Broschüre für ausländische Studierende
Transcription
Broschüre für ausländische Studierende
Information for International Students Information for International Students in Berlin 1 www.studentenwerk-berlin.de Information for International Students Prologue Dear Students, we want to support you with the decision to study in Berlin and to accompany you with information around this topic. First of all an important hint: You are not alone. There are around 24.000 international students in Berlin. According to the 19th social survey of the Deutsches Studentenwerk,1 international students have different reasons for studying in Germany and special needs and issues. The main reason 70% of the international students come to study in Germany is to acquire professional knowledge. Furthermore the good reputations of the universities are solid arguments for a study in Germany. However most of the international students encounter difficulties. The orientation in the study system, financing and the contact to German students are the three biggest issues international students have in Germany. Most importantly at the beginning of their studies, international students need information about universities, government bureaucracy and recreational activities. They might also want to learn about possible financial assistance and employment. With this brochure we want to support international students in meeting new challenges and studying successfully in Berlin. Thus international students will find detailed information here, plus ways of financing and contact addresses to hopefully answer many questions. We want to encourage those who have decided to study abroad. In this sense we hope to provide you with a helpful brochure, with which we wish you much courage and a wonderful time of studying in Berlin! The team of the Sozialberatung of the Studentenwerk Berlin Please notice: In addition to the information in this brochure we want to offer personal counselling as well. You will find our addresses and phone numbers on the backside of this brochure. 2 1 „Internationalisierung des Studiums – Ausländische Studierende in Deutschland – Deutsche Studierende im Ausland – Ergebnisse der 19. Sozialerhebung des DSW“ more information at www.studentenwerke.de Information for International Students Structure of the brochure The main parts of the brochure are the chapters Welcome to Berlin (chapter 1), Universities and structure of studies (chapter 3) and What/ When / Where (chapter 4). In the chapter 1 you will find the offers of the Studentenwerk Berlin. Chapter 3 we will explain the structure and establishments of the universities. Chapter 4 will show the different aspects of student life, beginning with your preparations to come to Germany, through your arrival, to the end of your studies. Here you will find information about financing, housing and other helpful contacts. Chapter 5 (Legal process) gives an overview about legal possibilities in case of a dispute. Chapter 6 (Index of cooperating universities) provides contact addresses to important facilities of the universities. The last chapter of the brochure is an alphabetical index. Additionally you will find listings of vocabulary to the particular chapters in the grey boxes. The orange boxes show particular information you should notice. However they don’t replace the content of this brochure. Furthermore some of our student tutors have given a personal statement to some issue. We now want to point out that the information in this brochure is collected to the best of our knowledge and belief – but we are not asserting a claim of completeness. Your hints, suggestions and critiques are heartily welcome for the next edition. Please send to: Sozialberatung des Studentenwerkes Berlin Thielallee 38 | 14195 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 – 90 22 / - 90 24 E-mail: sozialb.thielallee@studentenwerk-berlin.de You can find this brochure online as pdf-document at: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de 3 Information for International Students 4 Prologue 2 Structure of the brochure 3 1. Welcome to Berlin! 6 1.1 Studentenwerk Berlin 6 1.1.1 Dining facilities – Mensen & Cafeterien 7 1.1.2 Student accommodations – Studentenwohnheime 8 1.1.3 Employment service “Heinzelmännchen” 10 1.1.4 Counselling, support and child day-care – Beratung, Unterstützung und Kitas 11 1.1.4.1 Social counselling – Sozialberatung 12 1.1.4.2 Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Counselling – Psychologisch-Psychotherapeutische Beratung 13 1.1.4.3 Counselling for students with disabilities – Beratung für Studierende mit Behinderung 14 1.1.4.4 Student tutors in student accommodations – Wohnheimtutoren 15 2. Tips and tricks to deal with Germans 17 3. Universities and structure of studies 19 4. What - When - Where 21 4.1 Pre-departure 21 4.1.1 University application 21 4.1.3 Costs of living 23 4.1.4 Visa application 24 4.1.5 Housing 25 4.1.6 Health insurance and other insurances 27 4.2.1 Enrolment and semester ticket 29 4.2.2 Residence registration and residence permit 30 4.3.1 Studying and children 33 4.3.2 Financing academic study 36 4.3.2.1 Federal Law on Support in Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz – BAföG) 36 4.3.2.2 Scholarships 38 Information for International Students 4.3.2.3 Foundations for emergency situations 41 4.3.2.4 National social benefits (Soziale Leistungen) 41 4.3.2.5 Student loans 42 4.3.2.6 Loan (Darlehen) of the Studentenwerk 45 4.3.3 Jobs and internships 45 4.3.4 Freetime 48 4.4 End of studies 52 4.4.1 Returning home 52 4.4.1.1 Finding a Job Back Home 53 4.4.2 Staying in Germany 54 5. Legal process 56 6. Index of universities of Berlin 60 6.1 Alice Salomon Hochschule (ASH) 60 6.2 Beuth-Hochschule für Technik 61 6.3 Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin 61 6.4 Evangelische Hochschule Berlin (EHB) 62 6.5 Freie Universität Berlin (FU) 62 6.6 Hertie School of Governance GmbH 64 6.7 Hochschule für Musik „Hanns Eisler“ Berlin (HfM) 64 6.8 Hochschule für Schauspielkunst „Ernst Busch“ Berlin (HfS) 64 6.9 Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin (HTW) 65 6.10 Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin (HWR) 65 6.11 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) 66 6.12 International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) 67 6.13 Kunsthochschule Berlin Weißensee (KHB) 68 6.14 Katholische Hochschule für Sozialwesen (KHSB) 68 6.15 Private Hochschule Göttingen (PFH), Campus Berlin 69 6.16 Technische Universität Berlin (TU) 69 6.17 Universität der Künste (UdK) 70 7. Public Transport in Berlin 72 8. Index 74 5 Welcome to Berlin 1. Welcome to Berlin! You are studying in the city with the most international students in Germany. Berlin appeals to many people from many countries because of its cultural diversity and broad academic landscape. In this sense: I take pride in the words “Ich bin ein Berliner”! John F. Kennedy 1.1 Studentenwerk Berlin What is the Studentenwerk? Is it a part of the university? Or does every university has its own Studentenwerk? These could be the questions you may have. The Studentenwerk is special for Germany. It developed out of a self-help organization and takes care of the non-academic needs of the students. Therefore the Studentenwerk is associated with the universities, but is not a part of them. It is financed out of a compulsory contribution from the semester fee, earned profits and out of federal funds. There are 58 Studentenwerke for almost every city with a university in Germany. Those 58 Studentenwerke are headed by the governing body “Deutsches Studentenwerk”. So the Studentenwerk Berlin is only responsible for the students of Berlin’s universities that cooperate with the Studentenwerk Berlin. Studentenwerk Berlin – what do we do? 6 Through a mandate of the German Federal State of Berlin (“Studentenwerkgesetz”) we are entrusted with the responsibility of providing support services for the social, physical, economic and cultural well-being of Berlin’s students. With more than 800 employees, we have been working to make the lives of students at Information for International Students Berlin‘s institutions of higher learning as pleasant as possible for 40 years now. We acknowledge an important social responsibility and pursue our mission diligently and economically. Expectations and standards have changed over the years. We are modernizing our facilities bit by bit so that students will feel as comfortable as possible. We are here to assist students with their particular problems and to answer their questions – whatever they might be. We provide a unique array of services specially attuned to the needs of students: • Dining Facilities • Student accommodations • Jobs and Employment service • Counselling and support • BaföG (German Federal academic loan program) We have also put together quite a bit of information regarding International students and studying in Berlin at: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/berlin/international 1.1.1 Dining facilities – Mensen & Cafeterien Our guests can expect more than appetizing, wholesome and reasonably priced meals! This is where students relax between lectures, meet their friends and eat together, sit comfortably, drink coffee and get to know one another. This is where they plan their weekends, arrange study groups and take it easy. In our 20 mensen (from the Latin for table, a student dining hall) and 28 cafeterias and coffee shops, we provide wholesome food at low prices for more than 34,000 people daily. We are Berlin’s largest restaurant operator. But rather than quantity, quality is what counts for us. We operate our own kitchens and employ a staff of more than 400. 7 Welcome to Berlin You should know that • we are constantly modernizing our mensen and cafeterias. • we prepare more than 25,000 meals a day. • we offer health-food meals in every mensa We are proud of the trust Berlin’s students have in us. It is our goal, however, to continually improve our services. We want to provide more than good food! Where can you find us? You can find an overview of all dining facilities and a daily menu at our homepage: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/mensen/mensen_cafeterien 1.1.2 Student accommodations – Studentenwohnheime Would you like to live in a clean, dry and centrally heated room or apartment for a long period? Perhaps you do not have much money to spend but still need to find a good place to live. Then we might have just the right place for you! More than 9,500 accommodations in almost all districts of the city 8 • Accommodations appropriate to all needs and financial resources • Live alone or with others in one of our studio or full-sized apartments • Participate in changes taking place in your residence and its surroundings • To find a space in our student halls of residence you have to apply at the student halls of residence service online: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/wohnen/wohnheimportal Information for International Students Our Special Features: You can select … • The student residence you prefer according to its location in Berlin using the online map (visit www.studentenwerk-berlin. de/studentenwerk/lageplan/wh) on our search machine to find the place that meets your needs from our list of currently available residential accommodations: • www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/wohnen/studentische_ wohnanlagen • Wherever you want to live, we don’t assign places. • The people you want to live with. • How much you will pay (our average rental is 220 Euros per person each month). Internet in the student accommodations: • Most student accommodations of the Studentenwerk offer wireless LAN Internet from the provider Hotzone; ask your student tutor or the accommodations administration for the relevant student contact person. • You can get private Internet over your phone line as well. You can choose between different private providers like Alice, 1 & 1, Congstar, Deutsche Telekom, O², Vodafone etc. Please check the contract for payment conditions, contract duration, extra fees and benefits. • Maybe you can share wireless LAN with your neighbour, check the networks and ask your neighbours. Please notice that some providers need to be informed or to be asked for permission if you want to share your network or use the network of your neighbours. Ulrike Elsner, student tutor of student accommodation FranzMehring-Platz “You can do without an Internet connection as well (the universities have enough network access possibilities). Additionally in the student accommodation “Franz-Mehring-Platz” the specific Internet-tutor will help the residents with Internet and computer problems.” 9 Welcome to Berlin Aboubakar Gambo, student tutor of student accommodation Goerzallee : “The students self administration (Studentische Selbstverwaltung) is a group of experienced students who voluntarily take care of the needs of the accommodation residents. Almost every accommodation has a students self administration. They deal with requests and complaints on the one side and on the other side they mentor the students’ facilities in the accommodations: washing machine room, fitness room, music room, learning room accommodation bar and the Internet.“ Student tutors (look at chapter 1.1.4.4) will provide addition assistance in various situations. Contact those institutions if you have any questions about student life in your accommodation. Do you have any questions about student residences? Contact the administration of student accommodations (Wohnheimverwaltungen) : www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/wohnen/kontakt 1.1.3 Employment service “Heinzelmännchen” The “Heinzelmännchen” employment service is a non-profit service of the Studentenwerk. We place students from all academic institutions in Berlin into jobs. Your advantages: • You are able to help finance your studies • We enable you to work flexibly according to your study schedule • You acquire practical work experience and learn on the job Our special services: • Specialist employment: You have a special qualification and would like to work in that area; or you would like to acquire a qualification by continually working in a particular area. • Long-term employment: You have an employer who would like to employ you for an extended period and you would like to continue to take advantage of our booking system If you want to participate from the offers of the Heinzelmännchen you need to apply at our office. 10 Information for International Students Requirements: • Matriculation (“Immatrikulation”) at an academic institution in Berlin (You must provide a valid current registration certificate indicating you are a full-time student – “große Immatrikulationsbescheinigung”) • Passport (citizens of EU countries can provide a green EU identification card) • Tax I.D. Number (“Steueridentifikationsnummer”) (for more information look at chapter 4.3.3 Finding a job) • One passport type photograph or colour copy of the same. • Bank account number (with proof such as a check card or a bank statement). • Social insurance identification (“Sozialversicherungsausweis” – for more information look at chapter 4.3.3 Finding a job) • Health insurance identification (chip card). • Valid residence or working permit • Participation fee of 24 € per semester Please notice that a good comprehension of German is required for more specialized jobs. For more information look at “language skills” in chapter 4.1.2. Our Location: Hardenbergstraße 34 | Ground-floor, rear house | 10623 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30-939 39-90 33, Fax: -9031 Office hours: Mo – Fri: 8:30 – 15:45, Thu: 8:30 – 17:45 Income Tax Office: Mo + Fri: 9:00 – 12:00, Tue: 13:00 – 15:45, Thu: 14:00 – 17:45, Wed closed We even have an online job database: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/jobs/datenbank 1.1.4 Counselling, support and child day-care – Beratung, Unterstützung und Kitas Success as a student depends to a large extent on the conditions you face. Our Counselling and Support Office is there to help students deal with the special problems they confront. We provide ... • Counselling and practical support - also in English • Counselling and support for students with social problems, like study financing. 