Study Abroad ("Outgoings")
Planning phase
- Plan at least 1 year for research, application (grant programs, scholarships), admission, travel preparations, visa application, accommodation search, etc. The sooner, the better.
Duration of study abroad
- up to 1 academic year (max. 60 ECTS credits); a double degree may be possible as part of the BA in Socioeconomics.
Recommended timing of a semester abroad
- for the BA in Socioeconomics: generally after the fourth semester
- for the master’s programs: generally after the second semester
Information on recognition
- If a learning agreement has been signed, the coursework and examinations agreed upon and completed can be recognized (subject to a comparison with the degree and examination regulations in the course account). This means that it will not be checked when the learning agreement is signed whether you have already completed coursework. It is not possible to replace coursework already completed with the same coursework completed abroad.
- Thorough planning is essential. What country and what university am I interested in? Does the university offer my desired course? How can I integrate this into my individual study program? Which modules do I need to take in Hamburg and which can I complete abroad? Research, gather information, and obtain advice in advance through the subject advising offered in the Academic Office.
Conclusion of the learning agreement
To ensure recognition of the coursework and examinations you complete abroad, you must conclude a learning agreement (LA) before you leave. The learning agreement is a written or digital agreement listing the courses you propose to attend and complete abroad.
Students who wish to attend a partner university through the ERASMUS+ program must complete a learning agreement before departing. We recommend that all other students who start their stay abroad within the scope of a faculty partnership or as “free-movers” also complete a learning agreement to prevent crediting problems when they return.
Generally, learning agreements are initially drawn up on a provisional basis with courses from the previous winter or summer semester. This means that you find the courses that you think are most suitable and then contact the person responsible for your degree program (see below) to discuss them.
It is usually a good idea to bring a description of the courses (possibly a translated version) with you to the meeting. As soon as the current course catalog is available, the learning agreement can be updated with the actual courses offered.
More information is available on the website of the International Office.
To sign the learning agreement, please contact the study coordinator responsible for your course of study.
Further information
International Office—Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences (Erasmus)
Department of International Affairs—University of Hamburg (Central Student Exchange Program)
DAAD (“free-mover” independent application)