Application Process

I started planning my semester abroad about 9 months prior to my actual departure. As I wanted to avoid the high tuition fees in other countries (we are very spoiled in Germany!) I took a look on the list of partner universities of my university which waive the fees for exchange students.

According to the motto 'Let's go the whole hog' I decided to go to a country outside Europe. My choice fell on Canada - English-speaking, expected culture shock not too dramatic, interesting landscape. The registration period for an exchange place ends end of January, for the PROMOS scholarship end of March. Therefore you should start planning your semester abroad early when you want to save money. Otherwise you can still go as a freemover.

For the application I needed to write a motivational letter and proof my English proficiency. Each university requires different results you can find on their homepages. I did the TOEFL and had to achieve 89 points out of 120 in general and in addition a minimum score of 21 in each of the 4 categories. If you have never lived in an English speaking country before you should not underestimate the test - you have to prepare for it by practising the task types. As the TOEFL fee is 245 $ I would recommend to only participate in the test if you are sure to reach the required score, otherwise it will be very expensive for you. Furthermore I had to translate my transcript of records and my CV in English.

Main criteria for the selection of exchange students are: academic performances, courses at the exchange university as valuable complement for the studies at the home university (you should pick them in advance even when they are changed later), interest in the country, culture and its people and social involvement. You should really inform yourself about the city and the university you want to go. With a personal connection to it your chances are much higher, I guess.

I got an exchange place at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, which was my first choice. I also had luck to get hold of a partial scholarship with which I can finance the flights. I couldn't be happier!

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