11 Welcome to Berlin • Counselling to help all students overcome personal problems in times of crisis and during exams. • Special counselling, support and practical help for disabled and chronically ill students. • Support for pregnant students and student parents in providing child day-care 1.1.4.1 Social counselling – Sozialberatung How do I finance my studies or the end of my studies? Do I have claims regarding the social law? What do I do in case of trouble with administrative bodies? What can I do when I am pregnant? Can I study and raise my children? Whatever questions you may have, come to the Sozialberatung. We provide support and give advice to all students of Berlin universities. We are often the first contact point for students and are here to help you. During your studies, we offer: 12 • Financial advice regarding alimentations, jobs, state academic loans (BAföG), scholarships and student loans • Support and counselling for students who are pregnant and for students with children • Student loans • Funds for students in distress and emergency situations • Support and counselling for students who are in conflict situations • Mentors for international students in student accommodations Information for International Students • Meditation for students that have conflicts with others • Workshops and lectures • Cultural offers (look at the „Kulturkalender“: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/kulturelle_angebote/kulturkalender/) Sozialberatung services are free and we adhere to data protection legislation. We are based in Charlottenburg, Dahlem and Friedrichshain. If you’d like to make enquiries about entitlements or loans, or would like some advice or counselling, come to our offices during consultation hours. You can email us for an appointment or telephone us as well. Contact: At the Technische Universität (TU): Hardenbergstraße 34 | 10623 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 – 8403/ -5/ -6 sozialb.hardenbergst@studentenwerk-berlin.de At the Freie Universität (FU): Thielallee 38 | Room 202-204 | 14195 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 – 9022/-9024 sozialb.thielallee@studentenwerk-berlin.de Near the Humboldt Universität (HU): Franz-Mehring-Platz 2| 2nd Floor | 10243 Berlin (Friedrichshain) Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 – 8437/ -8440 sozialb.f-mehring-pl@studentenwerk-berlin.de 1.1.4.2 Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Counselling – Psychologisch-Psychotherapeutische Beratung Beginning studies, ending them, changing faculties or institutions, and taking exams are challenging experiences. Changes like leaving home and country, being a foreigner, moving to a new town or a new apartment, separation from a partner; also lingering circumstances like loneliness, isolation, problems with a partner or parents, can be seriously stressful. We help in various situations: • Learning difficulties • Fear of exams; Social inhibition • Depression, anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, poor selfesteem, and severe emotional crises. In our counselling we help you develop an individual solution to your problem. Sometimes a single individual session is adequate. Or, you might decide that a short term therapy focusing on your problem is more appropriate. You could also choose to participate in one of our various thematic groups. 13 Welcome to Berlin Counselling is free of charge and available in English. We are obligated to maintain total confidentiality. Contact: Hardenbergstraße 34 | 10623 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 – 84 01 E-mail: beratung@studentenwerk-berlin.de Franz-Mehring-Platz 2 | 2nd Floor | 10243 Berlin (Friedrichshain) Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 – 84 38 E-mail: beratung@studentenwerk-berlin.de 1.1.4.3 Counselling for students with disabilities – Beratung für Studierende mit Behinderung und chronischer Erkrankung It is our goal to assure appropriate conditions and equal opportunities at the universities and the Studentenwerk. The Studentenwerk’s Counseling Center has been working to improve conditions for disabled and chronically ill students at Berlin’s academic institutions. Whom do we serve? We provide services to individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses who are studying or considering studying in Berlin. These include, besides students with mobility, visual or hearing impairment, those with serious chronic illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, Morbus Crohn Disease, cancer, HIV, rheumatism, diabetes and epilepsy. We provide confidential, unbureaucratic, prompt and socially responsible assistance to those seeking help. Of course we are obligated to confidentiality. We provide counselling and support: 14 • in matters regarding social law for people with disabilities • by arranging assistance for study and everyday matters, and its financing • by giving technical and personal assistance • in dealing with government offices and institutions • in overcoming personal problems and crises • for psycho-social questions • We are also responsible for making integration assistance (Integrationshilfe) as defined by Berlin’s Hochschulgesetz available to disabled students. Applications for integration assistance, study assistants, book grants or special equipment for the disabled can be filed at any time. Information for International Students Contact: At the FU | Thielallee 38 | 14195 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 – 90 20 beh.beratung.thielallee@studentenwerk-berlin.de At the TU | Hardenbergstraße 34 | 10623 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 – 84 16 beh.beratung.hardenbergst@studentenwerk-berlin.de In the near of HU | Franz-Mehring-Platz 2 | 10243 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 939 39 – 84 41/84 42 beh.beratung.f-mehring-pl@studentenwerk-berlin.de 1.1.4.4 Student tutors in student accommodations – Wohnheimtutoren The “Wohnheimtutoren” are a team of 18 international and German students, who have lived in Berlin for some time and would like to pass on their experience to you. On behalf of the Studentenwerk they answer your questions or assist you in case of difficulties. If you • …have questions about life in your student residence • …have difficulties of any kind with your fellow residents • …don’t know where to go with special questions • …don’t feel comfortable in Germany feel free to contact our “Wohnheimtutoren”. You can find your tutor on our page: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/wohnen/studentische_ wohnanlagen/hilfe_unterstuetzung/wohnheimtutoren If you want to rent a student accommodation please contact the accommodation administration (chapter 1.1.2). Furthermore there is a special offer for Chinese students and students from the Arabic region. They can contact: the Chinese tutor Nan Yang. E-mail: n.Yang@Studentenwerk-Berlin.de the Arabic region tutor Tariq Masoud. E-mail: t.masoud@Studentenwerk-Berlin.de Tariq Masoud – student tutor for students from the arabic region: “In such a developed country, where everything always tends to be better, you have to expect more work and requirements in order to adjust with the fast tempo of life and not feel strange with the atmosphere.“ 15 Welcome to Berlin 1.1.4.5 Child day Care – Kita We provide: Our centres are primarily for the children of students of the universities in Berlin, but we also provide care for children of the relatives, the visiting scientists and the stipendiary students. We offer a qualified and loving full-time care for children from the age of 8 weeks old till the age of school enrolment. We are located: at Technische Universität Berlin at Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht (Campus Schöneberg) at Universität der Künste/ Technische Universität Berlin at Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin at Freie Universität We stand for: Our locations are in a green environment and each of our kindergartens has its own playground. We provide bright, friendly and well equipped rooms where children can feel comfortable. Our staff keeps the standards that the City of Berlin has established. We, therefore, set great value on the qualification and further training of our staff. The kindergarten provides you with possibilities to get in touch with others and build up social contacts. We attach great importance to a good, trustful collaboration with parents to let our institutions offer a family-friendly environment of education. Costs The costs are subsidized partly by the state. In order to benefit from this you must apply for a voucher (Betreuungsgutschein) at the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) of your city district. The actual monthly amount that parents must pay is calculated in accordance to the number of children, how many hours children stay in the centre and to the income of the parents. Contact Visit our homepage for addresses, phone numbers and E-mail addresses of our child day care centers: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/kita/kontakt Or send an E-mail to: kita@studentenwerk-berlin.de 16 Information for International Students 2. Tips and tricks to deal with Germans Instruction manual for the Germans (not to be taken too seriously…) Congratulations, you own a unique new “German life”. First of all turn on “Power!” and make sure that the procedure will follow the schedule. Everything will be self-explanatory as long as you remain in the beer garden. Enjoy. More than a thousand years of history, starting at the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nations to the modern, vivid democracy in the hearth of Europe nowadays, shaped this nation. German language, culture and German habits might vary substantially from those of your home country. That’s why we want to introduce you to some German specialties in this chapter. But we would like to ask you not to generalize these cultural standards or to stereotype. Societies are changing and so it’s always important to distinguish typical characteristics of a person and typical characteristics of a culture. Therefore probably the most important thing is self-reflection and the understanding of one’s own roots. It’s obvious that you can’t run things by the book, but it can indeed be helpful to get hints for daily interaction. German cultural characteristics Cut to the chase… In a professional context concentration on the problem, the facts and circumstances is most important. To get to the point is most often requested. A tidy house, a tidy mind… There are many rules and restrictions in Germany that regulate daily life. Following these rules is an unspoken assumption. Improvisation is not highly regarded in this sphere. What goes around comes around… The majority of Germans follow the rules without extra control. Reliability and responsibility are two of the most appreciated German values. Time is money… Germans are used to observing the rules, so it’s no wonder that life is structured in timetables. To obey the timetable and to be punctual are expressions of respect. If once in a while a timetable doesn’t work out, a new one will be created immediately. You shouldn’t mix business with pleasure… In Germany it’s common to separate the areas of life. Friendships among fellow students are not taken for granted. They develop 17 Tips and tricks to deal with Germans more likely out of the free time than in the lectures. Among strangers it’s uncommon to talk about private life as in friendships, which are characterized by openness. To let the facts speak for themselves… The German line of argumentation aims to convince a partner by facts and logical consequences. Things are meant like they are said and said like they are meant. Self do, self have... Germany is an individualistic culture. Independence and selfreliance are important values. So everyone takes responsibility for his/her own life, decisions and failures. “Generally speaking, the Germans regard themselves as modest, rather ordinary sort of people. Give them a beer, a wurst, a bit of Gemütlichkeit (cosiness) and another German with whom to argue politics or bemoan the stress of life, and they will be content. They are not greedy, do not expect something for nothing, and pay their bills on time. Simple, honest folk. The Germans like to dream, see themselves as romantic. Not in a Mediterranean flowery-compliments-and-bottom-pinching way, but in the stormy genius mode.” Xenophobe’s Guide to the Germans Oval Books, 2008 ISBN-10: 1906042330 ISBN-13: 978-1906042332 Vocabulary Voc 18 Barbecue Grillen / Grillparty Beer Bier Car Auto PKW Curried sausage Currywurst Garden gnome Gartenzwerg Highway Autobahn Multicultural mix Multikulti Punctuality Pünktlichkeit Television tower Fernsehturm / coll. Telespargel The (Berlin) Wall Die (Berliner) Mauer Information for International Students 3. Universities and structure of studies 3.1 Structure Universities in Germany are apportioned into seminars and institutes. Those seminars and institutes work fairly independently and have their own departments. That means that those parts of the university can be located in different parts of a building or within different districts of the city, like the campuses of the Humboldt Universität located in the district of Mitte and Treptow-Köpenick. 3.1.1 The academic year The academic year is split into two semesters: The summer semester (Sommersemester) from April to September and the winter semester (Wintersemester) from October to March. 3.1.2 Timetable Most courses of studies provide a timetable with more or less options of changing lectures and seminars. For further information about what options you have, look in your conditions of study (Studienordnung) or ask your department of studies. At the beginning of your studies an orientation event will give you guidelines and help you with your timetable. Once you have fixed your timetable you have to sign into the courses mostly online. A complete list of all lectures and seminars with the name of the teachers and professors is available online or printed in a listing called “Kommentiertes Vorlesungsverzeichnis”. 3.2 StuPa The StuPa (Studierendenparlament) is a resolution passing organ of the student body that is elected once a year by the students. StuPa is composed of StuPa members, is responsible for preparing, organizing and chairing the StuPa plenum’s public meetings. The StuPa oversees student body finances and is also responsible for the election and supervision of the general student council (AStA). Each year a considerable sum of money is collected through your fees to the student body. Those funds have to be sensibly managed and used. A part of the money goes to the student organizations of the various faculties (Fachschaften). Some is used to provide social services, like student counselling, as well as for loans and guarantees for students in financial difficulty. In addition there are yearly disbursements for political education, university activities and events, as well as for cultural events and for investments. 3.3 AStA The AStA (Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss) is a self-governed working organ of the student body that is elected yearly by the StuPa and represents the interests of the students at the universities and in society. It is called the ReferentInnen Rat (RefRat) at Humboldt University. Therefore the AStA/RefRat represents the student 19 Universities and structure of studies body externally. AStA/RefRat is comprised of sections (Referaten) established according to subject and field of work: social matters, academic politics, public relations, cultural affairs, ecology and environment, gay and lesbian matters, coordination among student academic faculty organizations, international affairs, etc.. The AStA offers students counselling in matters of those topics. So feel free to contact your AStA if you have any demands. 3.4 General student counselling The general student counselling offers information and counselling for students and prospective students ahead of the studies, during the studies and at the end of the studies. Contents of the general student counselling are: Counselling for degree courses, structural information of degree courses and degrees, preconditions for admission and information for changing degree courses. 