Study Guide 2013/14 for international exchange students

Study Guide 2013/14 for international exchange students

HTW des Saarlandes Saarbrücken, Germany

Hochschule fürTechnik und Wirtschaft

des SaarlandesUniversity of Applied Sciences

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Published by: International Office Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes University of Applied Sciences Goebenstraße 40 66117 Saarbrücken Germany Web: www.htw-saarland.de/index_html_en Editorial team: Andrea Roth, Marion Hergenröther-Hassan, Doris Kollmann Download Study Guide: http://www.htw-saarland.de/exchange

This student guide has been partly funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. Saarbrücken 2013, 10th edition

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Contents Welcome to HTW des Saarlandes 04 Introduction 05

Saarbrücken 05 Saarland 05 General description of the University of Applied Sciences 06 Contacts and Services 07 Faculties and degree programmes 08

Franco-German study programmes 09 Summer intensive programmes 09

Semester dates and daily timetable 09 Application, admission and language requirements 10

Types of exchange students 10 Application process 11 Application deadlines and forms 12 Admission and language requirements for non-degree exchange students 12 Admission and language requirements for degree-seeking exchange students 14 Coordinators for international academic exchange programmes 16 International partner universities with exchange programmes 17 Internships and Industrial Training Placements 18

Life Long Learning (LLP) 19 Erasmus 19

ECTS 19 ECTS credits 19 Use of ECTS credits 19 Diploma Supplement 19 The ECTS grading scale 20 Description of the HTW institutional grading system 20

Student living 21 Cost of living and financing your studies 21 Financial support for work experience, vocational training and internships 21 Accommodation 21

HTW-Guesthouse 21 Student residence hall GBS 22 Private lodgings / Flat or house shares 23 Temporary accommodation at Saarbrücken Youth Hostel 23

Transport 23 Catering services 24 Medical and health services 24 Insurance 24 Financial support 24 Student organizations 24 HTW facilities 25

German courses 25 Preparing to come to Germany 27

Visa/Temporary Residence Permit 27 Health insurance 27 Travelling to Saarbrücken 29

Things to be done after arriving in Germany 30 Moving in 30 Matriculation (Enrolment) 30 Health insurance 30 Paying the semester fee 31 Registering your place of residence 31 Bank account 31 Income tax card 31

Appendix 32 Checklist 33 Dealing with organizational red tape in Saarbrücken 34

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Welcome to HTW! Dear exchange student Welcome to HTW des Saarlandes, University of Applied Sciences, Saarbrücken! HTW is the largest University of Applied Sciences in the state of Saarland with some 5600 students and a staff of over 300. HTW is a multi-campus university with a very diverse student community. The percentage of international students is significantly higher than the national average. Currently, there are 860 international students from over 60 countries learning together.

exchange student excursion to the Saarschleife

HTW is offering more than 40 Bachelor and Master Programmes, either taught in German, or some in English or French in the four schools: Architecture & Built Environment, Business Administration, Engineering, Social Sciences. HTW also can take credit for being a pioneer in shaping fully integrated German-French degree programmes in conjunction with the partner university in Metz, France. In 1978, long before ERASMUS and Bologna, the two universities founded the unique German-French Higher education institution, called ISFATES in French and DFHI in German, which today offers twelve German-French double-degree-programmes. Studies at the HTW are practical-oriented with an excellent combination of hands-on skills along with a strong theoretical knowledge base. Research is fundamental and we attach great importance to applied research and development. We conduct research with industry partners in Germany and abroad and we belong to the top ranked Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany for R&D. International students are welcome to participate in the various R&D projects and get a better understanding of German cutting-edge technology and innovation. I hope you will learn and discover a lot of new things during your studies and life in Saarbrücken. You will find new friends in our local student community and of course amongst the very diverse international student community. I’m wishing you the most enjoyable and stimulating experience - something to look back at home.

We look forward to having you as a student and to meeting you! Prof. Dr. Enrico Lieblang, Vice-President

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Introduction

HTW des Saarlandes, University of Applied Sciences Goebenstraße 40 66117 Saarbrücken Germany Web: www.htw-saarland.de

Saarbrücken

The banks of the river Saar St. Johanner Markt1 Exchange students

Saarbrücken is the capital city of the German federal state of Saarland. With a population of 175 500, Saarbrücken is one of the smaller of Germany’s major cities. A modern, forward-looking and forward-thinking city, Saarbrücken boasts an attractive old town and varied cultural and recreational amenities.

Saarland

Located at the heart of the so-called Saar-Lor-Lux triangle, Saarland is strongly influenced by its neighbours France and Luxembourg. The Lorraine region of France is only a stone’s throw away and Luxembourg a mere 90 km from Saarbrücken.

Saarland – the European setting1

With a population of around 1.02 million and an area of 2570km², Saarland is the smallest of the German Länder (federal states) after the city-states of Berlin, Bremen and Hamburg. Around one third of Saarland is covered by forest. Mining and the steel industry were for many years the most important elements in the economy of the Saarland. Today, the focus is on new industries, technologies and services – with all seven institutions of higher education in Saarland playing their part.

1 Image courtesy of the image database at the Tourismus Zentrale Saarland (Saarland Tourism Centre).

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General description of the HTW-University of Applied Sciences The “Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft”, commonly referred to by its German initials ‘HTW’, is a multi-campus university in Saarbrücken and the greater region. There are five sites: Campus Alt-Saarbrücken, Campus Rotenbühl, Campus Rastpfuhl, Campus Göttelborn and Campus IT-Park.

Campus Alt-Saarbrücken Goebenstraße 40

66117 Saarbrücken

Campus RotenbühlWaldhausweg 14

66123 Saarbrücken

Campus Rastpfuhl Rastpfuhl 12a

66113 Saarbrücken Automotive engineering

Applied computer science Biomedical engineering

Civil engineering Computer science and

communications engineering

Electrical and electronic engineering

Energy system technology / Renewable energies

Engineering und Management Healthcare management Mechanical engineering

Mechatronics

ArchitectureAccounting

Business administrationEvaluation

Industrial engineeringInternational business

International managementInternational tourism

Marketing scienceSupply chain management

Social work and early childhood

University management, the administrative departments and the Franco-German Institute of Higher Education (DFHI) are all located at the Goebenstraße site. The International Office has offices at the Goebenstraße and Waldhausweg sites. The Social work study programme is hosted at the Rastpfuhl site in Saarbrücken and the Aviation business study programme is located at the Göttelborn site in the greater Saar region. An additional site, the Campus IT Park, houses the HTW-technology-center (HTZ) and several research units and institutes. During the academic year 2013-14 new buildings at the Goebenstrasse site will be completed resulting in some departments moving to a different site. The HTW University of Applied Sciences currently offers more than 40 degree programmes. Study programmes are highly structured with students often learning in small groups. Excellent supervision and close contact to academic staff are distinctive features of academic life at the university. Students have access to modern, well-equipped laboratories, lecture halls and seminar rooms. The university places considerable emphasis on high-quality, practically-focused teaching that is closely meshed with real social, business and industrial applications. This enables the university to identify at an early stage the changing needs of today’s working environment and to adapt the curricula accordingly. The majority of the degree programmes include an integrated industrial internship as well as foreign language training. For international exchange students HTW University of Applied Sciences offers German courses (see p.25) to facilitate immersion into German study and community life. A Bachelor degree programme generally lasts six to seven semesters, while a Master’s programme normally takes three to four semesters. Degree programmes are divided up into phase I and phase II studies. The practical study stage and the final thesis are both part of the phase II study period. For detailed information on the individual degree

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programmes available, please refer to the internet presentations provided by the various departments at www.htw-saarland.de/studium/studienangebot. The university’s proximity to France and Luxembourg is not only a geographical fact; it is embodied in the Franco-German Institute of Higher Education (Deutsch-Französisches Hochschulinstitut – DFHI) with its unique headquarters in Metz (France) at Université Lorraine and in Saarbrücken (Germany) at HTW des Saarlandes University of Applied Sciences. The integrated DFHI programme ‘Building and Construction Management’ at the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering is even taught cooperatively by the HTW in Saarbrücken, the Université Lorraine, Metz/ France and the Université du Luxembourg, Luxemburg. HTW University of Applied Sciences has a total student population of approximately 5600 in the academic year 2012-13. 860 students are international students from no fewer than 60 different countries.

