Semester abroad
We support bachelor’s students who wish to spend a semester abroad at a university in Europe or overseas. We regard a guest semester abroad as an educational opportunity through which our students can broaden their subject knowledge, intercultural understanding, and social skills, while gaining international experience. Find out more about the various options available.
Anyone who spends a semester at a university abroad not only broadens their personal and academic horizons. Meeting people from different cultures also enriches life. In addition, an exchange semester provides the opportunity to establish international contacts, which can prove to be an investment in one’s professional future.
Opportunities
HWZ supports students who wish to spend a semester abroad at a university in Europe or overseas. We regard a semester abroad as an educational opportunity through which our students can broaden their professional, intercultural and social skills, as well as gain international experience.
It is possible to spend a semester abroad at one of HWZ’s partner universities or – subject to an eligibility assessment by the programme director – at other state-recognised universities. HWZ maintains a list of universities where HWZ students have previously completed a semester abroad.
Requirements
In the bachelor's degree programmes, a semester abroad can be undertaken from the 3rd to the 6th semester at the earliest. The assessment stage must, in all cases, have been successfully completed.
During a semester abroad, you must complete coursework that is, in terms of scope and content, as equivalent as possible to the coursework you would have been required to complete during a regular semester at HWZ.
Additional requirements, such as language certificates, application documents or specific admission conditions, may vary depending on the place of study. We recommend that you find out about the specific requirements of your chosen university at an early stage.
Partner universities
The Bond University at the Gold Coast is a private university with around 4,000 students and an excellent reputation in the fields of business and communication. Small class sizes, personal support, and the campus is located just a few minutes from the beach.
The Royal Thimphu College is the first private university in Bhutan, with around 1,000 students, set amidst breathtaking mountain scenery. Ideal for anyone wishing to experience a completely different learning culture and way of life. By the way, HWZ is partnered with the BEEP – Bhutan Entrepreneurial Education Programme directly involved on site and promotes entrepreneurial education there in line with the concept of Gross National Happiness.
Centrally located in Seville, the EUSA University academic excellence with Andalusian flair. Around 2,000 students, practice-oriented degree programmes and numerous courses taught in English make studying here particularly appealing.
One of the world’s leading universities, with over 40,000 students. The campus of the UCSD is located directly on the Pacific in San Diego – perfect for combining academic excellence with the Californian lifestyle.
Experiences of our students
The best way to understand what a semester abroad is really like is to hear from those who have already experienced it. Our students share their personal highlights, challenges and tips from around the world.
Voices from Around the World | Tips & Tricks
Our students make a considered choice when selecting their semester abroad. Many opt for countries whose language or culture has long fascinated them—whether it is Spanish in Spain or Colombia, the sauna culture in Finland, the dynamism of South Korea, or the Australian lifestyle. Others are inspired by the campus itself, the climate, the level of safety, or the diverse travel opportunities in the region. Ultimately, the decisive factor is always the personal fit: where can I best develop both academically, culturally, and personally.
What all experience reports have in common is this: a semester abroad becomes especially valuable when planned early, while remaining open to the unexpected. Our students recommend gathering thorough information, considering possible alternatives, and coordinating plans with both your employer and HWZ. Once abroad, it is worthwhile to try new things, actively engage with people, and view differences as an enrichment. Many report that spontaneous experiences, international friendships, and immersing themselves in the local culture are among the most formative moments of their time abroad.
Instagram takeovers and content series
On Instagram, our students offer direct insights into their everyday lives abroad through takeovers and an ongoing content series. The posts showcase authentic moments, personal highlights, and spontaneous experiences, all from the students’ own perspectives. Further presentations, reports, and materials can also be found on the intranet.
StudyBlogs
In the StudyBlogs, students provide more detailed accounts of their time abroad. They share background information, tips, challenges, and experiences from their studies and their everyday life on location.
Placement agencies
As a free mover, the range of options can be overwhelming. The following placement agencies offer free advice and support you throughout the application process:
StudySmart - For English-speaking regions
Asia Exchange/Beyond Abroad - Specialising in Asia
AIFS Educational Travel - for semesters abroad worldwide
Costs
Who pays for a semester abroad?
A semester abroad is funded exclusively by the individual student.
During their semester abroad, students are not required to pay regular tuition fees to HWZ. However, in order to maintain enrolment, HWZ charges an administration fee to cover the associated services and administrative costs.
On myHWZ you will find a wealth of information about the process of undertaking a semester abroad.
Contact
I am happy to advise you if you are considering incorporating a semester abroad into your studies.