3.5 International Office The International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) is one of the most important institutions for international students. It will help you plan your studies in Germany from the beginning to the end and will support you in many questions. Here you will be provided with information for the first days of your stay in Germany. You will also find instructions on how to enrol at the university, how to find a fitting accommodation and/or how to apply for a residence permit at the Alien Registration Office. 3.6 International Clubs There are two international clubs: One of the Freie Universität and the international club of the HU called “Orbis Humboldtianus” (to contact see lists of universities in chapter 6). They offer various recreational opportunities, language programs and in addition, the “Orbis Humboldtianus” offers a visa-service. Beyond that there are many more international associations at the universities in Berlin (see chapter 4.3.4). Some are transnationally oriented, others determined by a special nation or for religious students. The international clubs and associations are a good way to get in contact and interact with students from all over the world and make new friends. If you have special questions you will find answers here. You can find more information regarding the structure of universities from the DAAD: www.daad.de/deutschland/wege-durchs-studium/studienverlauf/06101.en.html Vocabulary 20 Voc Lecturer Dozent Lecture Vorlesung Tutorial Übung Information for International Students Deadline Abgabetermin, Frist Exam Prüfung To enroll einschreiben Presentation Referat Term paper Hausarbeit (Oral) examination Kolloquim Library Bibliothek Student card Studentenausweis 4. What - When - Where We provide you with a timeline to assist you as you prepare to come to Berlin, upon your arrival, while you are a student here, and at the conclusion of your studies. 4.1 Pre-departure The following things you should take care of or consider before starting your studies in Berlin. This should give you guidance for the things you have to prepare. You can find more information at Deutsches Studentenwerk: www.internationale-studierende.de/en/prepare_your_studies/ 4.1.1 University application Requirements to study in Germany In order to study in Germany you need a proper eligibility of university admission (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) that enables you to study in your home country. This eligibility has to be equal and approved to the German “Abitur”. The specific eligibility of university admission of EU citizens will be approved in general. Applicants from Non-EU countries need their eligibility checked by the international office of the particular university (chapter 6) or by uni-assist2. 2 uni-assist is an association that coordinates the applications and admissions for international students at various universities. If you want to study in Berlin you might need to apply at uni-assist. • Applicants from the EU and EEA need to pay 43,-€ for a university application • All other applicants need to pay 63,-€ for an application • Every additional application costs 15,-€ www.uni-assist.de/index_en You can check the uni-assist website for the cooperating universities in Berlin: http://www. uni-assist.de/uni-assist-members.html 21 What/When/Where You can check the following data bases if your eligibility of university admission is approved: • DAAD: www.daad.de/deutschland/wege-durchs-studium/zulassung/06550.en.html • Data base of the conference of the ministers of cultural affairs: www.anabin.de If your eligibility of university admission is not approved you will need to pass an assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung) in order to apply at a university. To prepare for this assessment test you can visit a study college (Studienkolleg). The lessons of the college will take two semesters (one year) in general. Certainly it is possible to take the assessment test without the college, but it can be very hard. You can apply over the service address for international university applicants “uni-assist” at the study colleges. Application Please check the application requirements of the certain university to which you want to apply thoroughly. For some courses of study you can apply directly at the university. Other universities give admission over cooperating partners like “uni-assist” or “Hochschulstart”3. Contact the responsible international office for further support. Nan Yang – student tutor for students from China: “I think it is important to give more time and energy to learning the language as quickly as possible, in order to find your own way and become acquainted with the society and culture.” 4.1.2 Language skills You should consider learning German even when you are enrolled for a Non-German degree program. Speaking and understanding German will help you to get in touch with locals, find new friends, deal with German forms and applications and can give you a solid base if you think about staying and finding a job in Germany after your studies. If you want to start a German degree program, certain language skills are required. 22 3 “Hochschulstart - Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung” coordinates the admission of special courses of study like medicine or pharmacy centrally. Other courses of study with numerus clausus might be coordinated from Hochschulstart as well. www.hochschulstart.de/ Information for International Students No test necessary: For passed Abitur at German-language secondary school, a major German language certificate at Goethe Institut or the German Language Diploma (level II) There are two German language tests you have to pass: 1. DSH (German Language University Entrance Examination) 2. TestDaF (Test of German as a Foreign Language) The DSH and TestDaF are the prime German language tests for university registration. The TestDaF is offered in several centers in 180 nations and in Germany of course (for more information visit www. testdaf.de/). The DSH is only offered at the German universities. Please inform yourself about examination dates and registration deadlines. Your international Office (see register of universities in chapter 6) will help you as well. The costs of the TestDaF are around 175,- € and the costs of the DSH can vary among the universities. If you don’t have the required German language skills you can obtain them at a language course. There are various language courses offered in Berlin e.g.: • Language courses at the universities (ASH, Chartié, FU, HfM, HTW, HWR, HU, TU, UdK) – for further information and contacts look at the address register • Language courses at the community colleges of the city districts of Berlin (costs aprox. 140 €); www.berlin.de/vhs/kurse/deutsch/ deutschfremd.html • Language courses at Goethe Institut (costs aprox. 1.000 €); Neue Schönhauser Str. 20 D-10178 Berlin, E-mail: berlin@goethe.de, www.goethe.de/ins/de/enindex.htm • Other private language schools like GLS, Hartnackschule etc. (costs can vary) • More information for language courses from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) www.daad.de/deutschland/deutsch-lernen/13856.en.html 4.1.3 Costs of living The costs of fares, rent, insurances etc. can differ enormously from your home country so be aware of these facts. In order to give you a little guidance on how much money you might need per month, here is a list of possible expenses. • 280 € per semester for semester fees including the semester ticket • 5-10 € per month for scripts or books approx. • 250-350 € for a room in a shared apartment or students dorm 23 What/When/Where • 150-200 € food etc. • ~80 € for health insurance (students rate) • 80 € per month (depends on lifestyle) for cultural activities and free time • 845€ - 1.000 € total Please note: Nearly everyone living in Germany is required to pay a fee to the public broadcasting institutions called “Rundfunkbeitrag”. The fee is collected by the „Beitragsservice von ARD, ZDF und Deutschlandradio“ (formerly GEZ), a joint organization of Germany‘s public broadcasting institutions that is located in Cologne. It is authorized to collect a fee (17,98 Euro per month) from every household. Please remember to register there to avoid claims. www.rundfunkbeitrag.de Proof of financial reserves International students who are not citizens of the EU or European Economic area need to prove financial reserves of 8.000,-€ in order to stay in Germany and get a residence permit. Proofs can be the income of the parents, assets, bankbooks etc. – please ask the German embassy in your home country which proofs will be recognized. For further information: www.berlin.de/labo/ auslaender/dienstleistungen/studium_de 4.1.4 Visa application • Citizens from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland only need a valid personal identification card to enter Germany • Citizens from other countries need a visa if the stay in Germany is over 90 days • Citizens from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and the United States can apply for a visa after arriving • Citizens from all other countries need to apply for a visa before coming to Germany For more information visit the site of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Auswärtiges Amt): www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/Visabestimmungen_node.html 24 Information for International Students Study applicant visa (Visum zum Zweck der Studienbewerbung) and student visa (Visum für den Aufenthalt zu Studienzwecken) If you want to apply for a university and haven’t got an admission yet, you need to apply for a study applicant visa. Student visas are normally valid for three months. After that period of time you need to apply for a residence permit (Aufenhaltserlaubnis) at the Foreigner Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde Berlin). For further Information visit the site of the Alien Registration Office Berlin: www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/dienstleistungen/studium_de 4.1.5 Housing Berlin is a vivid and changing cultural center. Every year thousands of people move to the historically-charged city attracted by the open and creative atmosphere. Although most rent is still on a low level compared to other European metropolises, the apartment market is getting more embattled than the years before. So you should start looking early for an apartment or student accommodation. Studentenwerk To ensure Berlin’s students affordable and comfortable housing, the Studentenwerk offers a large number of students accommodations at a low and fair price. The 9.500 accommodations are located in different city districts near almost every university. Look for more detailed information in chapter 1.2.2 Student accommodations – Studentenwohnheime or visit: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/wohnen/wohnheimseite Studentendorf Schlachtensee The student accommodations “Studentendorf Schlachtensee” are a national cultural monument. Since 1959 the “Studentendorf Schlachtensee” has offered campus style housing in the South of Berlin. For more information visit: www.studentendorf-berlin.com/ Bürgermeister-Reuter-Stiftung The Mayor Reuter Foundation offers furnished apartments and rooms. The facilities offered by the non-profit Mayor Reuter Foundation are aimed particularly at young people, who are either in education or training - e.g. students, interns and apprentices. Info@brst.de www.brst.de “Fördererkreis Junge Politik e.V.” The society „Fördererkreis Junge Politik e.V.“ offers housing for students in Berlin Charlottenburg.For more information visit: www.wohnheim-berlin.de/index.php/home_en 25 What/When/Where Private accommodation Private accommodations are an option as well, if you look for suitable housing. The price and quality can vary significantly throughout the city districts. In Berlin it’s more common to rent apartments that are not furnished. So you might need to buy additional furniture. Fully furnished apartments are rare and mostly very expensive. A further alternative is to find a room in a flat-share. Flat-shares are very popular among students. In flat-shares several people live together and share the rent and the costs of additional charges. Everyone has his own room and the kitchen and bathroom are shared. This is also an attractive alternative to get in contact with people and make new friends. Popular websites for flat-shares: www.studenten-wg.de www.wg-gesucht.de Practical tip Is the rent for an offered apartment a hot deal or a rip off? You can compare the rent of an apartment online at the Berliner rent index (Mietspiegel). It shows you what other people pay for comparable apartments in that city area. The rent excluding additional chargers per square meter will be calculated – just multiply that by the size of your apartment: www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/wohnen/mietspiegel Please notice: Most universities have the possibility to hang out notices. Therefore a look at the bulletin board (schwarzes Brett) of your university can be useful too. Check the notices for rental offers or hang out your own request! Vocabulary Voc 26 Rent Miete Rent arrangement Mietvertrag Rent excluding additional charges Kaltmiete Rent including additional charges Warmmiete Additional charges Nebenkosten / NK Landlord Vermieter Facility manager Hausmeister Student hall of residence Studentenwohnheim Flat-share Wohngemeinschaft / WG Furnished apartment Möblierte Wohnung Official document certifying / a tentant’s financial hardship Wohnberechtigungsschein/ WBS Information for International Students 4.1.6 Health insurance and other insurances Anastasiya Lytovka - tutor of students accommodation Mollwitzstraße: “In Germany health insurance is not only recommendable, it’s obligatory. Staying in a foreign country, it’s always important to know that there is an institution that will take care of your needs, especially when it comes to your health. When you are insured in Germany you are on the safe side. Because there is a compulsory insurance the medical care does not focus on one‘s social origin. In Germany you need proof of health insurance (Krankenversicherungsnachweis) to enrol at a university. If you are from EU, Croatia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Norway or Switzerland your public health insurance can get approved. If you have a European Health insurance card you have coverage of health insurance in Germany. If you have a private health insurance please contact your insurer if you have coverage in Germany, but notice: Once you have chosen a private health insurance in Germany during the duration of your studies, you can’t change into the public health system. The regular option is to be health insured in Germany. All Students under the age of 30 or until their 14th academic semester are eligible for public health insurance in Germany. Students may take out insurance from a private company as well. Please note: once a student takes out private health insurance, he or she cannot change back to public health insurance during the course of study. High costs can be the result. Students who are over 30 years or the 14th academic semester can choose if they want to be voluntarily insured through the public health insurance (higher costs than reduced student rates) or get private insurance. Please inform yourself about the possible costs! Public health is provided to students at a reduced rate (~80 €). You can choose the public health insurer. The biggest public health insurers are: AOK, DAK, Barmer, TK, IKK. For more information: • www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/berlin/international/timeline/ vor_der_einreise_nach_deutschland/krankenversicherung/ index.html • www.internationale-studierende.de/en/on_arrival/health_insurance/ 27 What/When/Where • www.daad.de/deutschland/deutschland/leben-in-deutschland/06266.en.html Vocabulary Voc Doctor Arzt Doctor’s office Arztpraxis Pharmacy Apotheke to be on a sick leave Einen