Contacts and Services

International Office Waldhausweg 12a 66113 Saarbrücken Phone.: +49-(0)681/5867-654 Fax: +49-(0)681/5867-608 Goebenstraße 40, Room 2113 66117 Saarbrücken Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-654 Fax: +49-(0)681/5867-662 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: http://www.htw-saarland.de/services

Doris Kollmann, Director International Office Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-609 E-mail: [email protected]

Andrea Roth, International student advisor for Outside-EHEA students Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-654 E-mail: [email protected]

Marion Hergenröther-Hassan, ERASMUS incoming students Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-602 / -654 E-mail: [email protected]

Admissions Office Goebenstraße 40 66117 Saarbrücken Germany

Tel: +49-(0)681/5867-115 / -116 Fax: +49-(0)681/5867-122 E-mail: [email protected] Office hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9–11.30 am, Wed: 1.30–4 pm

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Faculties and degree programmes

School of Architecture and Civil Engineering Degree Programme duration in semesters

Architecture B.A. 6 Architecture M.A. 3 Civil and structural engineering (Specialist areas:structural engineering, water management, waste management and traffic planning) B.Eng. 7 Civil and structural engineering M.Eng. 3 School of Engineering

Biomedical engineering B.Sc. 7 Biomedical engineering M.Sc. 3 Electrical engineering (Specialist areas: automation technology, power engineering, micro- and telecommuni-cations electronics, communications engineering)

B.Eng. 6

Electrical engineering M.Sc. 4 Energy system technology / Renewable energies B.Eng. 7 Computer science and communications engineering B.Sc. 6 Computer science and communications engineering M.Sc. 4 Applied computer sciences B.Sc. 6 Applied computer sciences M.Sc. 4 Mechanical engineering and process technology B.Eng. 6 Engineering and management M.Eng. 4 Automotive engineering B.Eng. 7 Mechatronics / Sensor technology B.Sc. 7 Mechatronics / Sensor technology M.Sc. 3 School of Social Sciences

Evaluation1 M.A. 4 Health care management B.A. 6 Social work and early childhood B.A. 7 Business School

Aviation Business - Piloting and Airline Management B.A. 6 Accounting M.A. 4 Business administration B.A. 6 International business administration B.A. 6 International tourism management B.A. 6 International management M.A. 4 Industrial engineering B.Sc. 7 Industrial engineering M.Sc. 3 Marketing science M.Sc. 4 Supply chain management M.Sc. 4

1 Interdisciplinary cooperative programme between Saarland University and the University of Applied Sciences (HTW)

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Franco-German study programmes The Franco-German Institute of Higher Education (DFHI) offers a total of 6 Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Civil and structural engineering; Business administration; Electrical and electronic engineering, Applied informatics, Logistics and Mechanical engineering.

Summer intensive programmes The HTW offers a 3-week summer immersion session at the HTW-Business School for students of partner universities in the field of business studies. The next summer immersion will take place from 24 June to 12 July 2013. The programme comprises selected Business studies courses, course and tandem German language learning, intercultural awareness, factory and company visits, excursions into the greater region as well as cultural activities. More detailed information and the application form can be found at: www.htw-saarland.de/summer-schools

Semester dates and daily timetable

Semester dates The academic year is divided into a summer and a winter semester. International exchange students from partner universities may begin their course of study at the HTW in the winter or summer semester.

Timetable Classes are scheduled from Monday to Friday. Some courses require students to attend class on Saturdays or in the evening.

The detailed timetables are displayed on university notice boards approximately two weeks before lectures start and can also be viewed on the relevant departmental web pages.

Winter semester 2013/14 (1 Oct 2013 to 31 March 2014)

Summer semester 2014 (1 Apr 2014 to 30 Sep 2014)

Arrival and enrolment 16 – 20 September 2013 17 - 21 March 2014 Intensive German course with orientation session

23 Sep – 11 Oct 2013 24 March – 11 April 2014

First day of classes 14 Oct 2013 14 Apr 2014 Weekly German course during the semester

14 Oct 2013 – 7 Feb 2014 14 Apr – 25 July 2014

Last day of classes 7 Feb 2014 25 July 2014 Exam/Finals period Feb/March 2014 July/Aug /Sep 2014 Semester break Christmas break (no classes)

23 Dec 2013 – 03 Jan 2014

Period 1: 8.15 am – 9.45 am Period 2: 10 am – 11.30 am Period 3: 11.45 am – 1.15 pm Period 4: 2.15 pm – 3.45 pm Period 5: 4 pm – 5.30 pm (Period 6: 5.45 pm – 7.15 pm)

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Application, admission and language requirements Types of Exchange Students There are various types of student status at HTW pending on the programme. Some students are in the exchange only to transfer credits, others study (at the same time) toward a degree at HTW. Degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students have to fulfil different criteria for admission. Moreover, we differentiate on the one hand between students coming from a partner-university within the EHEA (European Higher Education Area). These students are usually ERASMUS-students (please see p.19). On the other hand students come also from partner universities outside of the EHEA. Non-degree student A student sent from a partner institution (p.17) who studies one or two semesters at the HTW des Saarlandes, University of Applied Sciences, Saarbrücken, Germany. The course credits are to be transferred back to the degree studied in the home country. ERASMUS-non-degree student Across the EHEA exchange students benefit from the ERASMUS scheme (http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme) offering a common framework on mutual recognition and credit transfer (ECTS) in combination with mobility grants for the selected students. OUTSIDE-EHEA-non-degree student Exchange students from partner Universities outside the EHEA (European Higher Education Area) do also benefit from credit transfer and mutual recognition as stipulated in the specific cooperation agreement. Degree-seeking student A student sent from a partner institution (p.17) who studies towards a degree at HTW des Saarlandes, University of Applied Sciences, Saarbrücken, Germany. ERASMUS-degree-seeking student Across the EHEA exchange students benefit from the ERASMUS scheme (http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme) offering a common framework on mutual recognition and credit transfer (ECTS) in combination with mobility grants for the selected students. Admission as ERASMUS-degree-seeking exchange student is subject to specific requirements with regard to study progress and proof of language proficiency (p.14). OUTSIDE-EHEA-degree-seeking student Exchange students from partner Universities outside the EHEA do also benefit from credit transfer and mutual recognition as stipulated in the specific cooperation agreement. Admission as OUTSIDE-EHEA-degree seeking exchange student is subject to specific requirements with regard to study progress and proof of language proficiency (p.14). In cases where there is a dual-degree agreement with the partner institution sending the degree-seeking exchange student, additional requirements may apply.

