Overview
Location: Heidelberg, Germany
Calendar (semester dates are approximate):
- Summer semester - Early April to Late September
- Winter semester - October to Late February
Program Length:
- Semester or Academic Year
Eligibility:
- Minimum 2.75 GPA
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
- At least sophomore standing
- Degree-seeking student
- Two years of German language study
Program Description
BW/NC has been offering University of North Carolina System students study abroad opportunities since 1996 and the program for UNC system students is based at the University of North Carolina Greensboro's campus.
The University of Heidelberg, the oldest university in Germany, was founded in 1386. Today the University has about 26,000 students, among them are more than 5,000 international students. Heidelberg is located in the Rhein-Neckar region, about 100 km south of Frankfurt/Main. The nearest international airports are Frankfurt and Stuttgart and from each there are frequent trains to Heidelberg.
You can participate in a Buddy Program. In the program, Heidelberg students assist newly-arrived international students in getting settled. From their arrival to planning their free time, setting up a class schedule and finding accommodation, new international students receive individual support.
The International Relations Office offers a range of reasonably-priced trips to well-known places in Germany such as Berlin, Nürnberg, Köln, Rhine and Black Forrest. Please find more detailed information on the excursion program and on other activities offered for international students here.
Click here for printable program information.
Coursework
Heidelberg University's twelve faculties embrace a wide spectrum of subjects in the arts and sciences. However, please note that the participation in courses offered at the school of medicine and dentistry is generally not possible for exchange students and that access to courses in biosciences and law is restricted. Exchange students are admitted to the University as 'Kurzzeitstudenten' (short-term students). Exchange students are usually admitted in one or two subjects which they should have studied for at least one year at their home university. Only certain combinations of subjects are possible. If you need further counseling, please contact an exchange coordinator at Heidelberg's
International Relations Office. You can check the availability of classes (which are called lectures or 'Verantstaltung' in German)
here. Moreover, you are able to search for classes according to the language of instruction.
Four semester proficiency is required for study in German. Students who need additional support regarding their German language proficiency are offered a large variety of different language programs at the
University's International Study Center ('Internationales Studenzentrum'). It offers an intensive
four-weeks' language course before the start of the semester as well as language instruction during the semester, supplementing regular university courses.
Exchange students whose language proficiency is not sufficient for taking part in university courses in their subject may be admitted to a
full-time German language course upon prior consultation with the Akademische Auslandsamt (20 hours of teaching per week).
Housing & Meals
Student residences at Heidelberg University are administered by the
Studierendenwerk, an independent organization providing various services to the student population. Although the number of available rooms is quite limited (only 13 per cent of all Heidelberg students can be housed in student residences), the Akademisches Auslandsamt cooperates with the Studierendenwerk to secure rooms in student residences for international exchange students coming to Heidelberg.
Students usually stay in single rooms sharing kitchen and bathrooms in groups of 2 – 4, or in dormitories with kitchens and bathrooms on each floor. There is also a small number of single apartments available. More detailed information about Studierendenwerk student residences (including pictures of each residence) is available on-line at
here.
Students who have special housing needs due to a disability, allergy or other health problems should indicate this on their application for admission in order to receive the appropriate housing.
Students who would like to get a better insight into the German way of life may be interested in a short stay with a host family during their period of studies in Germany. These stays are arranged by Experiment e.V. and are offered in the Christmas break (two weeks) and at Easter (two weeks). Applications have to be handed in 6 – 8 weeks before the intended stay. For further information please visit the
Experiment e.V. website.
Finances
You will pay your tuition and fees to UNC Asheville and accommodations and meals (if included) to the University of Heidelberg. Refer to
UNCG's website for more information on costs.
Scholarships
The UNC Asheville Study Abroad Office awards need-based scholarships on a competitive basis to participants on UNCA exchange programs. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $1,500 and are scaled in proportion to program budget and demonstrated financial need.
The Study Abroad Office advises students to research and pursue a wide range of available funding opportunities. To find scholarships applicable to your program,
browse the Cost and Financial Aid page of Study Abroad website.
Withdrawals and Refunds
Contact Information
Study Abroad
028 Ramsey Library, CPO 1560
828.232.5037
studyabroad@unca.edu
Useful Links