Krankenschein haben Medication Medikament Spezialist referral Überweisung (an einen Spezialisten) Prescription Rezept Liability insurance is an insurance that protects you against property lost and claimed damages by a third party. You might have liability insurance from your home country. Please ask your insurer if you have coverage for overseas. Liability insurance “Privathaftpflichversicherung” for private persons covers: • If you brake contract commitments inculpably • If you violate duty of care • If you act imperilling You can find an insurance calculator (only in German) online at: www.studis-online.de/StudInfo/Versicherungen/haftpflichtversicherung.php#Start Please notice: If you drive a car in Germany you need a obligatory special car liability insurance! It’s not covered by your private liability insurance! Home contents insurance is an insurance that covers damages or thefts on furniture, appliances, clothing and occasionally bikes. Home contents “Hausratversicherung” covers: 28 • Fire caused by: undefined source, thunderbolt, explosion, implosion, impact or crash caused by an aircraft • Water: damages caused by leaking faucet water, frost damages • Storm and hail • Thefts: Burglary and robbery • Vandalism Please notice: Your bike might not be covered by the home content insurance. Read your contract thoroughly! Information for International Students If you need independent advice you can contact the consumer advice center “Verbraucherzentrale Berlin”. The service is offered to different fees. Insurance counselling is offered to a price of 20,-€. A discount for persons with financial hardship is possible. Verbraucherzentrale Berlin Hardenbergplatz 2 | 4th floor | 10623 Berlin Office hours for counselling: Tue: 10:00 – 16:00, Thu: 10:00 – 19:00, Fri: 10:00 – 14:00 www.vz-berlin.de/UNIQ133974897410435/Anfahrt-Oeffnungszeiten 4.2 Arrival in Berlin Here you are! Welcome in Berlin. New exciting times are waiting for you. The following points should give you guidance for the first days and weeks after your arrival in Berlin. Enjoy your stay! 4.2.1 Enrolment and semester ticket The enrolment or matriculation is the process where you become an official student of a university. The invitation to enrol is linked to the admission letter. Furthermore the request to transmit the semester contribution is included as well. There is a period in which the enrolment is possible– this period can be short, so be sure you have all required documents: • Enrolment application • Passport or ID-card • Admission notification • Proof of university entrance qualification • Proof of paid semester contribution • Confirmation of health insurance • Confirmation of passed language test Once you have sent all documents correctly you will receive the matriculation certificates, the student ID card and the semester ticket. After every semester a new enrolment is necessary. At the end of a current semester a notification will be sent with the request to transmit the semester fee. There is a deadline to pay the fee. Please notice: If deadlines are not met and payments are late, you will be fined or removed from the register. Semester contribution This sum has to be paid at the inguinal enrolment and before each semester. 29 What/When/Where It contains: • Enrolment fee • Fee for students union (StuPa, RefRat) • Fee for Studentenwerk • Semester ticket (not at every university) • Social contribution The actual height of the semester contribution is around 280-300 €. Students having a semester abroad, pregnant students and students with children with a semester on leave can be exempted from the Studentenwerk fee or can get a refund of this fee. Students can apply for the refund or exemption at their AStA (see chapter 6). Semester ticket Berlin has one of the best public transportation systems in Europe. There is no place you can’t reach by bus, train or even ferry. Even at night the busses and trams (night busses and metro busses and trams) will be operated continuously and at the weekends even the metro and city trains will be running nonstop. Therefore the semester ticket is an affordable ticket for public transport especially for students. The ticket is valid (in combination with your students ID, passport or ID-card) for the semester (6month) and it is not transferable. After each semester a new ticket will be issued and sent with the matriculation certificates. The ticket is valid for Berlin and parts of the state of Brandenburg – fare zones ABC. It’s possible to use busses, trams, metros (U-Bahn), city trains (S-Bahn), local trains (Regionalzug und Regionalexpress) and even ferries within the fare zones. If you want to find your way around, use the connection tool of the BVG (Berlin Verkehrsbetriebe): www.bvg.de/index.php/en/index.html Semester ticket grant For students with very low income and no assets there is the possibility to apply for the social grant regarding the semester ticket. The income must be under the needs determined by the social law. You can find more information at your AStA (see chapter 6). 4.2.2 Residence registration and residence permit Residence registration 30 International students have to register like German students at the Citizen Office (Bürgeramt, www.berlin.de/suche/index. php?q=Bezirksamt) of your city district within two weeks. Exceeding this deadline can be fined! Information for International Students The issued registration certificate is important and should be kept (to open a bank account e.g.) Needed documents: • Passport or ID card (for EU-citizens) • Lease contract More information from Deutsches Studentenwerk: www. internationale-studierende.de/en/on_arrival/register/ Residence permit All students who are not from the EU or European Economic area need to apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) at the Alien Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde). To have a legal stay in Germany this permission is strictly required. The costs of a residence permit are between 50 € and 60 € depending on the length of your stay. Needed documents: • Registration certificate (see above) • Passport with visa (see 4.1.3 Visa application) • Students ID or certificate of matriculation (see 5.2.2 Enrolment and semester ticket) • Proof of health insurance (see 4.1.5 Health insurance and other insurances) • Proof of financial reserves (see 4.1.2 Costs of living) • Health insurance certificate (if required) eAT – electronic residence permit (elektronischer Aufenthaltstitel) The eAT is a document that proves the residence permit. It is in credit card size with additional functions. The card contains a chip with biometric data (passport photo and two finger prints), residence permit restrictions and personal information. Furthermore the chip contains an electronic identification proof and allows the use of electronic signature. Residence permit restrictions will be additionally noted on an extra sheet. If you lose your eAT, please call 0180-1 33 33 33 (3,9 ct per minute) and block your eAT. Please inform the Alien Registration Office. 31 What/When/Where Sarah Schaaf – students tutor at students accommodation Eichkamp “Bureaucracy is a stressful thing in every country. Germany is no exception in that. If you need to go to a department or an office, check in advance on the Internet as to which documents you need, print them out, fill them in, and take them with you to the department as soon as it opens on any Monday. This way you save waiting time and avoid going twice.” 4.2.3 Bank account Opening a German Bank account can have some advantages like transferring the rent or withdrawing money without any fees. Most banks offer a special students account without fees. In order to open a German bank account you need to bring: • Passport or identification card • Student ID or confirmation of enrolment • Proof of resident registration After you opened a bank account you will get a debit card (EC card or Girocard). You can use this card for withdrawing money from your bank account or paying in stores. There you might need to prove the payment with PIN (individual four-digit number) or with your signature. Bank transactions can be done online, at special bank machines in the bank or over the counter. More information from Deutsches Studentenwerk: www.internationale-studierende.de/en/on_arrival/making_a_good_start/ Payment terms in Germany In Germany it’s common to pay with cash and rarer with EC card or Girocard. The use of credit cards, like Visa or Master card is unusual. Most bakeries, corner shops etc. don’t accept debit or credit cards, or only above a certain sum (like 20,-€). Supermarkets and bigger shops most likely accept EC cards or Girocards. Please check before paying if a credit card is accepted (ask the staff or look for credit card symbols at the entry doors or at the cash register). Currency 32 Germany is member of the European currency union. Therefore the official currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR, €). The subunit of the Euro is the Eurocent (ct) . One hundred Eurocents equals one Euro. Besides that the Euro is accepted as official currency in: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cypress, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Kosovo, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Vatican and certain overseas territories. Information for International Students The following banknotes are available: 5 €, 10 €, 20 €, 50 €, 100 €, 200€ , 500 €. The following coins are available: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 €, 2 € You lost your debit card? In order to block your bank card dial: 116 116 Vocabulary Money Geld Transaction Überweisung Withdrawal Geld abheben Bank statement Kontoauszug Block an account Konto sperren lassen Spezialist referral Überweisung (an einen Spezialisten) Prescription Rezept Voc 4.3 Student life The following chapter is dedicated to student life. So we want to provide a view of different aspects, like studying with children, financing your studies and various ways of spending your free time. 4.3.1 Studying and children Coming to a foreign country, starting a study and having children can be an exciting challenge. This chapter should give you guidance and show possible grants for students with children. Please note: The social counselling - Sozialberatung regularly publishes the brochure „Studieren mit Kind in Berlin“. The brochure includes comprehensive information for pregnant women and students with a child or children. www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/bub/sozialberatung/studieren_mit_kind/index.html Maternity protection More then 65% of the students in Germany work beside their studies. In case of pregnancy and birth, the law of maternity protection (Mutterschutzgesetz) will be valid. Pregnant student employees should ask their employee organization (Betriebsrat) for current regulations at their employment. Dismissal protection (Kündigungsschutz) From the beginning of the pregnancy till the end of the parental leave (Elternzeit) a dismissal protection exists. If a woman is 33 What/When/Where pregnant and is given a notice she can make her employer aware of her pregnancy within two weeks. The dismissal protection will still be valid. Protection period (Schutzfristen) In general there is a protection period 6 weeks ahead of the birth and 8 weeks after birth. 6 weeks ahead of birth a pregnant woman can only be employed if she wishes so. Eight weeks after birth an employment is prohibited. Maternity protection wage (Mutterschutzlohn) The maternity protection wage is a replacement wage in case a pregnant woman gets a prohibition notice before the protection period starts. A reason for a prohibition notice can be perinatal complications. The maternity protection wage is the average wage of the last 3 months before the pregnancy. It will be paid till the beginning of the protection period. The maternity protection wage will be paid by the employer after a medical certificate is presented. Maternity benefit (Mutterschaftsgeld) The maternity benefit is a replacement wage during the protection period (six weeks ahead of birth and eight weeks after). Working students can apply for maternity benefits at their health insurance if: • Member for at least 12 weeks of the state health insurance between the 4th and 10th month before pregnancy • Current employment at the beginning of the protection period or valid dismissal notice within the protection period The height of the benefit is on a comparable basis of the average wage of the last three months. Pregnant student employees with dependents’ co-insurance or private health insurance have to apply for maternity benefits at the national insurance office (Bundesversicherungsamt). Bundesversicherungsamt (BVA) – Mutterschaftsgeldstelle Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 38 | 53113 Bonn Phone: +49 (0)2 28 61 9 – 18 88 E-mail: mutterschaftsgeldstelle@bva.de Web: www.bva.de Foundation “Hilfe für die Familie” 34 The foundation “Hilfe für die Familie” (aid for the family) supports pregnant students Information for International Students and students with children with low income and assets. Primarily a layette and baby-equipment will be funded. Documents you need: • Passport and proof of residence (and passport of partner if living in one household) • Pregnancy record (Mutterpass) – issued by the gynecolist • Proof and documentation of assets • Proof of all incomes of one household • Certificate of matriculation • Current bank statements • Lease and amount of health insurance • Proof of earnings (of interests etc.) • Notifications (if claim exists or possibly exists – check chapter 4.3.2 or contact “Sozialberatung” of the Studentenwerk) of BAföG, unemployment benefits, housing benefits, child benefits, parent benefits, alimonies It’s not possible to apply directly at the foundation. Applications can be processed at counselling centers like the “Sozialberatung” of the Studentenwerk. If you have any questions about the requirements and procedure please contact the “Sozialberatung” of the Studentenwerk. State benefits for parents and children Please notice: The following state benefits are relevant if you are a part of one of these groups. • Students with a study visa from Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia • Students who have a residence permit for exercise of employment • Students from the European Union, European Economic area and Switzerland with a residence permit according to the law on freedom of movement “FreizügG/EU” and family members (non-EU citizens as well) with a residence permit according to “FreizügG/EU” • A check can be rewarded if the other parent fulfils the requirements Child benefit (Kindergeld) Child benefit is a state grant that parents can get. Child benefit is not income-contingent. Parents need to apply at the department of families (Familienkasse) of the employment agency (Agentur für Arbeit/Jobcenter) for child benefit. 35 What/When/Where Required documents: • Filled application • Birth certificate • Residence registration if child is older then six months • Passport Parent benefit (Elterngeld) The “Elterngeld” is an income replacement. All parents have a claim on parent benefit even with no income. The payment of the parent benefit can be taken in the first 14 months after the birth of the child. Student parents with no income just have a claim on 12 months of parent benefit. The height of the payment depends on the height of the income of the last 12 months before the six weeks of maternity period started. Income Parent benefit Up to 300€ 300€ parent benefit 301,00 – 1.000,00€ Gradually up to 100% of the income 1.000,00 – 1.200,00€ 67% of the income 1.240,00 € and more 65% maximum 1.800,00€ Parents need to apply for parent benefit at the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) of the city district. Sozialgeld (State support for children of parents with low income) Parent students with low income can apply for state benefits for their children if they have an income too low to support them. 4.3.2 Financing academic study Financing one’s studies is almost always a mixture of different sources. To prove the individual needs and resources is highly recommended in order to have a stress-free period of studying. We will assist you in finding your way. You are always welcome to visit the “Sozialberatung” of the Studentenwerk (chapter 1.1.4.1) for professional counselling in matters of financing your studies. 