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Application process ERASMUS Students from our European partner universities

Students from our NON-EHEA partner universities

ERASMUS students need to be nominated by their home institution by e-mail. The nomination should contain the student’s name and first name, e-mail-contact, area and year of study, duration of stay. After the nomination, we will be sending the application documents directly to the student with an indication of the deadline (see below). Please note: sending the application does not mean that the student is accepted!

NON-EHEA exchange students need to be nominated by their home institution by e-mail. The nomination should contain the student’s name and first name, e-mail-contact, area and year of study, duration of stay. The home institution then typically sends us the application documents of the nominated students. The application form can be downloaded www.htw-saarland.de/exchange Application documents furthermore comprise a letter of motivation, a CV, the transcript of records, and information about language proficiency, as well as a provisional list of modules (see below). Please note: sending the application does not mean that the student is accepted!

Learning Agreement: We require a provisional learning agreement (see: www.htw-saarland.de/exchange) together with the application documents. Students should discuss their choice of HTW-modules with their home university/academic advisor in order to prepare their learning agreement in which the provision intended study programme at HTW is formalized. The module catalogue is available at: www.htw-saarland.de/degreeprogrammes The provisional learning agreement will be evaluated by the HTW international exchange coordinator of the respective department a short time after the application deadline. Modifications may occur and HTW, as well as the student, have the possibility to change the provisional version. All ERASMUS students will meet their academic HTW ERASMUS coordinator before the start of courses to finalize the learning agreement. Once the courses have started we only allow changes within the first four weeks of lectures. Students need to fill in the form ‘Changes to the original proposed learning agreement’ (see: www.htw-saarland.de/exchange). The finalized learning agreement will be sent to the International Office of the sending university.

List of Modules: We require a provisional list of modules (courses the student wishes to take) together with the application documents. Students should discuss their choice of HTW-modules with their home university/academic advisor in order to prepare their provisional list of modules. The module catalogue is available at: www.htw-saarland.de/degreeprogrammes The provisional list of modules will be evaluated by the HTW international exchange coordinator of the respective department a short time after the application deadline. Modifications may occur and HTW, as well as the student, have the possibility to change the provisional version. All exchange students will meet their academic HTW international exchange coordinator before the start of courses to finalize the list of modules in a formal learning agreement. Once the courses have started we only allow changes within the first four weeks of lectures.

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Application deadlines and forms

The application documents will be evaluated by the international exchange coordinator of the respective department. Upon decision we will inform the student, and in case of approval the HTW admission letter will be sent out shortly after the application deadline.

Admission and language requirements for NON-DEGREE exchange students Students from partner universities are welcome to apply for a semester or an entire academic year without preparing for a HTW Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Admission requirements for exchange students in Bachelor degree-programmes: Students have to show a minimum of 60 ECTS (eqv. 1 year/ 2 semesters of full time study) from the respective study programme at their home university prior to the start of the programme at the HTW.

Admission requirements for exchange students in Master degree-programmes: Students have to show a minimum of 180 ECTS (eqv. 3 year/ 6 semesters of full time study) from the respective study programme at their home university prior to the start of the programme at the HTW.

Language requirements for NON-DEGREE exchange students German is the main language of instruction at HTW and students are required to submit proof of their German language proficiency as listed below. English is the language of instruction in some programmes offered at the HTW Business School (see: www.htw-saarland.de/degreeprogrammes). Depending on the programme, students have to show evidence of their proficiency in German, English or both languages (see below). The HTW-language requirements comply with the levels of the European Language Portfolio project “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF)”. More details see: http://www.coe.int/T/DG4/Portfolio/ Levels)

Application deadlines: 31 May for exchange programmes that start on 1 October 30 November for exchange programmes that start on 1 April Application forms: Forms and the list of required documents for non-degree and degree-seeking exchange students can be downloaded from: http://www.htw-saarland.de/exchange

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Language requirements for NON-DEGREE exchange students: Non-Degree Exchange Students

German

English

Bachelor International Business Administration [Internationale Betriebswirtschaft]

AND

Bachelor International Tourism Management [Internationales Tourismusmanagement]

AND

Bachelor Industrial Engineering [Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen]

Students wishing to take courses where German is the language of instruction are required to submit proof of German proficiency at minimum level B1 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # Goethe Zertifikat Deutsch B1 (ZD) # Certificate issued by language instructor of home university or language school confirming B1-level. Other acceptable higher level certificates include: Goethe-Zertifikat B2, Test-DaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)

Students wishing to take courses from this programme where English is the language of instruction are required to submit proof of English proficiency at level B2 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 5.5 # Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE): pass # Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Min. 513 (paper-based), 183 (computer-based), 65 points (internet-based) # Business English Certificates (BEC): Vantage # Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): Min. 600 # The European Language Certificates: telc English B2 oder telc English B2 Business # Certificate issued by language instructor of home university or language school confirming B2- level

Master International Management [International Management]

No German taught courses offered. German proficiency at A2-level is recommended to allow immersion into German society/community.

Students wishing to take courses from this programme are required to submit proof of English proficiency at level C1 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 # Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): pass # Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Min. 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 79 (internet-based) # Business English Certificates (BEC): Higher # Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): Min. 700 # European Language Certificates: TELC English C1

Bachelor Business Administration [Betriebswirtschaft]

AND

Master Programmes Accounting [Rechnungs-, Prüfungs- und Finanzwesen], Marketing Science, Supply Chain Manage-ment

AND

Bachelor and Master Industrial Engineering [Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen]

AND

Bachelor and Master Programmes of the School of Social Sciences (Social work and early childhood, Health care management)

Students wishing to take courses where German is the language of instruction are required to submit proof of German proficiency at minimum level B1 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # Goethe Zertifikat Deutsch B1 (ZD) # Certificate issued by language instructor of home university or language school confirming B1-level. Other acceptable higher level certificates include: Goethe-Zertifikat B2, Test-DaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)

No English taught courses offered.

All Bachelor and Master Programmes of the School of Engineering (Computer Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Electronical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics/Sensor Technology).

AND

All Bachelor and Master Programmes of the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Students wishing to take courses where German is the language of instruction are required to submit proof of German proficiency at minimum level A2 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # Goethe-Zertifikat Start Deutsch 2 (SD2) # Certificate issued by language instructor of home university or language school confirming A2-level. Other acceptable higher level certificates include: Goethe-Zertifikat Deutsch B1 (ZD), Goethe-Zertifikat B2, Test-DaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS) Research students exclusively doing a lab or thesis project in English we recommend a German minimum-level of A2 to allow immersion into the German society/community.

No English taught courses offered For Research Students required proof of English proficiency is min. level B1. Certificates accepted: # Certificate issued by language instructor of home university or language school confirming B1- level # Test formats as listed above

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Admission and language requirements for DEGREE-SEEKING exchange students Students from partner universities are welcome to apply for an entire academic year towards preparing the HTW Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.

Admission requirements for Bachelor degree-programmes: Students have to show a minimum of 120 (90) ECTS from the respective study programme at their home university prior to the start of the programme at the HTW. Upon successful completion of 60 (90) ECTS at the HTW including the Bachelor thesis, students from partner universities will be granted the HTW Bachelor’s degree. Admission requirements for Master degree-programmes: Students holding a Bachelor’s degree and a transcript of records with a minimum of 240 ECTS can be granted the HTW Master’s degree upon successful completion of 60 ECTS including the Master thesis at the HTW.

