Outgoing
Studying abroad
Having spent a semester at university abroad proves to future employers that you are able to collaborate with people around the world. At the same time, you improve your language skills and your intercultural competence. You will also return with friends from all over the world. Spending a semester at a higher education institution abroad, or completing an internship abroad, makes an important qualification for your future career.
Read on for helpful links to experience reports and the most important contact persons.
You will also gain information on the partner universities and the exchange options at the THWS Business School.
General
The degree programmes at the THWS Business School are generally designed in a way that enables students to a semester abroad in the 3rd and 4th semester without necessarily losing a semester. The application process for a semester abroad takes place one year in advance. Thus, you must apply in your 1st or 2nd semester in order to study at one of our partner universities. Within the first two months of the semester, there will be an information event on possible higher education institutions, programme advisors, and the application process.
The THWS Business School promotes various possibilities for outgoing exchange students.
Read on for information:
You can also find information on the general application process for your time abroad.
For further information and support offers for creating the learning agreement and recognition of study achievements (transfer of credits) completed abroad, see here:
Experience reports
Here you will find some experience reports of outgoing students of the THWS Business School.
Partner universities
We have entered over 280 exchange agreements with more than 130 institutions worldwide.
The International Office (HSIN) provides a overview of all partner universities through their search engine MoveOn.
Option 1: Regular semester abroad
In the course of a regular semester abroad, students generally spend one or two semesters at a partner university abroad. After students have successfully completed their semester abroad, they usually receive transfer credits or credit certificates for the completed courses that are then transferred to their home university.
For whom?
Generally everyone can apply for a semester abroad. The final assignment of study places at the partner universities follows the following selection criteria. The following criteria are also applied to the selection for Erasmus+ funding:
- Academic performance: Proven by submission of e.g. certificates and/or transcript of records.
- Linguistic aptitude: Proven for example by a certificate of the required language level.
English-taught courses require English skills on a B2-level (CEFR).
For study contents in other languages (especially in Spain and France), you should have basic language skills on an A2-level (CEFR). - Personal motivation for studying abroad: Proven for example in a personal interview or through a letter of motivation.
Why?
Spending a semester abroad offers the unique opportunity to experience cultural diversity and to develop intercultural competences. Through experiencing different teaching methods and research environments, students can broaden their academic horizon. A semester abroad enables you to build international networks and to improve your language skills. These experiences not only support personal development but also boost graduates’ worth on the job market because employees often value intercultural communication skills and adaptability.
Questions?
In case of questions on certain countries for spending your semester abroad, please contact the country coordinator in charge.
In case of general questions, please contact our general support.
Additional information is given on the website of the THWS International Office.
Option 2: Double degree
A double degree programme, also called joint degree programme, is a particular degree programme, that is offered collectively by two higher education institutions, usually from different countries.
On the basis of an agreement between the two universities, students can complete two official degrees within the standard time to degree. A THWS bachelor’s degree, and another degree of the international partner university.
For whom?
The THWS Business School offers students of the bachelor's degree programmes International Management and Business Administration with a focus on International Management the opportunity to participate in the double degree programme at THWS.
Why?
The double degree gives students a competitive advantage on the job market. It increases their mobility between various countries and makes it easier for employers to compare national qualification. Another major advantage definitely is the improvement of linguistic and intercultural competence. If the student meets all requirements laid down in the double degree agreement, the study achievements completed at the partner university will be accredited at THWS as if they had been completed at THWS.
Programme structure
Fundamentals and orientation phase (1st through 2nd semester)
Students in the bachelor's programme International Management complete the first two semesters (60 CP) at their home university and pass all required courses.
1st semester
| Modules | SWS | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Intercultural Training | 4 | 6 |
| 1.2 | General Business | 4 | 6 |
| 1.3 | Mathematics & Statistics | 4 | 6 |
| 1.4 | Accounting | 4 | 6 |
| 1.5 | Business English 1 | 4 | 6 |
2nd semester
| Modules | SWS | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.1 | Law & Taxation | 4 | 6 |
| 2.2 | Business Management | 4 | 6 |
| 2.3 | Human Resource Management | 4 | 6 |
| 2.4 | Finance | 4 | 6 |
| 2.5 | Business English 2 | 4 | 6 |
Period abroad (3rd through 4th semester)
During their time abroad, students are enrolled both at THWS and at their partner university. During that time, they study specific subjects set by the partner university or THWS.
Internship (5th semester)
For their 5th semester, students return to THWS. The internship can be completed either in Germany or abroad.
5th semester
| Modules | SWS | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Internship | 30 |
Focus phase (6th through 7th semester)
Students will return to their regular degree programme for studying focus areas and writing their thesis.