4.3.2.1 Federal Law on Support in Education (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz – BAföG) 36 The “BAföG” is a puplic allowance for students. Students can apply for “BAföG” at the office of support in Education (“Amt für Ausbildungsförderung”), which is a part of the Studentenwerk Information for International Students as well. The grant is connected to special preconditions. Basically “BAföG” is offered for the standard period of study and is composed of 50% grant and 50% interest-free loan. The height of the “BAföG is mostly connected to the income of the parents and the number of siblings that are in education. Beyond that it’s possible to get “BAföG” without the inclusion of the income of the parents under special conditions. The maximum rate is today 670 € for students with their own household. Additionally students with children can apply for a further extra grant of 113 €. The highest level of debt is principally 10.000€, everything above that will be waived. General Requirements • Age limit: 30 years old for Bachelor and 35 years for Master (exceptions might be the raising of children) • only for the first study (a change of study is only possible without problems after the third semester) • only for the standard period of study (extension only under special reasons) • course assessment after the 4th semester • “BAföG” calculated independent of height of the parents income: o Students that began to study after their 30th birthday o After the 18th birthday 5 years of own income o After 3 years of job training minimum 3 years of income Preconditions for foreign students to receive “BAföG” • Foreign students with a German spouse or parent • Foreign students who got divorced from a German spouse or a foreigner with a claim on “BAföG” • Foreign students who obtain the right of residence (Aufenhaltsrecht) as a family member (child or spouse) of a Germany-based citizen of the EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland and got the right of residence according to the law on freedom of movement “FreizügG/EU”– or foreign students who don’t obtain the right of residence from this regulation because their parents don’t pay maintenance • Foreign Students from the EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland who were employed before starting the study (at least six months and the employment needs to be related contentwise to the study) • Foreign Students from the EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland who have been living in Germany for five years with right of permanent residence 37 What/When/Where • Foreign students with residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) • Foreigns students with right of residence (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) because they are family members of a person who got the residence permit • Foreign students with right of residence under the terms of the articles: §§ 22, 23, § 23a, § 25 I or II, § 25a, § 28, § 37, § 38 I Nr. 2 or § 104a AufenthG (“Law on the right of residence”) - Please look in your passport which article is valid for your right of residence! • Foreign students who have stayed at least four years in Germany with a right of residence under the terms of the articles § 25 III, § 25 IV S.2, § 25 V or § 31 AufenthG or with a suspension of a deportation (Duldung) - Please look in your passport for which article is valid for your right of residence! • Foreign students who have stayed at least four years in Germany as a spouse or child of person with a right of residence under the conditions of the articles §§ 30, 32, 33 or 34 AufenthG • Foreign students have a right of residence under the conditions of the article § 16 AufenthG, if: o they are citizens of Turkey and their parents have remained employees o in the last six years a parent has worked three years in Germany o they have worked by themselves at least five years before starting the study To oversee the jungle of paragraphs can be very complicated. But a detailed examination of possible claims can be very lucrative! If you need assistance please contact the “Sozialberatung” (chapter 1.1.4.1) or the “Amt für Ausbildungsförderung”. Amt für Ausbildungsförderung Behrenstraße 40/41 | 10117 Berlin Office hours: Tue: 10:00 – 12:00 and 13:30 – 15:30, Thu: 15:00 – 18:00 April and October additionally Fri 10:00 – 13:00 Phone: +49 (0)30 93 93 9 – 70 Fax: +49 (0)30 93 93 9 – 60 02 E-mail: info@studentenwerk-berlin.de www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/bafoeg 4.3.2.2 Scholarships 38 Not only highly gifted people can receive scholarships. It’s possible that many more students can benefit from them. The advantage of a scholarship is that there is no repayment. Information for International Students Crucial for success is the motivational letter. Generally the effort is comparable to an application for a qualified employment, but it’s worth it. Please note that some scholarships awarded are limited to foreign students. Some foundations might have fixed application terms and documents you have to fill out. Others might have no application standards. The next six steps should help you to get an idea of how to apply for a scholarship. 1. Self-image The correct self-image is very important: How am I? What do I want? • The personal profile, goals and skills should be clear • Personal plans should be delineated. It should be clear what you want to achieve. • A detailed enlisting of finances (income and expenses) • A vision of how the cooperation with the foundation should look 2. Research There are various foundations with an enormous variety of purposes. Therefore a knowledgeable research is the most important thing to start with in order to find the matching founder. There isn’t just one way of doing it. To start your research you can choose different resources. • Research resources from the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service): www.daad.de/deutschland/foerderung/stipendiendatenbank/00462.de • Foundation index (Information only in German) of the Federal Ministry of Education and Science (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung): www.stipendienlotse.de • There are twelve “Begabtenförderungswerke”, institutions which are supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and which award scholarships to motivated and ambitious students from all disciplines: www.stipendiumplus.de • Performance scholarship “Deutschlandstipendium” (Information only in German): www.deutschland-stipendium.de • Association of German Foundations (Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen); foundation index (Stiftungsindex) of all German foundations (Information only in German): CD-ROM (libraries) Online (only extract): www.stiftungsindex.de • My stipendium; online Database of foundations where you can draw up a personal profile (Information only in German): www.mystipendium.de 39 What/When/Where 3. Picture about the other Foundations always follow a certain purpose. So it’s very important to check guidelines, mission statements and other available documents for that. 4. Finding the right one A foundation always follows certain intensions. Those intensions should equal your own ideas and fit to your personal convictions and needs. • The focus, the target group of the foundation • Height of financial support • Selection criteria and requirements Those points should fit to your needs and ideas and you should get more information about the foundations (for example over the internet). Get in touch with the foundation. You should not apply to more then five foundations at a time (mass applications will be recognized immediately and have a negative influence). 5. The right words – Writing an application The first step is to find the correct address and contact person. Make sure that you know the correct application design (can vary within the foundations). Aspects you should consider: • Expressions: concise, appropriate, briefly and succinctly • Length: depends on the height of the support • Structure: logical setup; orientation at the foundation • Outline: professional, clearly legible An application should contain a cover letter and a detailed financial plan. Let your application be read over by others. 6. Send off the application First of all you will receive a notice of arrival in most cases. A refusal will always be sent faster then an acceptance – so be patient. You might call the foundation after two weeks if you haven’t gotten a notice. Introduce yourself and ask if your application has already arrived. A good application can also be refused if the budget of the foundation is exhausted. Don’t quit in this case and try next year. Inform the foundation if something has changed or changes in your life. If you are invited to an interview please prepare yourself thoroughly. If you receive an acceptance please ask the foundation how the cooperation will be arranged. 40 Information for International Students 4.3.2.3 Foundations for emergency situations A funding of the Evangelical Church is possible for voluntary working students from Africa, Asia and Latin America. You can apply for hardship fund at the Evangelical students parish (evangelische Studierendengemeinde – ESG). ESG, Pfr. Pfistner Borsigstraße 5 | 10115 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 28 38 82 27 E-mail: notfonds@esgberlin.de www.esgberlin.de Student parents and pregnant students can be supported by the foundation “Hilfe für die Familie” (aid for the family). Please look at chapter 4.3.1 “Study and children”. Students in severe emergency situations have the possibility to get support through an emergency funding from the Studentwerk. “Notfond”. For further Information contact the Sozialberatung. 4.3.2.4 National social benefits (Soziale Leistungen) Germany is a constitutional welfare state. Therefore it’s intended to preserve social justice and encourage social participation. There are some social benefits even non-German students can profit from. But please check your residence status carefully. An application for social benefits can have a negative influence on your residence permit if you are not from the EU or fulfill the conditions. If you need advice please visit our social counselling (“Sozialberatung”). We assist you in matters of social law. Housing benefit (Wohngeld) Housing benefit is a state grant supplementary to rent. It’s only available if a small income exists (about 380€ plus the rate of health insurance and 2/3 of the rent). The housing benefit needs to be applied for at the Citizens Registration Office (Bürgeramt) of the city districts. Please note: If you are not from the EU, European Economic Area or Switzerland you shouldn’t apply for the housing benefit. It could have a negative influence on your residence permit Citizens Registration Offices of Berlin: www.berlin.de/verwaltungsfuehrer/buergerberatung Unemployement benefit (Arbeitslosengeld II) Normally students can’t apply for unemployment benefits. It’s only possible for increased demands, as caused by a pregnancy, for the children of students (see chapter “Study and children”) and in a few cases as a loan or in a semester break (Urlaubssemester). Applications will be processed at the employment agency of your 41 What/When/Where city district (Agentur für Arbeit/Jobcenter). The employment agency is going to prove income and assets, and the applicant is obligated to cooperate and perhaps to resume work. Please notice: Be careful if you are not from the EU, European Economic area or Switzerland with permanent residence you shouldn’t apply for unemployment benefits. It could end your residence permit! Unemployment agencies of Berlin: www.berlin.de/jobcenter 4.3.2.5 Student loans Studentische Darlehnskasse (Daka) The society “Studentische Darlehnskasse e.V.” offers student loans at a low rate for students and Ph.D. candidates in the end of their studies or Master studies. Requirements: • The university has to be a member of the society “Studentische Darlehnskasse e.V.” (FU, TU, UdK, BHT, ASH, Charité, PHB and EHB – look at chapter 6.) • Two professors have to testify that the studies will be ended in the next 12 months (exceptions: Master students, and students of the ASH and EHB in internships) • Obligation to name a bailsmen for a loan up to 6.000,-€ and two bailsmen over 6.000,-€ (bailsmen have to have at least 1.000,-€ of income a month with a permanent residence) • Height and duration • Up to 750,-€ monthly maximum 24 months (max. 12 months in bachelor studies) • Repayment starts 7 months after the last payment at an interest rate of 2% the first two years, 4% from the third to the sixth year and 6% from the seventh year Application • 42 Application should be made personally at a counselling interview Studentische Darlehnskasse e. V. Hardenbergstraße 34 | 10623 Berlin Office hours: Mo, Tue, Thu: 10:00-12:00 and Wed: 14:00-16:00 In the semester break Tue: 10:00-12:00 Phone: +49 (0)30 31 90 01- 0 Fax: +49 (0)30 31 90 01- 25 E-Mail: mail@dakaberlin.de Web: www.dakaberlin.de Information for International Students Bildungskredit The “Bildungskredit” is a government-sponsored student loan at a low interest rate which is offered by the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt) in cooperation with the credit institute KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau). Requirements: • Fulfilled preconditions for BAföG (for foreign students – see BAföG) • Proof of passed exams of the first year of a Bachelor study or proof of passed exams of the first two years of a state examination (Staatsexamen) study (law, medicine and pharmacy studies) • Not over 12th semester • Not older than 36 years • Only full-time students Height and duration: • Up to 300 € per month maximum 2 years • Single payment up to 3.600,- possible, total funds shall not exceed 7.200 € • Interest rate at 1,45 % (adjustment at 01.04. and 01.10. p.a.) Application: • Application at the Federal Office of Administration (Bundesverwaltungsamt) online: www.bildungskredit.de • Applications at the KfW online: www.kfw-foerderbank.de > Inlandsförderung > Programmübersicht > Bildungskredit BAföG bank loan (BAföG Bankdarlehen) The BAföG bank loan is a financial help for the end of one’s studies. Requirements: • Claim on BAföG • Admission to final exams maximum 4 semesters over the standard period of study (mostly for a 6 semester bachelor and a 4 semester master) • Certification by the university that study will be finished within the maximum period of funding Height and duration: • Maximum 12 months • Height is equal to the calculated need of BAföG (maximum 670 €) 43 What/When/Where • Repayment starts 18 months of the last payment in rates of minimum 105 at an interest rate of 2,10 % (adjustment at 01.04. and 01.10. p.a.) • Clearance within 20 years Application: • Amt für Ausbildungsförderung (see chapter 4.3.2.1). Studentloan of the KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau) The KfW bank offers a student loan to finance studies from the first semester onward. Requirements: • Not older then 44 • German citizens or their relatives (both have to be living in federal territory) • Citizens of the EU who have been in Germany at least 3 years, or their relatives (both have to be living in federal territory) • Proof of performance record after the 6th semester Height and duration: • 238 € connection charge • Maximum 14 semesters 100 € up to 650 € a month • Repayment starts 23 months after last payment and can extend up to 25 years • The height of the repayment depends on the income; interest rates are variable (adjustment at 01.04. and 01.10. p.a.); at the contract formation a maximum interest rate for 15 years will be fixed Applications: • Contract offers are available online: www.kfw-foerderbank.de Hotline: 01801/24 24 25 Other student loans Basically students can choose the offers of other private credit institutes as well. The “Centrum für Hochschulentwicklung” surveys student loans of regional and national providers every year. Their