Language requirements for DEGREE-SEEKING exchange students German is the main language of instruction at HTW and students are required to submit proof of their German language proficiency as listed below. English is the language of instruction in some programmes offered at the HTW Business School (see: www.htw-saarland.de/degreeprogrammes). Depending on the programme, students have to show evidence of their proficiency in German, English or both languages (see below). Language requirements for DEGREE-SEEKING exchange students: Degree-Seeking Exchange Students

German

English

Bachelor International Business Administration [Internationale Betriebswirtschaft] AND Bachelor International Tourism Management [Internationales Tourismusmanagement]

Required proof of German proficiency at minimum level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). The following certificates are accepted: # Goethe-Zertifikat B1: Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) Other acceptable higher level certificates include: Goethe-Zertifikat B2, Test-DaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)

Required proof of English proficiency at level B2 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 5.5 # Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE): pass # Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Min. 513 (paper-based), 183 (computer-based), 65 (internet-based) # Business English Certificates (BEC): Vantage # Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): Min. 600 # The European Language Certificates: telc English B2 oder telc English B2 Business

Bachelor Business Administration [Betriebswirtschaft]

Required proof of German proficiency at minimum level B2 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # Goethe-Zertifikat B2: Zertifikat Deutsch Other acceptable higher level certificates include: Test-DaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)

Required proof of either English or French proficiency at the minimum level B2 of the CEF. English: different certificates are accepted, f.ex.: # International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 5.5 # Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT 65, # Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): Min. 600 French: f.ex. #DELF B2

Master International Management [International Management]

No German taught program offered German proficiency at A2-level is recommended to allow immersion into the German society/community

Required proof of English proficiency at level C1 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 # Certificate in Advanced English (CAE): pass Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Min. 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 79 (internet-based) # Business English Certificates (BEC): Higher # Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): Min. 700 # European Language Certificates: TELC English C1

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Master Marketing Science [Marketing Science] AND Master Accounting [Rechnungs-, Prüfungs- und Finanzwesen]

Required proof of German proficiency at minimum level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF). The following certificates are accepted: # Goethe-Zertifikat B1: Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) Other acceptable higher level certificates include: Goethe-Zertifikat B2, Test-DaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)

Required proof of English proficiency at level B2 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 5.5 # Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE): pass # Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Min. 513 (paper-based), 183 (computer-based), 65 (internet-based) # Business English Certificates (BEC): Vantage # Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): Min. 600 # The European Language Certificates: telc English B2 oder telc English B2 Business

Bachelor and Master Industrial Engineering [Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen]


Required proof of English or French proficiency at the minimum level B2 of the CEF. English: different certificates are accepted, f.ex.: # Business English Certificate / Vantage (BEC) (Cambridge Certificates) # English for Technical Purposes (TELC: The European Language Certificates) # English for Business Purposes (TELC: The European Language Certificates) # Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC): Min. 600 French: different certificates are accepted, f.ex.: #D.E.L.F. 4 (Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française) # T.C.F. 4 (Test de Connaissance du Français) # T.E.F. 4 (Test d’Evaluation de Français).

All Bachelor and Master Programmes of the School of Social Sciences


No English taught programmes offered

All Bachelor and Master Programmes of the School of Engineering (Computer Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Electronical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Mechatronics/Sensor Technology). AND All Bachelor and Master Programmes of the School of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Required proof of German proficiency at minimum level B1 of the CEF. The following certificates are accepted: # Goethe-Zertifikat B1: Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD) Other acceptable higher level certificates include: Goethe-Zertifikat B2, Test-DaF, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom (KDS)

No English taught programmes offered

The HTW-language requirements comply with the levels of the European Language Portfolio project “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF)”. More details see: http://www.coe.int/T/DG4/Portfolio/ Levels)

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Coordinators for international academic exchange programmes

School of Architecture and Civil Engineering School of Architecture Prof. Klaus-Dieter Köehler

Waldhausweg 14, room D-2-02 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-561 E-mail: [email protected]

Civil and structural engineering Infrastructure and transport engineering

Prof. Dr. Gudrun Djouahra Goebenstr. 40, room 2407 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-184 E-Mail: [email protected]

School of Engineering Biomedical Engineering Prof. Dr. Dr. Daniel Strauss

Goebenstraße 40, room 2413 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-251 / +49-(0)6841/1624090 E-Mail: [email protected]

Electrical engineering Energy system technology / Renewable energies

Prof. Dr. Martin Buchholz Goebenstraße 40, room 2302 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-196 E-Mail: [email protected]

Computer science and communications engineering

Prof. Dr. Martina Lehser Goebenstraße 40, room 5310 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-314 E-Mail: [email protected]

Applied computer sciences Prof. Dr. Ralf Denzer Goebenstraße 40, room 8234 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-426 E-Mail: [email protected]

Mechanical engineering and process technology Engineering and Management Automotive engineering

Prof. Dr. Christine Sick Goebenstraße 40, room 8224 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-420 E-Mail: [email protected]

Mechatronics Sensor technology

Prof. Dr. Martin Löffler-Mang Goebenstraße 40, room 9106 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-247 E-Mail: [email protected]

School of Social Sciences Social work and early childhood Prof. Dr. Klaus Kraimer

Rastpfuhl 12a, room CR 127 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-494 E-Mail: [email protected]

Health care management Prof. Petra Riemer-Hommel PhD Goebenstraße 40, room 4105 Phone: +49-(0)681/58 67-646 E-Mail: [email protected]

Business School Aviation Business Accounting Business Administration International Business Administration International Tourism Management International Management Industrial Engineering Marketing Science Supply Chain Management

Prof. Dr. Holger Buck Waldhausweg 14, room A-1-14 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-550 E-Mail: [email protected]

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International partner universities with exchange programmes (Current as of December 2012)

Country University / Institution of higher education Belgium

Erasmushogeschool Brussel (EHB) Thomas More University College

Brazil UNIFACS, Universidade de Salvador, Bahia

Bulgaria

University of National and World Economy (UNWE) Sofia

Canada University of Guelph

Chile UTFSM, Universidad Técnica Frederico Santa Maria

China CDHAW Tongji University

Czech Republic

Brno University of Technology

Denmark

Aalborg Universitet Syddansk Universitet (SDU)

Finland

Tampere University of Technology Saimaa University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta

France

Ecole d’Architecture de Nancy Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Metz Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Hydraulique et de Mécanique de Grenoble Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Chambéry France Business School, Brest Université de La Réunion Université de Lorraine Metz

Georgia Georgian Technical University, GTU Tbilissi

Iceland

Reykjavik University, Háskólinn Reykjavik

Italy

Università degli Studi di Firenze Università degli Studi di Padova

Japan Aoyama Gakuin University

Jordan German Jordanian University GJU

Latvia

School of Business Administration TURIBA, Riga

Luxembourg

Université du Luxembourg

Malaysia Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Mexico Tec de Monterrey, ITESM Universidad Iberoamericana, IBERO

Netherlands

Saxion Universities of Applied Sciences

Poland

Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Krakowie, CUE Crakow Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach; UEK Katowice Politechnika Łódzka, Technical University of Lodz

Portugal

Universidade Técnica de Lisboa - ISEG

Romania

„Gh. Asachi“, Technical University of Iaşi Universitea „Eftimie Murgu“, Resita

Spain

Universidade de Vigo Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Sweden

University West Trollhättan

Switzerland

Fachhochschule Bern Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz, Windisch (FHNW) Fachhochschule Westschweiz, HES-SO Haute Ecole Spécialisée de Suisse occidentale, Sierre, Valais/Wallis

Turkey

Istanbul Aydın University

United Kingdom

University of Birmingham University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

USA Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh James Madison University Pfeiffer University, Charlotte, North Carolina Southern Oregon University Texas A&M University Westminster College

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Internships and Industrial Training Placements

Internships/placements in Germany Information for incoming students from our partner universities:

• Students are required to find and organize the internships/placements themselves. However, the HTW placement coordinators (contact details see above) can advise and help students from partner universities to identify suitable companies/organisations to apply to.

