What language skills are necessary to complete a semester abroad?

The requirements are determined individually by each university - usually English proficiency between B1 and C1 is expected. Sometimes additional competencies in the local language (e.g. Spanish) are desired / required.

Please check the website of the university you would like to attend to find out which language level is required for a semester abroad. Often, a certificate does not have to be presented directly with the application - it is sufficient if you provide one before the semester starts.

In preparation for a semester abroad, you can take numerous language courses in English and other languages at our Language Center.

Under the following link you will find an overview of all European universities with which the University of Oldenburg cooperates - e.g. in Finland, Austria, Spain or Turkey. Here, a semester abroad is possible.

The application period for an Erasmus+ stay starts 12 months before the academic year in which the stay is planned. This means that students can apply from October 1st for the following winter and summer semester. The first application deadline is January 2nd.

Missed the January 2nd deadline? Write to the Erasmus+ coordinator. You can apply until June 1st for remaining places for the following summer semester.

Application Process:

• Complete the online application to obtain an Erasmus study place.
• Submit the PDF printout of the online application together with a short letter of motivation (max. 1 page) and a CV (incl. language skills) to the Erasmus+ officer (Departmental Coordinator) via e-mail. The documents must be received by e-mail by January 2 at the latest.
• The coordinator will confirm the Erasmus+ place at the beginning of February at the latest. The coordinator informs the student and signs the online application. This then must be submitted to the International Office (IO; https://uol.de/en/europe-studies/application-procedure) by February 15 for places for the winter semester and by June 1 for remaining places for the summer semester.
• Subsequently, the nomination at the partner university will be made by the IO or the coordinator, so that your application can be made at the partner university.
• Please check the Erasmus+ checklist. All further steps are listed there in detail.
• Inform yourself about the selection of courses at the partner university. Please also contact the respective coordinator regarding learning agreements (see: Recognition of examinations taken abroad).

According to which criteria are the places allocated?

• Language skills: A good knowledge of English is required, between B1 and C1 (depending on the university). Previous knowledge of the language of the planned country of residence can be an advantage. It is also possible to take a language course at your host university - this is highly recommended
• Previous participation in courses in English at the University of Oldenburg is also advantageous.
• Personal motivation: You should argue convincingly why you would like to study abroad and why you have chosen this or these specific universities.
• If applying to more than one university: Write only one complete letter of motivation explaining which university is your priority 1, 2, etc.

Have you already received your desired place at a partner university? Congratulations! The next step is to fill out the (Online) Learning Agreement (OLA).

In general, it is possible to have the modules that you completed abroad credited to your studies in Oldenburg. For this, the Online Learning Agreement must be discussed with the respective professor before the stay abroad:

For bachelor students of special needs education: Prof. Dr. Teresa Sansour

For master students of special needs education: Prof. Dr. Clemens Hillenbrand

For master students of rehabilitation education: Prof. Dr. Gisela C. Schulze

For educational sciences: Prof. Dr. Ulrike-Marie Krause

As soon as the agreement has been received on paper (e.g. by e-mail), the Online Learning Agreement (O)LA is then signed by the Erasmus coordinator responsible for the respective host university.

Further information on the recognition of examinations taken abroad can be found here.

You have the opportunity to complete an obligatory internship as part of your degree programme or an additional voluntary internship abroad. There are no special requirements for the voluntary internship. The exact requirements for the obligatory internship must be discussed with the respective module supervisor first.

Once you have clarified the formal aspects, you can start looking for a suitable internship. Various educational institutions, such as German schools abroad, are available for this purpose.

In order to receive Erasmus+ funding, the internship duration has to be between 2 and 12 months. More general information about the Erasmus+ internship can be found here.

SCHULWÄRTS! arranges and supports internships at schools abroad supervised by the Goethe-Institut. Applications are open to students studying education and (prospective) teachers of all school types and subject combinations. The scholarship holders receive individual support before, during and after the internship.

Further information can be found here.

The DAAD supports both German students who want to spend time abroad and international students who come to Germany.

If you are interested, also have a look at the scholarship database.

Would you like to support international exchange students during their arrival in Oldenburg and at the start of the semester? Then find out more about the Buddy Program here!

Would you like to promote Europe while studying? Would you like to promote international exchange in Oldenburg? Get in touch with the Koordinationsteam im DAAD or directly at oldenburg@europamachtschule.de – they will send you the link to register.

Do you need more information? Find out here how you can get involved and how being part of Europa macht Schule can help you develop personally!

We are looking for active site members!

Would you like to have the modules you completed abroad recognised for your studies in Oldenburg? Please remember to submit a corresponding application to the examination office after your stay.
Further information on the recognition of examinations taken abroad can be found here.