1. Improving language skills:
Those who have to speak a foreign language in everyday life often learn it faster and more easily in the country where it is spoken. Languages open doors – they provide access to other cultures. They also increase career opportunities in a globalised world, as students naturally acquire academic vocabulary during their semester abroad.

‘Another language is another way of looking at life.’ – Federico Fellini

2. When, if not now?
Studying offers the opportunity to go abroad, get to know foreign cultures, people and another language. After graduation, professional and personal commitments often make it less feasible to leave your everyday life behind for several months. And thanks to financial support from the International Office, a semester abroad is also possible from a financial perspective. Feel free to contact us.

3. Friendships that last a lifetime:
Hardly anyone stays alone for long at their host university. In addition to the many other exchange students, there are often buddy programmes that quickly bring international students into contact with locals. Due to the special time students experience abroad, the friendships they make here often last a lifetime.

4. International network:
In addition to private friendships, you will often make contacts that you can use later in your professional life. Therefore, start networking internationally now.

5. Make a good impression in the interview:
Employers often seek graduates who have been educated internationally and are able to understand global problems and develop solutions, which is why a stay abroad can sometimes be a criterion for hiring. Responsibilities for international projects are often assigned to those who are familiar with foreign cultures, as qualities such as intercultural competence and international communication skills are often attributed to returnees.

6. Culture shock?
Being an exchange student allows you to gain insights into the culture of your host country and become part of that culture. Not only the language but the entire way of communicating is different. Different customs and traditions are observed, different foods are eaten and friendships are cultivated differently. During a holiday, you hardly ever encounter the locals in their everyday lives and only get to know each other superficially. As an exchange student, on the other hand, you can immerse yourself in the culture and get to know the country from all sides. Students open up a new cultural circle, which also means that their view of their home country and their own culture changes. You gain a new perspective on the familiar and suddenly see your own world through different eyes. Prejudices and boundaries can be broken down and overcome.

7. Personal growth through ‘thinking outside the box’:
Going abroad means leaving your safe environment and comfort zone. Finding your way in a foreign environment among new people is a challenge, but it is one that helps our students grow. Our outgoing students return with greater self-confidence and stand out in the job market and in their personal interactions thanks to their intercultural experiences.

8. Satisfy your wanderlust and thirst for travel:
A student stay abroad is not limited to collecting ECTS credits. During your semester abroad, you should always make time for excursions and leisure activities to get to know the area and its people. Discovering and experiencing the country is part of the adventure!

9. Not all studies are the same:
Those who have decided on their field of study and are brave enough to pursue it abroad will find that the same subject is often treated and evaluated very differently abroad due to cultural, religious, social and even climatic influences. Students gain a new perspective on their own field of study.

10. Not all universities are the same:
While TH Bingen is a state university, some of our partner universities are privately funded. This alone means that the universities have different infrastructures and create very different conditions for students

11. Inspiration for the future:
Often, deciding on the right degree programme is not an easy decision to make. What to do after graduation is also not an easy decision. A stay abroad can provide orientation and inspiration for the future and reveal opportunities that you did not even know existed before.

Information about funds can be found here. 

Please also note the general safety information issued by the German Academic Exchange Service.