• Minimum placement period usually required by companies is 12 weeks (longer preferred), in some cases 4 to 6 months.

• German language knowledge must be minimum B2 level (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The work environment for industrial internships/placements is mostly German speaking only. To reach B2 students typically need at least 800 contact hours of language classes.

Internship/Placement Coordinators School of Architecture and Civil Engineering School of Architecture N.N.

Civil and structural engineering

Vera Müller Goebenstraße 40, room N.N. Phone: +49-(0)681 5867-251 E-mail : [email protected]

School of Engineering Automotive engineering Applied computer science Biomedical engineering Computer science and communications engineering Electrical and electronic engineering Energy system technology / Renewable energies Engineering und Management Mechanical engineering Mechatronics / Sensor technology

Irmgard Köhler-Uhl Goebenstraße 40, room 2218 Phone: +49-(0)681 5867-139 E-mail: [email protected]

School of Social Sciences Social work and early childhood N.N.

Health care management Vera Müller Goebenstraße 40, room N.N. Phone: +49-(0)681 5867-251 E-mail : [email protected]

Business School Accounting Business administration International business administration International tourism management International Management Industrial Engineering Marketing Science Supply Chain Management

Annemarie Philippi Waldhausweg 14, room A-K-09 Phone: +49-(0)681 5867-535 E-mail: [email protected]

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Lifelong learning (LLP)

Life Long Learning (LLP) at HTW

ERASMUS Doris Kollmann, Director International Office Waldhausweg 12a Phone: +49-(0)681 5867-609 Fax: +49-(0)681 5867-608 E-mail: [email protected]

More information about the LLP-programme, such as ERASMUS can be found on the website of the European Commission →http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme

ECTS The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is the credit system for higher education used in the EHEA (European Higher Education Area), involving all countries engaged in the Bologna Process. ECTS is one of the cornerstones of the Bologna process. Most Bologna countries have adopted ECTS by law for their higher education systems. Among other objectives, the Bologna Process aims at the establishment of a system of credits as a proper means of promoting the most widespread student mobility.

ECTS credits ECTS credits are based on the workload students need in order to achieve expected learning outcomes. Learning outcomes describe what a learner is expected to know, understand and be able to do after successful completion of a process of learning. They relate to level descriptors in national and European qualifications frameworks. Workload indicates the time students typically need to complete all learning activities (such as lectures, seminars, projects, practical work, self-study and examinations) required to achieve the expected learning outcomes. 60 ECTS credits are attached to the workload of a fulltime year of formal learning (academic year) and the associated learning outcomes. In most cases, student workload ranges from 1,500 to 1,800 hours for an academic year, whereby one credit corresponds to 25 to 30 hours of work.

Use of ECTS credits Credits are allocated to entire qualifications or study programmes as well as to their educational components (such as modules, course units, dissertation work, work placements and laboratory work). The number of credits ascribed to each component is based on its weight in terms of the workload students need in order to achieve the learning outcomes in a formal context. Credits are awarded to individual students (full-time or part-time) after completion of the learning activities required by a formal programme of study or by a single educational component and the successful assessment of the achieved learning outcomes. Credit transfer and accumulation are facilitated by the use of the ECTS key documents (Course Catalogue, Student Application Form, Learning Agreement and Transcript of Records) as well as the Diploma Supplement.

Diploma Supplement The Diploma Supplement is a document attached to a higher education diploma providing a standardised description of the nature, level, context, content and status of the studies that were pursued and successfully completed by the graduate. The Diploma Supplement provides transparency and facilitates academic and professional recognition of

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qualifications (diplomas, degrees, certificates etc.). A Diploma Supplement label will be awarded to institutions which deliver a Diploma Supplement, to all graduates in all first and second cycle degree programmes.

The ECTS grading scale The performance of the student is documented by a local/national grade. It is good practice to add an ECTS grade, in particular in case of credit transfer. The ECTS grading scale ranks the students on a statistical basis. Therefore, statistical data on student performance is a prerequisite for applying the ECTS grading system. Grades are assigned among students with a pass grade as follows:

• A - best 10% • B - next 25% • C - next 30% • D - next 25% • E - next 10%

A distinction is made between the grades FX and F that are used for unsuccessful students. FX means: "fail- some more work required to pass" and F means: "fail - considerable further work required". The inclusion of failure rates in the Transcript of Records is optional. More information on ECTS More information on ECTS can be found on the website of the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/

Description of the HTW institutional grading system Marked subjects

Points Grade* Definition Definition

19 - 20 18 - < 19

1.0 1.3

very good A very good grasp of the subject matter.

17 - < 18 16 - < 17 15 - < 16

1.7 2.0 2.3

good A generally sound grasp of the subject matter, exceeds the threshold standard.

14 - < 15 13 - < 14 12 - < 13

2.7 3.0 3.3

satisfactory A satisfactory performance overall, but limited grasp of some areas of the subject matter.

11 - < 12 8 - < 11

3.7 4.0

sufficient Fair but with significant small comings, still above the threshold level.

< 8 5.0 fail Performance well below the threshold level.

*1.0 means best mark, 5.0 the worst mark, 4.0 the pass mark

Unmarked subjects BE = passed NB = not passed, with further attempts possible EN = definitely not passed, with no further attempt possible

NE = exam not attended, presentation of a valid attestation, with further attempts possible

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Student living

Cost of living and financing your studies At present there are no tuition fees at the HTW. However, all students have to pay the semester fee (see p.31). Studying in Saarbrücken costs between €670 and €900 a month. This figure includes estimated costs for accommodation, food, leisure activities, books and study equipment, semester fees and health insurance charges. Scholarships and grants offer a means of financing or partially financing a course of study in Germany. International and exchange students from EU member states and other eligible countries have the option of applying for a European mobility grant from the European Union’s LLP programme. As the country-of-origin principle applies within the LLP programme, you should contact your home institution for details. The European Commission’s Alban programme (www.programalban.org) is another high level scholarship programme specifically for applicants from Latin America. Additional scholarship and grant programmes are administered by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service). The award of a scholarship or grant is typically dependent on the candidate’s academic progress and achievements. Comprehensive information is available from the DAAD website www.daad.de. Students may also be able to undertake paid employment as a means of financing their stay in Germany. For non-EU nationals, depending on their visa/residence permit status restrictions may apply. Detailed information on work permits, income tax and possible restrictions is available from: Federal Employment Agency Saarland University Campus, Bldg. A 4.2, room 0.17 66123 Saarbrücken Phone: +49-(0)681/ 944-6804 E-mail: [email protected]

Financial support for work experience, vocational training and internships Students from EHEA member states and other eligible countries who would like to gain work experience as part of their course of study in Germany may apply for a European mobility grant from the European Union’s Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP). Some EHEA member states also offer national grant programmes to support students seeking work placement in another EHEA country. For further information please contact the international office at your home institution.

