The Ultimate Erasmus Guide: Stress-Free Studying in Germany
Are you planning to spend one or two semester on the Erasmus program during your studies?
Awesome!
Now you’ve made your decision, it’s time to start thinking about all the bureaucratic tasks ahead. But before you start feeling overwhelmed, we recommend reading this article, in which we explain everything you need to know and the steps you should follow. This will give you a clear idea of what to expect, allowing you to plan everything without stress.
Dein Erasmus in Deutschland Schritt für Schritt
As always, we support you with certified translations.
Application and Allocation of Placements
First, you’ll need to apply for a placement for your Erasmus stay.
This is done through your home university. We recommend findung out in advance which universities your home institution has partnerships with, as these can vary depending on the institution and even the department. Make a list of your preferences to ensure you are placed at a university you like. You should also consider what each university has to offer, such as the city, language, courses and even the weather.
Once you have done your research, you can submit your application via the platform provided by your home university, which will typically handle the entire application process.
Throughout the process, you will need to provide various documents, such as ID, a motivation letter, a transcript of records and, possibly, language certificates.
You will also probably need to prove your English skills or knowledge of the language of your destination country.
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Follow your university's instructions and pay attention to the deadlines!
Before your arrival
Your home university will inform you of your placement. You will then receive your admission certificate from your host university. This process usually takes a few months, so there is no need to worry. This is why you should start preparing for your Erasmus stay well in advance. Here are the most important steps you should take before leaving:
Finding Accommodation
The most important thing when going abroad is having a place to stay. It’s a good idea to start looking into the different accommodation options available in your Erasmus city as soon as possible. Many universities offer student residences where you can find single rooms or shared apartments at an affordable price. Check the website of your destination university or ask the exchange coordinators to find out more about this option.
Another option is to look for a shared apartment (in german WG). This is very common among students and gives you the chance to live with people who have had similar experiences and can answer any questions you may have. Different countries have different platforms for finding accommodation, so it’s best to do some online research, ask your university or talk to someone who has already lived in your destination city.
For more specific tips on finding accommodation in Germany, check out our blog post on Mastering the Apartment Search in Germany.
Health insurance
If you’re studying at a European university, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to public healthcare during your Erasmus stay.
However, make sure to check for any additional requirements.
For instance, if you are an Erasmus student enrolled at a German university, you will need a document from your health insurance provider confirming that you are insured within the European Union not needing any additional insurance.
Learning Agreement
The key to having your Erasmus stay recognised is the Learning Agreement. This document informs your home university about the courses you will be taking at your destination university. It is important to ensure that the courses you wish to have recognised are either equivalent or similar in content to those at your home university, and that they cover the same number of ECTS credits. However, universities are often flexible on this point and accept a difference of two or three ECTS credits. Ultimately, it is up to your coordinator at your home university to decide whether recognition will be granted. It is a good idea to discuss the Learning Agreement with the coordination office in advance to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
The Learning Agreement also needs to be signed by the destination university, and eventually you will need to sign it as well. Don’t worry if you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to stick to your planned courses; you will probably have to revise your schedule several times, even after you arrive abroad, to accommodate changes in the course offerings at your host university. Make sure you check the deadlines for possible changes, choose the courses you want to take and create a timetable that works best for you. If you have time, you could even attend courses as an auditor before officially enrolling!
Scholarships
In general, the Erasmus program scholarship is available to all students who participate in the exchange.
- There are other financing options available!
But that’s not all. Your home country may also offer funding opportunities to support your studies abroad. Contact your university to find out which grants you are eligible for.
After your arrival
Have you prepared everything for your arrival at your destination? Great! But that’s not all. After you arrive, there are still many more formalities to take care of. Here, we’ll explain the most common ones.
Enrollment
Once you arrive, the most important thing is enrollment. When participating in the Erasmus program, you must be enrolled at two universities simultaneously: your home university and your destination university. Often, it’s not necessary to appear in person, as many universities offer online enrollment. However, make sure to check with your destination university to be sure. If enrollment is done in person, plan your trip accordingly.
Registration
Since you’ll be living abroad for an extended period, you’ll need to register at your destination. Your university can help with this process. You’ll need to go to the local authorities in your area of residence and submit your documents, including proof of accommodation and the purpose of your stay (in this case, your studies).
Other Formalities
Depending on the country you’re in, you may need to take care of other formalities. For example, in Germany, you should find out how to pay the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag). Additionally, you might want to take a language course in the local language. Universities usually offer such courses before the regular semester starts. These courses must be paid for during enrollment, and you can earn ECTS credits, as well as meet other students who are in the same situation.
- Now, it’s time to enjoy!
With that, you’ve taken care of everything for now. All that’s left is to enjoy your Erasmus experience, learn a lot, meet new people, and immerse yourself in a completely new culture.
At the end of your Erasmus stay
Just like when you arrived, you’ll need to go to the local registration office in your city when you return home to inform them that your stay has ended and you will no longer be living there. You may also need to cancel your enrollment at the destination university, and you should request a certificate confirming the completion of your Erasmus stay, as well as the Transcript of Records, which lists the ECTS credits you earned. Check with your university to see if there are any other formalities that need to be completed before you return. Once everything is taken care of, you can return home with peace of mind and look back on this unforgettable experience.
What was your Erasmus experience like?
What advice would you have liked to receive beforehand, and what did you gain from the programme? Leave us your comments and share this article with your network!