University of Music FRANZ LISZT Weimar - University - International - Exchange programmes - Student mobility

Studying abroad

Never again so convenient

It will probably never be as simple to go abroad for a long time as during your study. Away from your familiar environment you will get to know new things: other people, different ways of life and views, other teachers and methods, unusual ways to handle music, foreign languages... this all widens view points and gives new impulses for the artistic and academic development! In addition to this, it can only be of advantage to make connections to the international job market!

Study abroad is possible for up to two semesters. In exceptional cases it can be also extended. Usually one is given time off for the foreign study from the home university. The vacation semesters are not subtracted from the main course of studies, which will be extended by the number of semesters abroad. This is particularly interesting for young musicians because it is a good opportunity to prepare themselves more thoroughly for their future occupation.

Exams and tests completed during their study abroad can be taken into account for those students who would like to complete their studies quickly.

More information about the programmes and Exchange partners:

ERASMUS

PROMOS

Exchange partners

Conditions and recommendations

If a student wants to study abroad, he/she should usually have completed two semesters of his current course of study. This is even a definite condition for an ERASMUS exchange. It is important to plan the foreign stay very early! It is also adviseable to learn or refresh the language of the chosen country. The student should develop very clear conceptions of the goals of his/her study abroad in advance. Will it mainly concern the main instrument or rather a widening of abilities in other areas, in order to extend the career opportunities after study?

Problems can develop, if the professor at the guest university teaches a different technique to that of the professor in Weimar. Therefore one should only consider study abroad when the instrumental / singing technique are stable enough to withstand new ideas. In each case, it is advisable to discuss and prepare carefully for the stay with your professor.

Financing

One of the most important aspects of the organization of a stay abroad is the securing of finances. Besides ERASMUS there are further possibilities to obtain resources for study abroad. Those who thoroughly examine their finances before their stay, protect themselves against unpleasant surprises. The cost of living is often higher abroad than in Germany. One cannot rely on small part-time jobs.

Financing

One of the most urgent tasks when organising a stay abroad is securing funding. In addition to ERASMUS, there are other ways to find sources of funding for studying abroad.

BAföG for studying abroad

Foreign BAföG is, of course, a possible source of funding for studying abroad. You should also apply if you did not receive any educational assistance in Germany due to your parents' income, as foreign allowances (outside the EU) and necessary tuition fees (up to €4,600 per year) as well as travel expenses may be covered. However, foreign BAföG is not available to those who already have a DAAD scholarship. Study visits abroad can be funded for a period of 6 months to 2.5 years.

Sufficient language skills must be demonstrated. The additional foreign funding is provided in full as a grant! The application for foreign BAföG should be submitted approximately 6 months before the start of the stay abroad. The federal states have divided the responsibilities for the individual countries among themselves. Berlin, for example, accepts applications for Italy, Kiel for Scandinavia, etc.

Information can be obtained either from the Studierendenwerk Weimar-Jena on tel. (03643) 5815-63/65 or at

www.bafoeg.bmbf.de

www.daad.de/ausland

DAAD

You can apply for a ‘year-long scholarship for artistic further education’ from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Only online applications are accepted. Further information is available at

www.daad.de/ausland

Before applying, you should already have contacted your desired main subject teacher. The scholarships are awarded after a selection audition. The application deadline is currently 31 October.

The DAAD also provides further information on funding opportunities abroad in the form of a scholarship database on the above-mentioned website.

Study foundations

You should not get your hopes up too high when it comes to funding for studies abroad from study foundations. However, you can find more information at the following website:

www.bildungsserver.de/zeigen.html?seite=425

Fulbright scholarships

You can apply for a Fulbright scholarship specifically for study visits to the USA. Fulbright scholarships cover tuition fees at the respective American host university as well as travel expenses. Depending on the type of scholarship, living expenses are either partially or fully covered.

For further information and application details, please contact the Academic and Student Affairs Department or visit:

http://www.fulbright.de/