Accommodation The International Office at the HTW offers a reservation service for international exchange students from partner universities. The following options are available: A single apartment or a room in a shared flat for two people at the HTW-Guesthouse or an apartment (single or double) at the student hall of residence of the private company ‘GBS Studentenwohnungen Saarbrücken GmbH’. All accepted exchange students will receive a reservation form from the International Office in the 2nd half of June (for students studying at the HTW in winter semester) and in the 2nd half of December (for students studying at the HTW in summer semester).

HTW-Guesthouse The new HTW guesthouse offers its international exchange students modern single and double apartments, all fully equipped with individual bathroom and kitchen in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The guesthouse is located at Hohenzollernstraße 156-158 in 66117 Saarbrücken, within 200m walking distance to the HTW Campus ‘Alt-Saarbrücken’

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(Schools of Engineering, Architecture and Civil Engineering, and Social Sciences); and about 4km (20 minutes by bus) to the HTW Campus ‘Rotenbühl’ (Business School). Basic information: • 9 single apartments with individual bathroom with toilet and shower (Cat. 1: small

single apartments, 18-23m², rent: €250 to €300 p.m.; Cat. 2: big single apartments, 28 to 33m², rent: €360 - €410 p.m., all utility charges included)

• 8 individual rooms in shared double apartments with shared bath and kitchen (Cat. 3: small single rooms, 11-13m², rent: €230 to €285 p.m.; Cat. 4: big single rooms, 17-18m², rent: €315 to €365 p.m., all utility charges included)

• Elevator • Modern furniture including bed with sheets, shelves, wardrobe, desk and chair • Fully equipped kitchen with tableware and refrigerator/freezer • Rooms can be rented on a weekly or monthly basis • Good shopping facilities in the neighbourhood of ‘Alt-Saarbrücken’ • Bus stops next to the Guesthouse for transport across the city • Walking distance to the historic city center ‘Altstadt’ as well as the central train station

(or approx. 5 minutes by bus) • Internet access not included. Students need to contract an internet service provider

themselves • No washing facilities at the Guesthouse, however in Saarbrücken there are several

laundrettes with coin operated washing machines

Further information: www.htw-saarland.de/exchange/accommodation/

Student hall of residence ‘GBS Studentenwohnungen Saarbrücken GmbH’

The private company ‘GBS Studentenwohnungen Saarbrücken GmbH’ runs a student residence hall with modern furnished single and double apartments, all fully equipped with individual bathroom and kitchen. The buildings are located at Sulzbachstraße 53, Dudweilerstraße 93 and Försterstraße 70 in 66111 Saarbrücken within a 1,4km distance to the HTW Campus ‘Rotenbühl’ (Business School) and 2,2km to the HTW Campus ‘Alt-Saarbrücken’ (Schools of Engineering, Architecture and Civil Engineering, and Social Sciences). Basic information: • Single apartments, standard category (20m²) rent €300 p.m. (including a monthly utility

charge* for warm/cold water, heating, electricity, etc.). The refundable security deposit amounts to €510, minimum rental period: 6 months,

• Double apartments, standard category (37 to 39m²) rent €530 p.m (including a monthly utility charge* for warm/cold water, heating, electricity, etc.). The refundable security deposit amounts to €960. The double apartment has to be rented by two people, minimum rental period: 6 months

• *Utility charge: each apartment has meters for heat, electricity, water, etc.. When students move in and out the meters are protocolled. The monthly utility charge is based on average monthly use of utilities. At the end of each billing period (twice a year) the final bill for the utility charge is calculated. If renters used more than the monthly charge, the additional costs are deducted from the security deposit. If renters used less than the monthly charge, they receive a refund.

• Elevator • Modern furniture including bed, shelves, wardrobe, desk and chair • Walking distance to the historic city center ‘Altstadt’ (or approx. 2 minutes by bus) as

well as to the central train station • Good shopping facilities in the neighbourhood

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• Pillows, bed linen, towels, crockery, etc. not included in the furnishings. Students need to arrange for those themselves

• Internet access not included. Students need to contract an internet service provider themselves

• Coin-operated washing machines in the basement

Current information is available from: Saarland Bauträger AG, Ms Marlene Schlösser Wilhelm-Heinrich-Str. 11, 66117 Saarbrücken, Germany Phone: +49-(0)681/9388474 E-mail: [email protected] Further information: www.htw-saarland.de/exchange/accommodation/

Private lodgings / Flat or house shares A room in a private house will generally be furnished, whereas single apartments or rooms in a shared student flat or house2 will generally be unfurnished. Private apartments, a room in private lodgings or in a shared flat or house currently costs between €200 and €350 a month. The International Office is unfortunately not in the position to assist exchange students to find accommodation of this kind. Searching for accommodation – Internet-based student accommodation sites, such as:

www.htw-saarland.de/service/wohnraumboerse/angebote www.studenten-wg.de (Click on: Wohnungsmarkt Angebote lesen Anzeigen in Saarbrücken www.wg-gesucht.de

Searching for accommodation – Newspapers

Saarbrücker Zeitung Published daily, property ads in the Friday edition, website: www.saarbruecker-zeitung.de (Immo Saarbrücken Immobilien-Art: Wohngemeinschaften).

Searching for accommodation – Notice boards

The various HTW buildings house a number of notice boards where rooms to let are advertised. The Mensa building at Saarland University is also a very popular site for posting and reading accommodation notices.

Temporary accommodation at Saarbrücken Youth Hostel Europa-Jugendherberge /Jugendgästehaus Saarbrücken Meerwiesertalweg 31, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany Phone +49-(0)681/33040 E-mail: [email protected], Web: www.diejugendherbergen.de

Transport The HTW student ID card (=semester travel ticket) entitles students to use all local and regional public transport services within the state of Saarland for free. The mandatory semester fee (see p.31) enables this service for all students.

2 Generally known in German as a “WG”

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Catering services The student refectory at the HTW – usually referred to as the Mensa – offers students, staff and visitors freshly prepared regional and international dishes. The menu also always includes a vegetarian meal. Prices currently range from €2.00 to €2.50.

Medical and health services A list of local doctors can be found in your telephone directory or in the Yellow Pages. If you prefer, the International Office would be pleased to recommend a doctor or medical practitioner.

Insurance As a student at the HTW, your student-services payment automatically provides you with personal accident cover on the HTW campuses, as well as during official university excursions and on the commute to and from the university. Compensation can only be paid in cases in which the insured event is directly related to studying at the HTW. For information on health insurance, please refer to the section ‘Preparing to come to Germany’ on page 27.

Financial support The HTW does not award scholarships or grants. However, international and exchange students from EHEA member states have the option of applying for a European mobility grant from the European Union’s Lifelong Learning programme (LLP). See ‘Cost of living and financing your studies’, on page 21.

Student organizations AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss) is the Students’ Union Executive Committee that represents students at the HTW. AStA represents the interests of students in all official university matters

AStA der HTW Saarbrücken Goebenstr. 40, Room 2411 66117 Saarbrücken, Germany Phone: +49-(0)681 5867-104 E-mail: [email protected], Web: www.asta-htw.de/

The departmental student organizations (Fachschaften) represent the interests of students at the departmental level.

Architecture: [email protected] Civil and structural engineering: [email protected] Business administration: [email protected] Electrical and electronic engineering: [email protected]

Mensa Campus Alt-Saarbrücken, room 3401 Mensa Campus Rotenbühl, room B-K-12 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-107 Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-560

Opening hours: Mon-Thur 7.30 am – 15.30 pm, Fri – 2pm

Mensa Campus Rastpfuhl Phone: +49-(0)681/5867-334 Opening hours: Mon-Thur 7.30 am – 15.30 pm, Fri – 2pm

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Applied computer science, Computer science and communications engineering, Mechatronics / Sensor technology : [email protected] Mechanical engineering: [email protected] Industrial engineering: [email protected] Social work and early childhood: [email protected]

HTW facilities

HTW Library The HTW Library provides students with access to print and electronic information sources. Each campus has its own library.

