Hochschule FuldaUniversity of Applied Sciences

Services for InternationalsPre-Study OffersPre-Arrival SupportSupport at the Beginnings of the StudiesStudy Accompanying Service

Welcome to Fulda University of Applied Sciences!

You have decided to study in Fulda and we are sure you will not regret your choice.

To make the start of your time as a student easier, we offer a variety of support programmes for international students, including accommodation service, German language courses, administrative assistance, intercultural training sessions, a variety of cultural activities, as well as counselling in all aspects of your stay: planning, finances, visas, etc.

Fulda University is known for its close community and it is therefore very easy to contact professors and staff. The International Office is your first point of contact in every respect. Please feel free to contact us any time if you have questions or problems.

Fulda University joined the »National Code of Conduct on Foreign Students at German Universities«. The Code of Conduct aims to ensure that students from abroad receive the quality of support and advice needed when studying in Germany. In this spirit, we hope to offer you the services and assistance that you need as foreign guests.

Winnie RosatisHead of International Office

Pre-Semester Options and CoursesIn some cases, it might be helpful for you to take part in the following programmes before you start studying. These courses are available for a fee.

Preparatory course

For our new international students we offer a preparatory semester which includes intensive German classes (in cluding DSH* preparation), academic prep-courses in your field of study, intercultural training and information on the German University System. For more information see www.hs-fulda.de/preparatory.semester

DSH intensive course

This course allows you to prepare for the German exam DSH, which proves that you are linguistically able to study at a German university. This intensive course takes one semester.

Prerequisites are the eligibility to study at a German university (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) and 500 hours of German classes. Further information can be found at www.hs-fulda.de/ziks

*DSH = Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang = German language exam that enables you to start studying in Germany

Pre-Arrival SupportThere are a lot of things you have to take care of before coming to Germany. We would be happy to assist you with this process.

Application support

All applicants for Bachelor’s programmes need to send their application to »uni-assist e.V.«. Please find more information at www.uni-assist.de and on the website of the International Office.

Master’s applications need to be sent directly to the Hoch-schule Fulda. We provide an online application service, especially for the international Master’s programmes »Electronic Business«, »Intercultural Communication and European Studies« (ICEUS), and »International Management«. Please find more information at www.hs-fulda.de/io

Visa Support and Assistance

Unless you are a citizen of an EU-country or a citizen from a small number of other countries, you will have to apply for a student visa in your home country. The International Office will support you through this process.

Accommodation service

Accommodation is offered to all international post-graduate students and exchange students at a reason-able price. We offer shared flats which include individual, fully furnished rooms, a shared kitchen, and a bathroom. This so-called »Wohngemeinschaft« is the typical way German students live. It gives you the chance to get to know people while still having privacy in your own room.

For those who prefer more privacy, the International Office offers very attractive single apartments in the city centre, next to the castle and the palace garden, opposite the university library.

Support at the Beginning of Your StudiesBefore you begin attending courses at the university, there are some things that need to be taken care of. We would be happy to assist you.

Pick-up service

On arrival day, International Office tutors will meet you at the Fulda train station and take you to your place of residence.

Orientation week Student tutors will help you take care of necessary formalities (including registration, visa, health insurance,

etc.) introduce you to life in Fulda and show you around the university and the city. Information about the following topics will be covered, all of which will be important to you during your time as a student: accommodation, the health care system, visas and work permits. And don’t miss the get-togethers! We will introduce you to Fulda’s surroundings and Fulda’s night life!

Buddy system

The Buddy System is an opportunity for you as a new student to get to know other students and improve your language skills.

Register for the programme and the German buddy will introduce you to the social and academic sides of student life at the Fulda University

Assistance During Your StudiesWhile studying, it might be helpful to know about these opportunities.

Additional language studies

German courses at different levels from 4 h/week up to 20 h/week ranging from beginners courses to advanced levels in cluding DSH-training. Further information can be found at www.hs-fulda.de/ziks

Course »Wie geht’s weiter nach der DSH? Wissenschaft-liches Arbeiten und Schreiben, Thesenpapiere, Haus-arbeiten, Referate…« teaches you how to write term papers, theses and presentations. Find information at www.hs-fulda.de/ziks

Intercultural training sessionsThese sessions will help you adapt to the German culture and will help you get to know more about your fellow students’ cultures.

Cultural Activities

Internationaler StammtischGet-together for international students which takes place twice a month. It is a great chance for students to meet up in an informal setting, get to know one another better, and share their experiences in Fulda.

Excursionsto different sights in Germany are organized by the International Office once or twice a semester. Take advantage of exciting excursions to Berlin, Munich or the River Rhine!