6th semester
| Modules | SWS | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.1 | Scientific Techniques | 4 | 6 |
| 6.2 | Focus 1a | 8 | 10 |
| 6.3 | Focus 2a | 8 | 10 |
7th semester
| Modules | SWS | ECTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.1 | Focus 1a | 8 | 10 |
| 7.2 | Focus 2a | 8 | 10 |
| 7.3 | Bachelor's Thesis & Seminar | 14 |
Partner universities
Currently, the THWS Business School has double degree agreements with the following partner universities:
- BGE - Budapest Business School, Budapest, Hungary
- BTU – Business and Technology University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- EUBA - University of Economics in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
- IBS - Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Moskau, Russia
- International University of the Kyrgyz Republik, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- International College of Management, Sydney, Australia
- NKUST - National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
- RISEBA - Riga International School of Economics and Business Administration, Riga, Latvia
- LAB - University of Applied Sciences, Lappeenranta, Finland
- Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, Seinäjoki, Finland
- Shi Chien University (USC), Taipeh, Taiwan
- ULBS - Lucian Blaga University, Sibiu, Romania
- UMTE -St. Petersburg University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Unicorn University, Prag, Czech Republic
Please contact Professor Dr. Rainer Wehner and Markus Engert directly as the places available are limited.
Business Administration with a focus on International Management
Students of the BBW degree programme must switch to the International Management track in order to participate in the double degree programme. To do so, after consultation with and approval by the programme coordinators, it is mandatory to fill in and sign the application form for the transfer to the specialisation.
Questions?
For an updated module comparison of THWS and the partner universities, please contact Markus Engert.
If you are generally interested in the programme, please contact the contact persons directly as the places available are limited.
It is essential to not only apply but to also contact the programme coordinators Professor Dr. Rainer Wehner and Markus Engert.
Contact persons
Coordinator for double degree programmes
Professor Dr. Rainer Wehner
Münzstr. 19
97070 Würzburg
Phone +49 931 3511-8836
E-mail rainer.wehner[at]thws.de
Coordinator for double degree programmes
Markus Engert, M.Sc. rer. pol.
Münzstr. 19
97070 Würzburg
Phone +49 931 3511-8537
E-mail markus.engert[at]thws.de
Application for a regular exchange semester and double degree
The application process consists of two steps:
Step 1: Academic part
The academic part is organised by the Team International Management at the THWS Business School.
It constitutes of the following steps:
- Participate in the Study Abroad Event within the first two months of the semester.
The event marks the start of the application period spanning from:- 15 Dec - 31 Jan for a stay in the subsequent winter semester
- 01 May - 30 June for a stay in the subsequent summer semester
- Enrol in E-Learning course of the relevant semester.
- Re-watch the presentation.
- Choose your top 3 higher education institutions (or just onw or two) and research information on the institutions' websites.
- Check which courses and modules are offered to estimate the transferability of credits.
- Consider your financing options.
- Review your choice of higher education institution.
- Make sure you are enrolled in the relevant E-Learning course and apply there. In the process, you will indicate your choice of higher education institution alongside your motivation.
- The next steps will be coordinated via this E-Learning course. You will have to complete the declaration of acceptance of the International Office and have it signed by the contact person of the country in question.
Step 2: Organisational part
As soon as the academic part is complete, we will redirect you to our colleagues at the International Office (HSIN). Here are your next steps:
- After receipt of the signed declaration of acceptance, you register with the MoveON portal and submit the required documents.
- Once you submitted all documents, the International Office will nominate you with the partner university.
- After acceptance, the guest university will contact you and provide you with your personal registration information. You must then apply independently with the international partner university, enrol, and choose courses (Please take note of local deadlines!)
- Submit the registration confirmation or the invite from the guest university to the International Office (HSIN).
- Now, you can draft the learning agreement and submit it as stipulated. You will be asked to do so via e-mail.
- Submit proof of overseas health insurance (e.g., copy of the certificate of insurance) to the competent contact person at the International Office
- HSIN will send you the Erasmus+ Grant Agreement in duplicate. You must send one signed copy back to HSIN.
- You are invited via e-mail to an obligatory online language test.
- Do not forget to re-enrol at THWS. You are still a THWS-student despite spending a semester abroad. Without enrolment, you cannot receive funding.
- Pack your bags and get ready!
Additional information and checklists are given on the website of the International Office.
You can apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship with the International Office as well.
Freemover
Students who independently coordinate studies at a higher education institution of their choice, i.e.who do not study at a partner university, are called freemovers. We have collected information in our mini FAQ to support freemovers.
At which universities can I study as a freemover?
In theory, you can study at any higher education institution. Research information for freemovers at the website of the university of your choice (query terms may include "study abroad", "non-degree seeking students", or "occasional students"). You could alternatively contact the International Office of the higher education institution directly.
Am I subject to study fees as a freemover?
As opposed to studying at our partner universities, freemovers are usually subject to study fees which they must cover themselves. For more detailed information on individual countries and their study fees, please use the German Länderdatenbank des DAAD.
Who can I contact?
Please direct your organisational questions to the THWS International Office (HSIN). Please direct your academic questions to the faculty’s contact person in charge of the country you are interested in.
Can study achivements be accredited for freemovers?
For the accreditation, it does not matter whether you went abroad as a freemover or to study at one of our partner universities. If you take courses that can be implemented into your THWS curriculum, the study achievements will be credited.
What must I do to ensure that my study achievements are accredited?
When organising your studies abroad yourself, you must still create a learning agreement and register at MoveOn to ensure that your study achievements completed abroad can be accredited. Please contact the coordinator of the country you are interested in.
Where can I get information about formalities and financing options?
For more detailed information on the required formalities and the financing options, please contact the THWS International Office. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) also provides information on scholarships and financing, and on planning and application.