Campus Alt-Saarbrücken: Room 5405 Phone: +49-(0)681 5867-120 Waldhausweg campus: Room A-K-12 Phone: +49-(0)681 5867-537 E-mail: [email protected] Current opening hours are listed at: www.htw-saarland.de/service/bibliothek.

German courses Despite its proximity to France and Luxembourg, incoming students should not expect staff in local government offices, banks or shops to have sufficient language skills to be able to provide assistance in a foreign language. You may find that help is available in the popular foreign languages French and English, but it is unlikely to be the case for other languages. If you would like to assess your current proficiency in German, an online placement test is available at: www.goethe.de/cgi-bin/einstufungstest/einstufungstest.pl. Preparatory Intensive German course for EXCHANGE students The International Office offers a preparatory intensive German course for exchange students. This course is free of charge.

German courses during the semester for EXCHANGE students The International Office offers German language courses for exchange students that run weekly during the semesters. These courses can be used to consolidate your language proficiency and to acquire specialist skills. It is possible to take these semester courses for credit (worth 2 ECTS each). In this case do not forget to include it in your learning agreement/course list. This course is free of charge.

Winter semester 2013/14: 23 Sep – 11 Oct 2013 Summer semester 2014: 24 March – 11 Apr 2014 For more information please contact: Tina Flauder, [email protected]. Please note that we do not offer courses for absolute beginners. The application form for the intensive German language course can be downloaded from www.htw-saarland.de/exchangestudents

Winter semester 2013/14: 14 Oct 2013 – 07 Feb 2014 Summer semester 2014: 14 Apr –25 July 2014 For more information or to apply for the course, please contact: Tina Flauder, [email protected]. Please note that we do not offer courses for absolute beginners

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Other German courses The HTW offers also German other courses for international students (e.g. academic writing, job/internship application training, tandem language learning). These courses are a useful supplement to the German language courses offered for exchange students. They are free of charge. More information: www.htw-saarland.de/IO/deutsch-als-fremdsprache Contact and more information about German courses LfbA Tina Flauder, M.A. Phone: +49 681 5867-402 Fax: +49 681 5867-608 E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.htw-saarland.de/IO/deutsch-als-fremdsprache

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Preparing to come to Germany

Visa/Temporary Residence Permit International students who are not nationals of an EU member state usually require a student visa in order to enter the Federal Republic of Germany. Student visas are issued by the German diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in the relevant home country on presentation of the official letter of admission from the HTW. Visas are not required by students from countries with which special agreements have been signed. You can find more information (incl. links to the German diplomatic missions worldwide) on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office (“Auswärtiges Amt”): www.auswaertiges-amt.de In the first weeks after arrival in Germany, all students who are not nationals of an EU member state, need to register at the Foreigners Office in Saarbrücken (address see p.35). Depending on the visa specifications and validity dates you may need to apply for a temporary residence permit at the foreigners office (administration fee ca. 100-150€).

Health insurance Students from an EU or EFTA member state must provide an EHIC chip card (European Health Insurance Card) as proof that they are insured under a statutory health insurance scheme in their home country. On presentation of the EHIC to a German health insurance fund in Germany (see p.30) you will receive the certificate of insurance („Bescheinigung über die Befreiung von der Krankenversicherungspflicht“) needed to enrol at the HTW. The expiry date of the EHIC card has to exceed the end of the semester (31 March for students coming for the winter semester and 30 September for students coming for the summer semester. The EHIC itself should be presented whenever you consult a doctor (see also p.24).

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International students without EHIC must take out student health insurance to cover their stay in Germany. German Law requires all students in Germany to have sufficient health insurance. Please note: No insurance inevitably means no registration at any German university. Proof of health insurance is also necessary for the visa (if applicable) and in order to obtain the temporary residence permit. If you already have private health insurance from outside Germany for the whole period of your stay abroad you must submit a proof of exemption from a public health insurance upon enrolment at HTW. This proof is called in German: „Bescheinigung über die Befreiung von der Krankenversicherungspflicht“ (Proof of exemption from compulsory health insurance). This proof will be issued by one of the German public health insurances (see page 29), provided that your health insurance from abroad can be recognized here. The International Office is unfortunately not in a position to give information your foreign health insurances is recognized by German public health insurance as sufficient for the „proof of exemption“ or not. They may, for example, require a confirmation in English or German stating that it covers all costs (without any coverage limit!) in case of medical treatment and rehabilitation during your stay in Germany. It is therefore strongly advisable to obtain exact information from the home insurance company before leaving your home country! Please note: Once you have received exemption, entering the German public health insurance system at a later time in your life may be subject to additional conditions! Before making this decision you should also consider the following points:

• The Foreigner's Office ("Ausländerbehörde") requires proof that the home insurance company will fully reimburse or recognize the costs incurred in Germany.

• Your home insurance may not cover 100% of the costs of your treatments, which can be very high, but only a certain share.

• You will always have to pay your medical bills first before you can submit the bill to your insurance company to get reimbursed.

Additional Information and contact details of German public health insurance providers in Saarbrücken can be found on page 30.

For students from non-EU countries, who are younger than 30, we recommend taking out a student public health insurance in Germany, which amounts to about 78€ per month (rate December 2012). On the day of enrolment at HTW you then hand in a written proof of a public health insurance called “Nachweis über den Abschluss einer gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung“ (proof of public health insurance coverage). This document is a special form which you get from the German public health insurance company when you present your letter of admission and take out student health insurance. Please note: The German student public health insurance is linked to semester enrolment periods. So your cover starts on either April 1st or October 1st. If you arrive earlier in Germany (e.g. preparatory language course or travels) you need to insure that you have adequate health insurance from your home country for the in-between period.

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Travelling to Saarbrücken By coach: Saarbrücken is served by international coach services from almost every European country. The international coach station in Saarbrücken is located next to the main railway station not far from the city centre and is easy to reach with public transport. By train: Saarbrücken is situated on the IC and ICE main line linking Mannheim and Paris and has excellent rail links to other German cities (see: www.bahn.de). By plane: Saarbrücken airport is located about 20 km from the city and can be reached from the city centre by a shuttle bus. At present, Luxair is the only airline operating regular scheduled services to and from Saarbrücken. Other airports that can be used when travelling to Saarbrücken include Zweibrücken, Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt-Hahn, Metz, Luxembourg and Paris. These airports all have good bus, coach or rail services to Saarbrücken. By car: Saarbrücken can be reached via the A1 motorway from Trier, via the A620 from Luxembourg, the A6 from Mannheim, or the A32/A4 from Metz. The two HTW campuses are also well served by local bus services:

Destination Bus no.

Waldhausweg campus

101, 102, 150: from Rathaus (City Hall), alight at Prinzenweiher 109: from Rathaus (City Hall), alight at Ilseplatz 109: from Goebenstraße (HTW/Stadtwerke), alight at Ilseplatz 111: from Hauptbahnhof (Main Railway Station), alight at Ilseplatz

Goebenstraße campus

101, 103, 104, 109: from Hansahaus, alight HTW/Stadtwerke 109: from Waldhausweg (Ilseplatz), alight HTW/Stadtwerke 121: from Hauptbahnhof (Main Railway Station), alight HTW/Stadtwerke

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Things to be done after arriving in Germany Note: A checklist to help you deal with organizational red tape after arriving in Saarbrücken is provided in the appendix to this EXCHANGE student guide (see p.33). The checklist also contains the addresses of the relevant agencies or government offices.