criteria can be a good decision aid. But please note that the offer for international students might be very limited. So read the requirements thoroughly. www.che-studienkredit-test.de (Information in German) 44 Information for International Students Vocabulary Application Antrag Department Amt Financing Finanzierung Notification Bescheid Rate Rate Repayment Rückzahlung Requirement Voraussetzung Voc 4.3.2.6 Loan (Darlehen) of the Studentenwerk For temporary financial difficulties the Studentenwerk offers loans. Get more information about the requirements at the “Sozialberatung”. www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/bub/sozialberatung/finanzierung/ index.html#11 4.3.3 Jobs and internships Around 65% of the Students in Germany finance their studies also through their own employment. Therefore it might be an important issue of your study financing. Although there are many regulations you should pay attention to. Regulations: • Generally to keep student health insurance the weekly working hours shouldn’t exceed 20h during the lecture period. In the non-lecture period it’s possible to work more then that. • EU-citizens (except citizens from Bulgaria and Romania until 01.01.2014) can work as much as they wish and will be treated equal as German citizens. • Employment for non-EU-citizens (and from Bulgaria and Romania) is strictly regulated. International students are allowed to work 120 days (or 240 half days) per year without a work permit. To work beyond that is only allowed if you are employed at the university (studentische Hilfskraft). • For pregnant student employees regulations regarding the maternity rights need to be observed: no overnight shifts, no heavy manual labour or handling of hazardous substances • Pregnant student employees enjoy security of tenure • A pregnancy does not have to be mentioned during a job interview 45 What/When/Where • Foreign graduates from German universities can remain 18 months in Germany (look at 4.4.2.2) and can look for an appropriate job. • Spouses of international students need a special working permit from the employment agency (Arbeitsagentur) More information: • DSW (Deusches Studentenwerk):www.internationale-studierende.de/en/during_your_studies/jobbing/ • DAAD: www. daad.de/deutschland/deutschland/leben-indeutschland/06167.en.html More information for student parents and pregnant students please look at chapter “4.3.1 Studying and children”. Finding a job If you are looking for a job visit the Studentenwerk’s employment agency “Heinzelmännchen”. We offer students on the one hand high qualified jobs and on the other hand simple manual labour as well. You can choose whatever suits you best. For more information see chapter 1.1.3 or at our website: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/en/jobs Other employment agencies: Criteria – Studentische Personalvermittlung Schillerstraße 6 | 10625 Berlin Office hours: Mo-Fri: 8:00 – 18:00 Phone: +49 (0)30 78 77 11 0 www.criteria-jobs.de Effektiv Beuth-Hochschule für Technik Berlin Luxemburger Straße 10 | Haus Grashof, 1st floor, room 129 | 13353 Berlin Office hours: Mo-Fri 8:00 – 17:30 Phone: +49 (0)30 45 48 23 19 /39 www.jobstudent.de Job-und Studenten-Vermittlung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit Friedrichstraße 39, 10969 Berlin-Mitte Phone: +49(0)30/5555991180 Office hours: Mon, Tue 8:00 -16:00/ Wed, Fri 8:00 -12:00/ Thu 8:00 -18:00 and Streitstrasse 6-7, room 1002, 13587 Berlin-Spandau Phone: +49(0)30 / 5555-72-1315 or -1316, Office hours: Mon - Thu 7:00 -15:00/ Wed, Fri 7:00 -13:00 In addition various local and national newspapers list job offers: 46 • Berliner Zeitung www.berliner-jobmarkt.de/ Information for International Students • Berliner Morgenpost http://stepstone.morgenpost.de/includes/ listing/DE/pb/ASVbm/home.cfm • Tagesspiegel http://anzeigen.tagesspiegel.de/stellenindex.php • Die Zeit http://jobs.zeit.de/ • Berlin.de www.berlin.de/special/jobs-und-ausbildung/ • Zitty http://kleinanzeigen.zitty.de/ • Tip http://service.tip-berlin.de/anzeigen/index.php/Stellenmarkt Please notice: Most universities offer jobs by themself and have the possibility to hang out notices. Therefore a look at the bulletin board (schwarzes Brett) of your university can be useful too. Check the internetpage and notices for job offers or hang out an individual request! More information from Deutsches Studentenwerk: www.internationale-studierende.de/en/during_your_studies/jobbing/ Internships Internships are a good way to get an overview about practical work and establish helpful ties. Furthermore they should be related to your course of study. Some studies may even require an internship. Other studies leave the option for a volunteer internship. The length of the internship depends on the particular study regulation. You should inform yourself about the current rules of your study. Required internships won’t count against the regulation for non-EU citizens (and Bulgaria and Romania until 01.01.2014) to work 120 full days or 240 half days. However recommended or voluntary internships might need approval by the job agency (Agentur für Arbeit). It’s possible that those kinds of internships count against the 120 full or 240 half days. Please notice: If you want to start an internship in Germany, mostly good comprehension of German will be required. So you might think about learning German far ahead. For more information about learning German see chapter 4.1.2 Language skills. Social security card (Sozialversicherungsausweis) is a document that proves social security insurance in Germany. The social security card has to be tendered to the employer at the beginning of an employment. This document contains the pension security number. The Social security card is issued at the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. 47 What/When/Where Deutsche Rentenversicherung Knobelsdorffstraße 92 | 14059 Berlin E-mail: post@drv-berlin-brandenburg.de Web: www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de/ (available in German, English, French, Italian, Greek, Spanish, Polish and Turkish) Tax I.D. number (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer) The personal tax I.D. number (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer) is a permanent and personal number that shows the personal tax characteristics of a registered citizen. It’s issued by the tax office (Finanzamt) of your city district. At the beginning of an employment this number needs to be tendered to the employer. Please keep this number on file, it has a lasting validity . Please notice, if you are married or going to marry the height of the tax wage will be lowered to your or to your spouses benefit. To find your responsible tax office of your city district (Finanzamt) look at: www.berlin.de/sen/finanzen/steuern/finanzaemter/ Vocabulary Voc Application Bewerbung Job interview Bewerbungsgespräch Employment agreement Arbeitsvertrag Holiday Urlaub Sick call Krankmeldung Boss Vorgesetzter Dismissal Kündigung 4.3.4 Freetime Rafael Aviles Escobar - student tutor of the student accommodation Siegmunds Hof “Berlin has everything. Berlin is different. Enjoy your free time to discover the city. In Berlin the best things to do in your free time are those you don’t know.“ 48 Berlin became one of the most exciting, vivid and creative places Information for International Students in Europe. From the historical sights like the Berlin Wall to art exhibitions and the nightclubs of Berlin – the offers are diverse and interesting. For everyone there is something to discover. The Studentenwerk Berlin offers cultural programs for students by the “Kulturkalender”. Here you can find: • Trips • Exhibitions • Parties and festivals • Lectures and guided tours • Art and culture • Exercise and tournaments Here you can meet interesting new people and make impressive experiences. The events are all offered at a low price or even for free. So take a look – it’s worth it. Visit our homepage and look at the “Kulturkalender”: www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/kulturelle_angebote/kulturkalender If you live in one of the accommodations of the Studentenwerk there are various additional offers like barbecue or other social events like mixers. It’s always a good opportunity to meet the “neighbours” and make new friends. You will find information at the notices of your accommodation or contact your “Wohnheimtutor” (see chapter “1.1.4.4 Wohnheimtutor”). If you are glowing for sports there are various offers of the universities (Hochschulsport) you can participate in. Here you can meet other students and practice sports for little money. There are quite a lot of universities that have sports courses. Every student can visit one of these university sports courses as long as their university is in cooperation with them. Please check the websites for more information. • At Humboldt Universität: www.zeh.hu-berlin.de • At Freie Universität: www.hs-sport.fu-berlin.de • At Technische Universität: www.tu-sport.de • Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin: www-en.htw-berlin.de/service/sports.html • Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht: www.hwr-berlin.de/index.php?id=2831&0= • At Beuth Hochschule für Technik: www.tfh-sport.de/wordpress The international clubs of the FU and HU offer various events like trips and lectures. You should visit them if you are interested in meeting and interacting with other international students (see chapter “3.5 International clubs”). 49 What/When/Where If you are interested in meeting people from your home country, you have the opportunity to join one of the many international societies in Berlin: 50 • Chinesisches Kulturzentrum Berlin (Chinese culture center) Klingelhöferstraße 21 | 10785 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 26 39 07 9-0 E-mail: info@c-k-b.eu http://c-k-b.eu • Gesellschaft für Chinesische Akademiker – Vereinigung an der technischen Universität Berlin (Society for Chinese academics – society at the Technische Universität Berlin) Straße des 17. Juni 135 | c/o Koordinationsbüro TUB, Room H2129 | 10623 Berlin • Türkisches Wissenschafts- und Technologiezentrum Berlin e.V. (Turkish Science and Technology center) Franklinstraße 29 | 6th Floor, Room 5043 | 10587 Berlin E-mail: info@BTBTM.de www.BTBTM.de • Deutsch-Polnische Gesellschaft Berlin e.V. (German-Polish society Berlin) Schillerstraße 59 | 10627 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 71 38 92 01 E-mail: dpgberlin@t-online.de www.dpgberlin.de • Verein vietnamesischer Studenten in Berlin (Sivi-Berlin e.V.) (Society of Vietnamese students in Berlin) E-mail: info@SiVi-Berlin.de www.sivi-berlin.de • Club Dialog e.V. (club for Russian speaking persons) Friedrichstraße 176-179 | 10117 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 20 44 85 9 E-mail: info@club-dialog.de http://www.club-dialog.de • ASU Afrikanische Studenten-Union Berlin e.V. (African Students Union) Marchstraße 6-7 | c/o ASTA der TU | 10587 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30-31425683 Fax: +49 (0)30-3121398 E-mail: afrikanischestudentenunion@yahoo.de • The Evangelic and Catholic churches offer different proposals like worship services and other interesting social events. Here you can meet a lot of international students. o Evangelische Studierenden Gemeinde (ESG) Borsigstraße 5 | 10115 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 28 38 82 23 www.esgberlin.de o Development Education Programme for students Information for International Students • • (STUBE) Studienbegleitprogramm Berlin-Brandenburg (STUBE) The STUBE program wants to support students in subject- specific and in social matters and encourage the intercultural dialog. STUBE offers counselling and an education program (weekend seminars, day events/ excursions and club nights). The program will be arranged in cooperation with the international students. o You can find the current program here: www.esgberlin.de/programm/stube Borsigstraße 5 | 10115 Berlin Coordinator Kathleen Schneider-Murandu Office hours: Thu 13:00 – 16:00 and with appointment Phone: +49 (0)30 27 57 23 80 E-mail: stube@esgberlin.de o Katholische Studierendengemeinde Edith Stein (KSG) Dänenstraße 17 – 18 | 10439 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 44 67 49 6 – 0 E-mail: mail@ksg-berlin.de www.ksg-berlin.de At the Jewish Community of Berlin you can find the students initiative Studentim – Jüdische Studierendeninitiative Berlin. Goal of this initiative is to build up a vivid students association. A networking between Jewish students and alumni shall be established. Open forums, movie nights, travel and other social events are planed. If you want to participate, contact Studentim: o Studentim - Jüdische Studierendeninitiative Berlin Oranienburger Straße 28 – 31 | 10117 Berlin E-mail: contact form at the website www.jg-berlin.org/en/institutions/youth/jewishstudent-organisation-jsb.html The official website of the city of Berlin presents events, attractions and various other offers. Here you can find information about museums or sights. The site is released in many languages like: English, German, French, Italian, Polish, Chinese, Turkish or Russian. For more information visit: www.berlin.de/international/index.en.php • There are many ways to spend time in Berlin. It’s not a matter of money anyways. Even for a low budget there are many interesting offers. You can find events for free at: www.gratis-in-berlin.de/ • Berlin has many journals, magazines or newspapers that list current events in the city. You can purchase them, find them as free give-aways in bars or online. Here are some medias (mostly in German) that might be interesting for you: 51 What/When/Where o o o o o Exberliner (English side) www.exberliner.com [030] Magazin Berlin (free print media): www. berlin030.de/ Tip Berlin: www.tip-berlin.de/ Zitty Stadtmagazin Berlin: www.zitty.de/ Siegessäule (GLBT): www.siegessaeule.de/ 4.4 End of studies With the end of your studies a new period of your life will start. You will have to make many decisions for your future life, like finding a proper job and deciding where to live. Maybe you will want to stay in Germany and plan your working life here. You might have the wish to return to your home country. However your plans will be, this chapter will try to give you some orientation. 