Scholarships and other financial aid

There are a few organisations which provide financial aid. However, it is important to understand that this financial support is only provided for a short period of time, such as a semester. Please note: a full scholarship for a whole course of study cannot be provided!

The AStA* provides student loans. The ESG* and KHG* provide scholarships for students who need immediate financial assistance.

The association for the support of international students »Verein zur Förderung ausländischer Studierender« gives away scholarships in the final semester of a study programme in cooperation with the International Office. Please contact Ms. Ulrike Wiegand of the International Office for more information.

*AStA = Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss = Student Union that enables you to start studying in Germany*ESG = Evangelische Studierendengemeinde = Protestant Student Federation*KHG = Katholische Hochschulgemeinde = Catholic Student Federation

Counselling Services

International OfficeMs. Ulrike Wiegand is the contact person for all degree-seeking students. She will answer all questions regarding organizational and legal aspects of studying in Fulda, like visas, working, and scholarships.

SSC*, Room 12Office hours: Tuesday and Thursday 1:30 – 3:30 pmWednesday: 10:00 – 12:00 amPhone: +49 (0) 661/96 40-918Email: ulrike.wiegand@hs-fulda.de

Ms. Melanie Grösch will assist you with your application and accommodation.

SSC, Room 8 or 12Office Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.Phone: +49 (0) 661/96 40-1719E-Mail: melanie.groesch@hs-fulda.de

Ms. María Campuzano is the contact person for exchange students. She helps with all organizational aspects of your study stay, from the pick-up service at your arrival to the issuing of the transcript of records.

SSC, Room 8 Office hours: Tuesday, 9.30 – 11.30 a.m.Wednesday, 11.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m.Phone: +49 (0) 661/96 40-105Email: maria.campuzano@hs-fulda.de

*SSC = Student Service Center = Building on campus

Fachbereiche (Departments)Every department has coordinators who organize the study programmes. They are the first point of contact in your department regarding all academic questions. If you would like to talk to a professor, feel free to do so during office hours, which can be found on the professor’s door.

Sprachwerkstatt (Writing Lab)If you need help writing a paper or a thesis, the Sprachwerkstatt will help you. It is a free service where student tutors help students in all study programmes. You can find further information at www.hs-fulda.de/sprachwerkstatt.

Zentrale Studienberatung (Academic Advising Service)If you want to change your course of study, if you suffer from test anxiety or if you have special needs, the student counselling center is the right place to go. The office is located in the SSC building, rooms 9 and 11. Please find more information at www.hs-fulda.de/zsb

Studentenwerk (Student Welfare Services)This organisation provides social, psychological and cultural support services to students.

Ms. Dagmar Vonderau: Daimler-Benz-Str. 5 a, 36039 Fulda (right behind the SSC building) Tel.: (06 61) 96 21 04 86 Email:sozialberatung.fulda@studwerk.uni-giessen.de

Psychotherapeutische Beratungsstelle (Psychological Counselling Service)If you would like to talk about problems you might have, including academic issues or personal problems, you can get in contact with a psychologist at Fulda University.For an appointment, please contact Karin Hess of the Zentrale Studienberatung. Tel: 0661-9640-146

Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss AStA (Student Union) The Student Union is the political representation of students’ interests at the University and constantly strives to improve students’ conditions. In addition to informational meetings and cultural events, they offer a variety of services including the following: student loans, legal advice, housing, etc.

Additional Information Available in the International Office

Brochures and flyers: Information on ApplicationDestination Fulda German CoursesOrientation Week For more information on visas, work permits, health insurances, financial aid, and all the programmes discussed in this flyer, please see our website: www.hs-fulda.de/io

Other important institutions for international students in Fulda

Evangelische Studierendengemeinde ESG (Protestant Student Federation) The ESG offers counselling in all areas of life, financial aid (see scholarships) and organizes spiritual and cultural events for university students.

Pfarrerin Anke Haendler-Kläsener Heinrich-von-Bibra Platz 14aTel.: 0661/8388-400 and 0661/8388-401esg.fulda@ekkw.de www2.hs-fulda.de/esg

Katholische Hochschulgemeinde KHG (Catholic Student Federation) The KHG organizes meetings and events to support a lively exchange between students. They also offer financial aid (see scholarships).

Pfarrer Dirk GaertnerPfarrei St. JosephAmand-Ney-Str. 22Tel. + Fax: 0661/602205Hochschulseelsorger@khg-fulda.dewww.khg-fulda.de

InkulturaCounselling and advice for foreigners regarding finding a job or flat hunting or clearing debts.

Contact: Ms. Christel KrummeichLöherstraße 48, 36037 FuldaTel.: 06 61 /9 01 94 83

luxsiebenzwoplus Design: Hans Joachim KubowitzPhotos: Christoph SeelbachDate of issue: April 2011