Moving in Make an appointment at an early date to receive the key to your new room or apartment and agree on a date to move in. You will be given a rental agreement by your landlord to sign. You will need this contract when registering at the Resident’s Registration Office in Saarbrücken (see p.35).

Matriculation (Enrolment) Exchange students from our partner institutions must enrol at the HTW personally in the International Office (see p.34).

Health insurance Germany has a two-tiered (public and private) health insurance system. For an explanation of the German health insurance system in English see: www.1a.net/versicherung/krankenversicherung/international The public health insurances (“Gesetzliche Krankenkassen”) are obliged to offer health insurance to students (up to age 30) at a discounted rate (see page 19). This rate is fixed by law, and the same amount irrespective of which public health insurance you chose. Equally, the scope of the coverage is fixed by law, and for 90% identical between the public health insurances. There are more than one hundred different public health insurances in Germany. You are free to chose any public health insurance that offers health insurance in the state of Saarland (with the exception of some of the employer-linked “Betriebskrankenkassen”= BKK’s). For an overview of public health insurances in Germany see: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liste_der_gesetzlichen_Krankenkassen_in_Deutschland For your convenience we have shortlisted a few of the larger ones (in alphabetical order), which tend to offer more specialized services to (international) students: AOK Saarland www.aok.de/saarland Limited information on website in English (can be difficult to find – go via German Student Link)

Halbergstraße 1 Mo-Wed 8-17h Thu 8-18h Fr 8-16h

Christian Brehm Tel. +49 681 6001 336 [email protected] Thorsten Junk Tel. +49 681 6001 564 [email protected]

# Local service-desk for students # Support for health insurance visa-requirements # Application forms in English

Barmer EK www.barmer-gek.de

St. Johanner Str. 41-4366111 Saarbrücken Mo-Wed 8-17h Thu 8-18h Fr 8-16h

Ulrich Jene +49 681 4104 152 1480 [email protected]

# Local contact person for students # Support for health insurance visa-requirements # Application forms in English

DAK www.dak.de

Viktoriastraße 2 66111 Saarbrücken Mo-Wed 8-16h Thu 8-17h Fr 8-13h

DAK Servicezentrum Saarbrücken Tel. +49 681 9881590 [email protected]

# Support for health insurance visa-requirements # Application forms in English

IKK Südwest www.ikk-suedwest.de

Berliner Promenade 1 66111 Saarbrücken Mo-Fr 8-16h

Antonio Presti Tel. +49 681 93696 4047 [email protected]

# Local contact person for students # Support for health insurance visa-requirements

Techniker Krankenkasse www.tk.de Limited information on website in English (scroll to the bottom of the homepage for English link)

Bismarckstr. 39-41 66121 Saarbrücken Mo-Thu 9-17h Fr 9-16h

Diana Steinbach Tel. +49 681 9892 202 [email protected]

# Local contact person for students # Support for health insurance visa-requirements # Application forms in English

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Paying the semester fee In order to be able to enrol at the HTW, all students must provide proof that the semester fee has been paid. At present, the semester fee for a single semester is € 151 (summer semester 2013). This mandatory fee is not a tuition fee, but entitles students to free public transport within the Saar region as well as discounts for meals, reduced-price tickets, etc. After your arrival you will receive information about the payment procedure from the International Office (see p.34).

Registering your place of residence International students must register their place of residence in Saarbrücken at the Residents’ Registration Office (Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt). Address: see page 35. Students who are not nationals of an EU-member state additionally must register at the foreigner’s office (see p.35).

Bank account A bank account is essential for many day-to-day transactions, such as setting up a direct debit mandate. Many banks in Saarbrücken offer free-of charge student accounts (see p.35 for addresses).

Income tax card International students who would like to gain work experience in a German company as part of their course of study, or who want a student job to help finance their studies will need an income tax card. Income tax cards are issued at the Bürgeramt (Community Office, address: see page 35).

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Hochschule fürTechnik und Wirtschaft

des SaarlandesUniversity of Applied Sciences

Appendix Checklist Dealing with organizational red tape in Saarbrücken

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Checklist Please bring the following items with you to Germany

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Personal identification card or passport

Visa (only for non-EU nationals)

Student identity card from your home institution

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, only for students from EU and EFTA member states)

Health insurance cover (only for students from non-EU countries, see pages 27-28 & 30)

Proof that you can finance your course of study (only for non-EU nationals)

1 passport photo

Sufficient cash for the first few days (semester fee, deposit on rented accommodation, etc.)

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Dealing with organizational red tape in Saarbrücken Note: It is very important that the following sequence is carried out in the order given, as some of the steps are prerequisites for later ones. For example, you will not be able to open a bank account unless you have registered your place of residence.

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International Office (Campus Alt-Saarbrücken: Goebenstraße 40, 66117 Saarbrücken A copy of your formal letter of admission and the enrolment form are available from the International Office. Please bring the following documents with you:

Passport photo Student identity card from your home institution European Health Insurance Card – EHIC (only for students from EU

and EFTA member states) Health insurance documents

Selected health insurance funds (Krankenkassen) see page 30: AOK, Halbergstraße 1 Barmer GEK, St. Johanner Straße 41-43 Deutsche Angestellten Krankenkasse, Viktoriastraße 2 Techniker Krankenkasse, Trierer Straße 8 In order to enrol at the HTW you will need proof of health insurance cover.

If you have an EHIC, you will receive a health insurance certificate (‘Versicherungsbescheinigung’) from a German health insurance fund

If you have private health insurance from your home country, please seek advice from a German health insurance fund.

If you do not have health insurance cover, please apply for student health insurance at a German health insurance fund.

Please take the following documents with you: Formal letter of admission from the HTW

If issued: EHIC Health insurance documents from your home country

To enrol at the HTW, students must pay a semester fee (this is not a tuition fee. The amount payable and a personal reference number are available from the International Office.

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Bürgeramt Gerberstraße 4 (near Saarbrücken City Hall) Mon and Tue: 7.30 am – 3 pm Wed: 7.30 am – 12 am Thu: 7.30 am – 6 pm Fri: 7.30 am – 12 am and by appointment Please take the following documents with you:

Rental agreement Personal identification card or passport

Selected banks in Saarbrücken: Sparkasse Saarbrücken, Rathausplatz 9 Commerzbank, Kaiserstraße 25 Targobank, Bahnhofstraße 109 Deutsche Bank Saar, Kaiserstraße 29-31 Bank 1 Saar, Kaiserstraße 20 Please take the following documents with you:

Personal identification card or passport Proof of registration from the Residents’ Registration Office (Anmeldebescheinigung)

Certificate of Matriculation at the HTW (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)

Foreigners’ Registration Office Lebacher Str. 6a, 66113 Saarbrücken, 0681-501-00 Please take the following documents with you:

3 passport photos (biometric photos) Personal identification card or passport (with visa, if issued) Certificate of Matriculation at the HTW (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)

Health insurance certification Rental agreement Proof of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) Proof of scholarships Proof that you can finance your course of study

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Study Guide 2013/14 for international exchange students

Documents

Transcript of Study Guide 2013/14 for international exchange students