Intercultural competences become increasingly important with the progress of globalization. Therefore, the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven offers its students many opportunities to acquire additional skills. It could be through language courses, international joint seminars or a stay abroad at one of the numerous partner universities.

There are many reasons for a study-related stay abroad:

- You can broadens your professional and personal horizon,
- increase linguistic and intercultural competences,
- proves flexibility and independence,
- get to know new methods of learning and teaching and
- receive insights into other corporate structures.

Hence, the argument that it is a "loss of time" is invalid.

In many degree programs, a semester abroad is already compulsory, however a stay abroad can also be well integrated in any other study course. It has proved that the success of a stay abroad is linked heavily to an early and solid preparation.

A detailed overview of how to organise a semester abroad is available in the International Office, which summarizes what has to be considered and done before, during and after the stay and when.

The main aspects in the orientation phase are to think about the fundamental considerations (why, when, where, how long?), the form (study, internship, final project, intensive program or language course abroad?) and the most important information about financing and funding possibilities, guest countries etc. Now you should already know the examination regulations of your degree program and start contacting the International Office.

During the decision-making phase the amount of potential guest universities or companies should be narrowed down. After consulting with the teaching staff of your department, you should also have clarified questions about the recognition of your performance abroad. Target universities and companies should be contacted now as well.

In the application phase you have to write your application documents and hand them into the International Office, to the guest universities, target companies and funding programmes. Make sure you submit them to the right contact person on time and that the documents are complete. The deadline for many funding programmes and scholarships is one year before the planned start.

There is also much to do in the actual organization phase, e.g. extending your passport, applying for the visa, making sure you have sufficient insurance, looking for a interim tenant, booking your arrival. Especially in the weeks before departure are many small things to be managed,...

... but one thing is certain: The effort is worth it!

Anyone who informs themselves early enough, has considerably higher chances to get accepted in their preferred country at the university of their first choice or at their target company, so they can look forward to it much longer.