are offered in English or German, for example, it is important for you to be able to communicate with locals. However, proficiency in the language of instruction or the language you will work in is even more important. If you are going abroad to study, already having sufficient proficiency in the language of instruction will help you follow lectures and complete coursework.
Want to improve your language proficiency first? JGU\u2019s International Preparatory and Language Center (ISSK) offers free language courses in many contemporary foreign languages at various levels.
Alternatively, you can take a language course abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n

So be sure to choose a host country where you have at least a basic command of the language. Even if courses are offered in English or German, for example, it is important for you to be able to communicate with locals. However, proficiency in the language of instruction or the language you will work in is even more important. If you are going abroad to study, having previously acquired sufficient proficiency in the language will help you follow lectures and complete coursework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t have the desired or required language proficiency yet? Our general language courses for students are designed to help. JGU\u2019s International Preparatory and Language Center (ISSK) offers free language courses in many contemporary foreign languages at various levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you can take a language course abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n\n \n\n

Visa requirements vary depending on which host country you choose. If you are an EU citizen and want to travel to another EU country, there is no need to worry about a visa \u2013 your identity card is all you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is possible that you may only be able to enter non-EU countries if you have a valid visa. German citizens should check the website of the German Federal Foreign Office<\/a> well in advance for detailed information on up-to-date entry regulations. Citizens of other countries should check with their own Foreign Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please keep in mind that applying for a visa can take a long time. We recommend that you submit your application well in advance to avoid delays or other issues when entering the country. You may need proof of your admission to your studies abroad. JGU or your host university can provide you with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a longer stay abroad, some countries may require a residence permit. This ensures that you are permitted to remain and live in your host country after entry. If you have any questions about these formalities, please contact your host university.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n\n \n\n

You can make arrangements for your accommodations before you embark on your journey to your host country. Some universities offer rooms in dormitories for foreign students, but these are limited. The earlier you apply, the better your chances are of being offered a room in a dormitory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you can rent a private apartment or a room in a shared apartment for the duration of your time abroad. In many cases, your host university will recommend websites for finding accommodations. If you book your accommodations before your stay abroad begins, you will usually be required to pay a security deposit in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prices and the availability of apartments can vary greatly depending on the host country. As such, it is a good idea to make arrangements for your accommodation well in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n\n \n\n

Whether you will need to open a bank account in your host country or not depends on various factors. What payment methods does your landlord accept? Does your bank charge fees for transactions made in other countries? Ask your bank about what options it offers you in the country you are going to and the related costs.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n\n \n\n

Students going abroad usually need to provide proof of sufficient health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in their host country. Before the semester begins, host universities often ask for proof of health insurance coverage. In EU countries and several other European countries, you are already sufficiently insured with your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as this will only cover the basic services available in the host country, it may make sense to take out additional private travel health insurance to cover further medical services. Please note that you have to take out any travel insurance policies before your stay abroad begins. Proof of health insurance is often required when applying for a visa for your host country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to health insurance, there are other types of insurance that may be useful for you. German personal liability and accident insurance is often also valid in other countries and protects you against financial damages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liability insurance covers bodily injury or property damage that you cause to others. This insures you for cases where claims could arise from damage caused unintentionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With accident insurance, you are protected against financial consequences of any accidents you may have abroad. Check with your host institution and your health insurance provider before your stay abroad to find out whether additional insurance coverage is necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n\n \n\n

You may take a leave of absence under certain conditions, but be sure to inquire about the procedure before you do so! If you are traveling abroad for at least three months for a study-related stay, you can also request reimbursement of the semester ticket from the General Students\u2019 Committee (AStA). You can find more information here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n\n \n\n

Courses completed abroad can only be recognized and credited after your return, but you should check with your Academic Advisory Office during the planning phase to find out which courses can be recognized and under what conditions. Regardless of recognition, you also have the option to take courses at the host university that are not offered here, but are relevant to your degree program or envisioned career.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordionitem>\n\n<\/jgu-base-accordion>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/jgu-base-section>\n\n<\/jgu-base-heading>\n\n\n\n

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Recognition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are studying, doing an internship, or working as a language teaching assistant, the Academic Advisory Office<\/a> for your subject is responsible for the recognition of coursework and exams completed abroad for a degree program that you will complete at JGU. In the subjects of Law and Medicine, the respective examination offices are responsible for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Recognition of foreign degrees<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like to have a degree or certificate earned abroad recognized for the purposes of continuing your studies at JGU, you can find more information here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Grade conversion for recognition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The grading system at foreign universities generally differs from the grading system in Germany. This means that if grades are to be transferred and credited, they must first be converted. There are various options for conversion. Please contact the responsible Academic Advisory Office to find out whether the conversion is performed in accordance with the relevant examination regulations (for example, in the Mainz-Dijon degree programs or in Law<\/a>), or whether the conversion is based on a grade distribution table in accordance with European Credit Transfer System guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n\n \n\n