4.4.1 Returning home You will need to deregister from your university or Fachhochschule and acquire all of your course and examination certificates. You may wish to have these important documents, as well as your academic transcript, translated into your native language by a professional certified translator before you leave Berlin. Please note that once you deregister from your university or Fachhochschule, your residence permit expires! It is also recommended that you ask for a work certificate and references from your employers or internship supervisors. There are also a number of agreements and contracts to cancel, such as your lease, bank account and health insurance, and phone and electricity connections, as well as any newspaper or magazine subscriptions you may have had. Some of these contracts are renewed automatically if they are not cancelled. Lastly, you will need to deregister your residence at the Citizens Registration Office (Bezirksamt/Bürgeramt). If you have worked in Germany and a portion of your wages has been paid into the German pension insurance fund, you may be entitled to have these contributions paid back to you within a waiting period of two years. This does not apply to students from another European Community country or from any other country that has a social security agreement with Germany. Find out if you are eligible and obtain the necessary forms before you leave Berlin. You can learn more from the German pension insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung). www.deutsche-rentenversicherung-bund.de/ SharedDocs/en/Navigation/_home_node.html 52 Please notice: The program “Assisted return” by the Federal Office for Migration an Refugees offers information regarding a successful, permanent and sustainable return to the country of origin for foreigners who cannot or are not allowed to stay in Germany permanently: www.bamf.de/EN/Rueckkehrfoerderung/rueckkehrfoerderung-node.html Information for International Students 4.4.1.1 Finding a Job Back Home If you wish to find a job in your home country, there are some organizations that can assist you. Many universities and Fachhochschulen in Berlin have career service offices that provide valuable information and workshops to assist students with their search for employment, no matter in which country they are seeking a position. The Central Placement Office (ZAV) is the service of the Federal Employment Agency in Germany that places Germans in jobs abroad and international persons in jobs in Germany. It works with a number of international organisations and has placed job seekers in positions in more than 130 countries. The ZAV also offers in cooperation with the Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM) a reintegration program to support students from developing countries who, upon completion of their studies in Germany, are returning to their homelands to begin their professional careers. This support is in the form of subsidies that are intended to cover travel, transportation of goods and to supplement one’s earnings. To qualify for the subsidies offered by the ZAV, you must be a citizen of a developing country, have at least two years of professional or higher-educational training experience in Germany, have legal residence in Germany, and return to your home country permanently and take up employment there. Centrum für internationale Migration und Entwicklung (CIM) Mendelssohnstraße 75-77 | 60325 Frankfurt am Main Phone: +49 (0)69 71 91 21 153 E-mail: return@cimonline.de AGEF (Arbeitsgruppe Entwicklung und Fachkräfte), an association of experts in the fields of migration and development cooperation, is another organization that assists international students in reintegrating into the job market of their home countries. AGEF offers a variety of workshops, counselling, and, in cooperation with the ZAV, cross-border job placement services. AGEF GmbH Postfach 660123 | 10267 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 50 10 850 E-mail: info@agef.de The European Employment Service, or EURES, is a particularly useful service for students from European Union or European Economic Area countries and Switzerland. This is a job mobility portal that provides information, advice, and job placement services for job seekers and employers of the European labor market. You can search in their online database for job offers in all 27 EU and EEA countries. Germany’s Federal Employment Agency also has a Europe Service that is linked with the EURES network and that offers additional information on work and training opportunities in Europe and worldwide. 53 What/When/Where http://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=en&langChanged=true WUS (World University Service) is a program that supports students especially from Africa, Asia and Latin America. Matters like social situations and future job prospects for postgraduates in Africa, Asia and Latin America are work contents. The program for returning specialists (Programm für Rückkehrende Fachkräfte – PRF) promotes foreign specialists who have studied in Germany and use their knowledge in their home countries. WUS supports on average hundreds of returning specialists who work in development policy areas with workstations. World University Service | Deutsches Komitee e.V. Goebenstraße 35 | 65195 Wiesbaden Tel. +49 (0)61 1 44 66 48 Fax +49 (0)61 1 44 64 89 E-Mail: info@wusgermany.de www.wusgermany.de/ 4.4.2 Staying in Germany 4.4.2.1 Postgraduate Studies Some students go on to pursue a postgraduate degree. The international office of your university, as well as the academic faculties, can provide you with further information specific to the degree and institution you are interested in. You can also search for postgraduate degree programs in Germany through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). In addition, the DAAD has a scholarship database, as does the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen (Association of German Foundations), which easily allows you to look into different funding possibilities. For more information regarding scholarships see chapter 4.3.2.2. 4.4.2.2 Finding a Job in Germany Other students wish to find a job in Germany. Many universities in Berlin have career service offices that provide valuable information and workshops to assist students with their search for employment. Students from the European Union or European Economic Area countries and Switzerland may work in Germany without a work permit. 54 If you are a student from a Non-EU/EEA country and have successfully completed your studies, you may extend your residence permit in Germany for an additional 18 months for the purpose of seeking employment. You can apply for this extension at the Foreigner Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde). You must be able to prove that you have adequate financial resources in order to support yourself while you search for a job. In addition, during this 18 month extension period, you still have the right to work full without a work permit and registrations. Information for International Students Please notice: upon completing your studies, your residence permit as a student is no longer valid, regardless of whether the permit was designated for a longer period of time. Without extending your residence permit, you cannot legally stay in Germany. The Central Placement Office (ZAV) is the service of the Federal Employment Agency in Germany that places Germans in jobs abroad and international persons in jobs in Germany. The ZAV works with employment agencies throughout Germany as well as with each Federal State’s employment administration. Zentralstelle für Arbeitsvermittlung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (ZAV) 53107 Bonn Phone: +49 (0)228 713 13 13 You can search for current employment opportunities in Germany: • European Employment Service (EURES): http://ec.europa.eu/ eures/ • Zentralstelle für Arbeitsvermittlung der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (ZAV): www.europaserviceba.de • Berlin.de: www.berlin.de/special/jobs-und-ausbildung • Federal Employment Agency’s website: http://jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de/vamJB/startseite.html?kgr=as&aa=1&m=1e • Stellenbörsen website is also a very useful resource with a variety of career information and links to other job search sites: www.stellenboersen.de/ • in addition, various local and national newspapers, such as: o Berliner Zeitung: www.berliner-jobmarkt.de/ o Berliner Morgenpost: http://stepstone.morgenpost.de/includes/listing/DE/ pb/ASVbm/home.cfm o Tagesspiegel: http://anzeigen.tagesspiegel.de/stellenindex.php o Die Zeit: http://jobs.zeit.de/ o Zitty http://kleinanzeigen.zitty.de/ o Tip http://service.tip-berlin.de/anzeigen/index.php/ Stellenmarkt Further detailed information about laws and regulations pertaining to international job seekers in Germany is available from: 55 Legal process • Federal Employment Agency: www.arbeitsagentur.de/nn_426134/EN/zentraler-Content/Arbeiten/Arbeit-in-Deutschland-EN.html • Federal Foreign Office: www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/LernenUndArbeiten/ArbeiteninD_node.html • DAAD: www.daad.de/deutschland/index.en.html More general information on how to finish your studies from Deutsches Studentenwerk: www.internationale-studierende.de/en/ finishing_your_studies/ 5. Legal process The following chapter shows you what rights and possibilities you have if you disagree with a decision. 5.1 Notification and objections After an application at a department you will normally get a written notification (Bescheid). If you think this notification is wrong or your situation is misunderstood, you will have the possibility to submit an objection (Widerspruch). Every notification has to have information on legal remedies (Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung) within the period an objection is possible (normally one month). After this period processing is only possible in exceptional cases. You can submit an objection without any costs. Please notice: Objections should be couched in German. An objection should contain the following things: • Your name, address (with phone number) and date • Address of department • Declaration that you submit an objection • Date of notification to which you object • Reference number of notification • Your signature Approximate reasoning is not necessary. But it has to be handed in later. You should immediately explain why you are not content with the notification. You should comment on things that are not known or have been overlooked. 5.2 Emergency appeal 56 If an existential benefit is not accomplished because an objection is not processed fast enough or rejected without any justification, then you will have the possibility to submit an emergency appeal (Eilantrag) in court. Consequently the court can prompt an interim injunction to end the emergency situation temporarily. Information for International Students An emergency appeal should contain the following things: • Copy of application of department (if existent) • Explanation of hardship (for example benefits are needed to pay food or the rent) • Copy of objection or lawsuit (if existent) • Statement of current proceedings (when and where was the application turned in (viva voce and written), what was further done to get the requested benefits: on which days or dates did you speak with or call whom and what was the reaction of the department) The emergency appeal can be presented with the objection or lawsuit at the same time if an urgent demand exists. The court will request the department to provide the concerned records. After that the court will present a statement of the department to you. You should answer quickly (incorrect statements should be denied and refuted). The court will usually pass the adjudication in a speedy trial without a hearing within three to six weeks. In very urgent cases the adjudication can be done in a few days. Please notice: The court only temporarily regulates what the department has to do until the final decision is made. The emergency appeal does not replace the main trial. 5.3 Lawsuit If the disagreement is not solved by the objection proceedings the department will pass a notice of objection (Widerspruchsbescheid). In that notice the department will justify its decision. Only with a notice of objection can you file a lawsuit. Without a notice of objection a lawsuit is inadmissible. The notice of objection will contain information on legal remedies as well and where you can file the lawsuit. At the legal application office (Rechtsantragsstelle) of the court the lawsuit will be placed on record. Legal application office of the social welfare court Berlin Rechtsantragsstelle Sozialgericht Berlin Invalidenstraße 52 | Ground floor, room 11 | 10557 Berlin Office hours: Mo – Thu: 9:00 – 14:00, Fri: 9:00 – 13:00 Legal application office of the administrative court Berlin Rechtsantragsstelle Verwaltungsgericht Berlin Kirchstraße 7 | Ground floor, room 0103 | 10557 Berlin Office hours: Mo – Fri: 8:30 – 13:00 A law suit should contain: • Name, address (with phone number) and date • Address of the court 57 Legal process • Date of notification of objection • Data of defendants (department) • File reference of notice of objection • Declaration that you file a lawsuit • Explanation why you are not agreeing with the notice of objection • Application which contains the issue that you demand from the defendant • Signature You can turn in evidence or witness statements as well if they exist. The proceedings can cause in some cases costs. Lawsuits at the social welfare courts are without any charge. Lawsuits at the administrative court are free for issues like: BAföG, housing benefits (Wohngeld), maintenance advance. Please notice: Proceedings for failure to act is a possibility in addition to the emergency appeal. This requires that the department hasn’t reacted after 3 months (administrative jurisdiction) or hasn’t reacted to an application after 6 months or to an objection after 3 months (social jurisdiction). 5.4 Legal advice Legal advice is offered by: • Lawyers. Mostly their service is charged. There is the possibility that the lawyer can apply for you for support of legal advice (Beratungshilfe) if you fulfil the requirements • Legal advice centers of the unions; counselling for foreigners is not charged • Legal advice of the district offices (Bezirksämter), with low income without a charge Please notice: For students in particular some student unions offer free legal advice by lawyers (see chapter 6 for more Information). 5.5 Support of legal advice 58 Support of legal advice (Beratungshilfe), according to the law on support of legal advice (Beratungshilfegesetz), enables persons of low income with competent legal advice in return for a very low payment. Besides the advice the support contains representation towards departments. Support of legal advice will be granted for: • Civil law (rental, divorce, maintenance and other family issues) Information for International Students • Administrative law (BAföG, housing benefits, university law) • Constitutional law • Employment law (e.g. to be given notice) • Social law If you are suspected of commission of an infraction or a crime you can get advice, but you will not get support in representation. Support of legal advice will be granted at the district court (Amtsgericht) of your city district or at the lawyer of your choice. www.berlin.de/sen/justiz/gerichte/kg/formularserver/beratungshilfe.html Please notice: The legal advice that you can get for instance at the district court is without a charge. At a lawyer you can count on a charge of 10 € (even with a warrant for support of legal advice / Berechtigungsschein für Beratungshilfe from the district court). This payment can be waived if the person in search of advice can’t afford that. 5.6 Legal aid Legal aid (Prozesskostenhilfe) shall support those, who have very low income, to insure their rights and represent them at court. Required for granting the legal aid is the prosecution’s possibility of parole. Legal aid – depending on the height of income – takes over the costs (in whole or in part) of the court and one’s own lawyer. The costs for the opposing lawyer are not covered by legal aid. You can get information on income limits from your lawyer or the district court. The application of legal aid will be decided by the district court of your city district. The application should contain the contentious issue with the according evidence. Furthermore a declaration of economic and personal circumstances has to be submitted. Please notice: If the issue has a relation to foreign law the support of legal advice and legal aid are only possible if there is a connection to Germany. Vocabulary Alibi Alibi Objection/Appeal Widerspruch Court Gericht Evidence Beweis Hardship Notlage Judge Richter Lawyer Rechtsanwalt Voc 59 Index of all universities of Berlin Notfication Bescheid Notice of objection Widerspruchsbescheid Legal advice Rechtsberatung Legal aid Prozesskostenhilfe Legal application office Rechtsantragsstelle Prosecution Staatsanwaltschaft 6. Index of universities of Berlin 6.1 Alice Salomon Hochschule (ASH) www.ash-berlin.eu/en International Office: Alice-Salomon-Platz 5 | 12627 Berlin Phone: +49 (0) 99 24 53 44 E-mail: ioffice@ash-berlin.de www.ash-berlin.eu/en/programmes-of-study/incoming-students/ Student counselling: Allgemeine Studienberatung Alice-Salomon-Platz 5 | 12627 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 99 24 51 25 E-mail: studienberatung@ash-berlin.eu www.ash-berlin.eu/studienangebot/studienberatung/ General Students’ Committee of the ASH (AStA) Referat für Soziales Alice-Salomon-Platz 5 | 12627 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 99 24 5 - 367 E-mail: soziales@asfh-berlin.de www.asta.asfh-berlin.de/soziales/das-sozialreferat Language course Intensive introductory German course and semester courses Ms Frances Kregler Tel. +49 (0)30 99 24 54 40 E-mail: kregler@ash-berlin.eu www.ash-berlin.eu/studienangebot/fremdsprachen-kursangebot/ deutsch-als-fremdsprache-german/ 60 Information for International Students 6.2 Beuth-Hochschule für Technik www.beuth-hochschule.de International Office Akademisches Auslandsamt Luxemburger Straße 10 | 13353 Berlin Office hours: Tue and Thu: 10:00 -12:00 Phone: +49 (0)30 45 04 - 29 50 E-mail: ausland@beuth-hochschule.de www.beuth-hochschule.de/518/ Student counselling Zentrale Studienberatung Luxemburger Straße 10 | 13353 Berlin Office hours: Mo: 10:00–12:00, Wed: 16:00–18:00 Phone counselling: Tue: 13:00–15:00, Thu : 10:00–12:00 Phone: +49 (0)30 45 04 - 20 20 Fax: +49 (0)30 45 04 - 27 20 E-mail: studienberatung@beuth-hochschule.de www.beuth-hochschule.de/studienberatung/ General Students’ Committee (AStA) Luxemburger Straße 8 | Haus Bauwesen, Room ME03 | 13353 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 45 04 25 25 | Fax: +49 (0)30 45 04 20 93 E-mail: info@asta-bht.de http://asta-bht.de/ Sports (Hochschulsport) www.tfh-sport.de/wordpress 6.3 Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin www.charite.de/en/charite/ Charité International Cooperation Angelika Cernitori Incoming students coordinator Charité Campus Mitte Charitéplatz 1 - Virchowweg 24 | Level 03. Room 03028-29 | 10117 Berlin Office hours: Tue: 9.30 - 12.30 and 13.30 – 16.00, Thu: 9.30 - 12.30 Phone +49 (0) 30 4 50 57 60 02 Fax +49 (0) 30 4 50 57 69 00 E-mail: Angelika.Cernitori@charite.de Student affairs office Referat für Studienangelegenheiten Charité Campus Mitte Charitéplatz 1 | 10117 Berlin Office hours: Mo – Fri: 9.00 - 12.00; Mo – Thu: 13.00 - 16.00 Servicehotline: +49 (0)30 45 05 76 04 2 61 Index of all universities of Berlin E-mail: stud-hotline@charite.de www.charite.de/en/studies/dean_of_student_affairs_office_teaching_and_learning/student_affairs_office/ General Students’ Committee (AStA) Look at AStA FU or ReferentInnenRat HU Language Course A basic German course for medical students of the Charité (costs 65 €) www.charite.de/studium_lehre/international/sprachtraining/ wochenendkurse/ 6.4 Evangelische Hochschule Berlin (EHB) www.eh-berlin.de/ International Office/ student counselling Akademisches Auslandsamt/ Allgemeine Studienberatung Teltower Damm 118 | F-Building, Room F 103 | 14167 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30) 845 82 135 E-mail: preiss-allesch@eh-berlin.de Student counselling by students Studentische Studienberatung Teltower Damm 118 | A-Building, Room A 108 | 14167 Berlin Office hours at: http://eh-berlin.de/studium/beratungsangebote/ studentische-studienberatung.html Phone: +49 (0)30 84 58 22 92 E-mail: studienberatung@eh-berlin.de General Students’ Committee (AStA) Büro-AStA-Service in the students’ room across the dining hall Teltower Damm 118–122 | 14167 Berlin Office hours: Mo – Thu: 11:50 – 12:10 Phone: +49 (0) 30 84 58 21 06 E-mail: service@asta.eh-berlin.de Legal advice (Rechtsberatung) The student project “FRehDS“ is a general, free and social legal advice in matters of financing and legal aspects Room E 112 Office hours: Mo: 12:00 – 14:00 E-mail: frehds@eh-berlin.de http://eh-berlin.de/studium/beratungsangebote/beratung-zufinanzierung-und-rechtsfragen.html 6.5 Freie Universität Berlin (FU) www.fu-berlin.de/ 62 International Office: Internationale Studierendenmobilität – Welcome Services Brümmerstraße 52 | 14195 Berlin Information for International Students Office hours: Mo, Tue: 9:30 - 12:30; Thu: 14:00 - 17:00 www.fu-berlin.de/en/einrichtungen/verwaltung/abt-4/ivc/ Center for Academic Advising and Psychological Counseling ZE Studienberatung und Psychologische Beratung Center for Academic Advising Information desk Brümmerstraße 50; Otto-von-Simson-Straße 26; Iltisstraße 1 | 14195 Berlin Office hours: Mo, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9:00 – 15:00; Thu: 9:00 – 17:00 Phone: +49 (0)30 83 87 00 00 E-mail: info-service@fu-berlin.de www.fu-berlin.de/en/studienberatung Individual Advising (without appointment) Brümmerstraße 50 | 14195 Berlin Office hours: Mo, Tue, Wed, Fri: 9:00 – 15:00; Thu: 9:00 – 17:00 Information and Advising Chat www.fu-berlin.de/studienberatung/info-service/ Academic information from the Information service Mo: 15:00 – 16:00 Psychological counselling via Chat Mo: 19:00 – 21:00 Psychological Counselling Service Phone: +49 (0)30 83 85 52 42 E-mail: psychologische-beratung@fu-berlin.de Counselling for International students from the AStA AStA “Ausländer_innen”beratung Otto-von-Simson-Straße 23 | 14195 Berlin Office hours: Mo: 10:00 – 15:00, Tue: 10:00 – 15:00 Phone: +49 (0)30 83 90 91 - 17 E-mail: arefberatung@astafu.de www.astafu.de/ International Club of the FU Garystraße 45 | 14195 Berlin Office hours: Tue: 16-17 Phone: +49 (0)30 83 85 50 52 www.internationalerclub.de Language course Language tandem at international club of the FU (no costs!) E-mail: isap@internationalerclub.de www.internationalerclub.de/component/option,com_dfcontact/ Itemid,54/lang,de/ Language courses at language center of the FU (costs can vary) www.sprachenzentrum.fu-berlin.de/ Sports (Hochschulsport) www.hs-sport.fu-berlin.de 63 Index of all universities of Berlin 6.6 Hertie School of Governance GmbH www.hertie-school.org/ Friedrichstraße 180 | 10117 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 25 92 19 0 Fax: +49 (0)30 25 92 19 11 1 E-mail: info@hertie-school.org Student Affairs & Study Abroad Phone: +49 (0)30 25 92 19 11 6 E-mail: studentaffairs@hertie-school.org 6.7 Hochschule für Musik „Hanns Eisler“ Berlin (HfM) International Office Auslandsangelegenheiten Dr. Ute Schmidt Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Charlottenstraße 55 | 10117 Berlin Office hours: Mo: 13:30 – 15:30, Tue: 9:30 – 12:00, Thu: 9:30 – 12:00, 13:30 – 15:30 Phone: +49 (0)30 68 83 05 83 1 Fax: +49 (0)30 68 83 05 73 1 E-mail: schmidt_ute@hfm.in-berlin.de Student counselling Studienberatung Charlottenstraße 55 | Main building | room 633 | 10117 Berlin Office hours: Mo and Thu: 11:30 – 13:00, Tue and Wed: 13:00 – 15:30 and by appointment Phone: +49 (0)30 68 83 05 83 0 | Fax: +49 (0)30 68 83 05 73 0 E-mail: studienberatung@hfm.in-berlin.de www.hfm-berlin.de/Kontakt_Beratung General Students’ Committee (AStA) Charlottenstraße 55 | Room 376 | 10117 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 68 83 05 89 8 Fax: +49 (0)30 68 83 05 89 8 E-mail: asta@hfm.in-berlin.de www.hfm-berlin.de/Kontakt_Beratung Language course German course at the Hochschule für Musik Hans Eisler (costs 125 €) www.hfm-berlin.de/Sprachkurs_Deutsch_als_Fremdsprache 6.8 Hochschule für Schauspielkunst „Ernst Busch“ Berlin (HfS) www.hfs-berlin.de 64 Academic Affairs and International Office Dr. Jessica Kregel-Olff Information for International Students Schnellerstraße 104 | 12439 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 75 54 17 162 Fax: +49 (0)30 75 54 17 17 5 E-mail: kregel-olff@hfs-berlin.de 6.9 Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin (HTW) www-en.htw-berlin.de/ International Office - Counsellor for foreign students Treskowallee 8 | Main building, room 148 | 10318 Berlin Office hours: Mo: 14:00 – 16:00 at Wilhelminenhofstraße 75A, 12459 Berlin (Building B, room 102); Tue and Thu: 13:00 – 17:00 at Treskowallee 8, 10318 Berlin (main building, room 148) Phone: +49 (0)30 50 19 27 43 Fax: +49 (0)30 50 19 22 10 E-mail: Gernot.Welschhoff@HTW-Berlin.de Student Counselling Allgemeine Studienberatung Treskowallee 8 | Main building, room 137 and 151 – 154 | 10318 Berlin Office hours: Mo: 10:00 – 12:00, Tue and Thu: 14:00 – 17:00; phone counselling Wed: 10:00 – 12:00 and Fri: 10:00 – 12:00 E-mail: studienberatung@htw-berlin.de AStA HTW Treskowallee 8 | Main building, room 41 | 10318 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 50 19 22 65 Building B, room 106 | Wilhelminenhofstraße 75A | 12459 Berlin +49 (0)30 50 19 26 18/ 25 40 E-mail: asta@students-htw.de Language course German course at Language center (Zentraleinrichtung Sprachen) of the HTW E-mail: ze-fremdsprachen@htw-berlin.de www.htw-berlin.de/Studium/Fremdsprachen Sports (Hochschulsport) www-en.htw-berlin.de/service/sports 6.10 Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin (HWR) www.hwr-berlin.de/en/ International Office Campus Schöneberg Badensche Straße 52 | House B, Room 57 | 10825 Berlin 65 Index of all universities of Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 30 87 71 26 1 TRIDEM-Helpdesk for international students TRIDEM-Helpdesk für ausländische Studierende Program that supports international students with an extern mentor and a student mentor. Campus Schöneberg Badensche Straße 52 | House A, Room 3.38 | 10825 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 30 87 71 32 5 ccm@hwr-berlin.de Central student counselling of the HWR Zentrale Studienberatung der HWR Badensche Straße 52 | House A, Room 3.06 and Room 3.07 | 10825 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 30 87 71 25 4 E-mail: studienberatung@hwr-berlin.de www.hwr-berlin.de/en/study-at-hwr-berlin/student-counselling/ central-student-counselling/ AStA HWR-Berlin Campus Schöneberg Badensche Straße 52 | House B, Room 121 | 10825 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 30 87 71 40 2 Fax: +49 (0)30 30 87 71 38 1 Campus Lichtenberg Alt – Friedrichsfelde 60 | House 6, Room 0.61 | 10315 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 30 87 72 59 0 E-mail: asta@hwr-berlin.de, internationales@asta-hwr.de www.asta -hwr.de/index.php Language course German course and summer school at HWR Koordination Berlin International Summer School Katja Zühlsdorf Phone: +49 (0)30 30 87 7-11 20 E-mail: summer@hwr-berlin.de Sports (Hochschulsport) www.hwr-berlin.de/index.php?id=2831&0= 6.11 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) www.hu-berlin.de 66 International Office Abteilung Internationales Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Abteilung Internationales Unter den Linden 6 | 10099 Berlin Office hours Tue: 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 16:00 Wed: 13:00 – 16:00 Phone: +49 (0)30 20 93 25 65 Information for International Students Fax: +49 (0)30 20 93 27 80 E-mail: aia@uv.hu-berlin.de Counselling Services Studienberatung Invalidenstraße 110 | 5th floor | 10099 Berlin Open consultation on the phone: Mo, Wed 10:00-12:00, Tue 13:00-15:00 Open consultation hours at Invalidenstr. 110, 5th floor, room 522: Mo 13:00 - 15:00, Wed 13:00 - 16:00, Fri 9:00 - 11:00 Open consultation hours at campus Adlershof: Rudower Chaussee 25, Johann von Neumann-Haus, house 2, room 2228: Fr 10:00 - 12:00 Phone: +49 (0)30 / 20 93 - 702 70 E-mail: studienberatung@uv.hu-berlin.de www.hu-berlin.de/studies/beratung/wir1-eng General Students’ Committee (Referent_innenRat) Counselling for international students Beratung für internationale Studierende Monbijoustraße 3 | Room 6 | 10117 Berlin Office hours: Mo, Wed, Thu: 12:00 - 16:30 Phone: +49 (0)30 20 93 -10 62 or -46 64 7 E-mail: beratung.auslaenderinnen@refrat.hu-berlin.de www.refrat.de/ International Club “Orbis Humboldtianus” At HU-main building, Room 3120, 2nd Floor (above the Audimax) Unter den Linden 6 | 10117 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 20 93-22 21 E-mail: orbis@uv.hu-berlin.de Language course Language tandem at the international Club “Urbis Humboldtianus” (no costs!) Meetings every Tuesday during lectures 12:00 – 14:00 E-mail: sprachboerse@uv.hu-berlin.de www.international.hu-berlin.de/an_die_hu-en/studierende/orbis/ sprachboerse/standardseite?set_language=en&cl=en Language courses at language center of the HU (costs can vary) www.sprachenzentrum.hu-berlin.de/standardseite-en?set_ language=en&cl=en Sports (Hochschulsport) www.zeh.hu-berlin.de 6.12 International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) www.ipu-berlin.de/en Study office Studienbüro Begga Beyersmann (Bachelor programs) Susanne Kott (Master programs) 67 Index of all universities of Berlin Stromstraße 2 | Room 1.01 /1.06 | 10555 Berlin Office hours: Bachelor programs: Wed: 10:00 – 13:00, 15:00 – 17:00 and by appointment Master programs: Wed: 10:00 – 13:00, Fri: 13:00 – 15:00 and by appointment Advice by telephone: Bachelor programs: Tue: 11:00 – 12:00, Thu: 11:00 – 12:00 Phone: +49 (0) 30 300 117-544 Master programs: Tue: 12:00 – 13:00, Thu: 12:00 - 13:00 Phone: +49 (0) 30 300 117-540 E-mail: studienbuero@ipu-berlin.de 6.13 Kunsthochschule Berlin Weißensee (KHB) www.kh-berlin.de International office Akademisches Auslandsamt Bühringstraße 20 | 13086 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 47 70 52 32 Fax: +49 (0)30 47 70 51 23 E-mail: international@kh-berlin.de Student counselling Allgemeine Studienberatung Bühringstraße 20 | Room A 23a | 13086 Berlin Advice by telephone: Tue: 14:00 – 16:00, Wed: 10:00 – 12:00 Office hours: Tue: 11:00 – 13:00, Thu: 14:00 – 17:00 and by appointment Phone: +49 (0)30 47 70 53 42 E-mail: studienberatung@kh-berlin.de General Students’ Committee (AStA) Bühringstraße 20 | 13086 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 47 70 53 60 E-mail: asta@kh-berlin.de www.kh-berlin.de > sitemap > Asta 6.14 Katholische Hochschule für Sozialwesen (KHSB) www.khsb-berlin.de 68 Students counselling Studienberatung Prof. Dr. Petra Focks Köpenicker Allee 39–57 | Room 1.085 and 1.077 | 10318 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 50 10 10 - 40 E-mail: studienberatung@khsb-berlin.de Open consultation-hours: Wed: 11.00 – 14.30 at room 1.077 Phone: +49 (0)30 50 10 10 – 70 3 Information for International Students Appointments can be fixed over the “Studierendensekretariat” Phone: +49 (0)30 50 10 10 - 10 E-Mail: studentensekretariat@khsb-berlin.de www.khsb-berlin.de/studium/studieren-an-der-khsb/beratung/ studienberatung/ Students’ union Studierendenvertretung (Studierendenschaft der KHSB) Köpenicker Allee 39–57 | 10243 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 50 10 10 - 43 Fax: +49 (0)30 50 10 10 - 88 E-mail: stupa@khsb.de www.khsb.de/Startseite.htm 6.15 Private Hochschule Göttingen (PFH), Campus Berlin www.pfh.de Studienservice Berlin Marion Schellenberg Badensche Straße 24 | 10715 Berlin-Wilmersdorf Phone: +49 (0)30 88 6239 3-40 E-mail: berlin-studieninfo@pfh.de 6.16 Technische Universität Berlin (TU) www.tu-berlin.de/menue/home/parameter/en/ International office Akademisches Auslandsamt International exchange programs Internationale Austauschprogramme Straße des 17.Juni 135 | 10623 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 31 42 46 94 E-mail: auslandsamt@tu-berlin.de www.auslandsamt.tu-berlin.de/international- office/ueber_uns/ kontakt/parameter/en/ International office Akademisches Auslandsamt Support for international students with full time studies at the TUB Betreuung Internationaler Studierender Straße des 17.Juni 135 | 10623 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 31 42 43 59 E-mail: bintstud@referat-1e.tu-berlin.de www.betreuung-int-stud General Student Counseling Straße des 17. Juni 135 | Main building , 1st Floor, Room H 70 | 10623 Berlin Personal counseling: Mo, Thu, Fri 9:30 – 12:30, 69 Index of all universities of Berlin Thu: 14:00 – 16:00, Tue: 14:00 – 18:00 Initial information: Phone: +49 (0)30 31 42 99 99 E-mail: telefonservice@tu-berlin.de www.studienberatung.tu-berlin.de General Students’ Committee (AStA) Department for foreigners „Ausländer*innen“-Referat Straße des 17. Juni 135 | Sekr. EB 20, C/O AStA | 10623 Berlin For current office hours please send E-mail request. The Asta is currently located in the basement of the extension building [Erweiterungsbau (EB)] behind the stairs at the staircase “Aufgang C” Phone: +49 (0)30 31 42 52 54 E-mail: auslaenderinnen@asta.tu-berlin.de Language course Preparatory German course at Technische Universität (costs 160 €) Web: http://www.auslandsamt.tu-berlin.de/international-office/ betreuung_internationaler_austauschstudierender/deutschkurse/ parameter/en/ Sports (Hochschulsport) www.tu-sport.de 6.17 Universität der Künste (UdK) www.udk-berlin.de/sites/content/topics/home/index_eng International office Akademisches Auslandsamt Ursula Stephan-Rechenmacher Einsteinufer 43-53 | Room 16 a | 10587 Berlin Office hours: Mo, Tue, Thu: 9:30 - 12.30 and by appointment Phone: +49 (0)30 31 85-21 96 Fax +49 (0)30 3185-2727 E-mail: aaa@udk-berlin.de www.udk-berlin.de/sites/content/topics/service/international_office/ akadem_auslandsamt/index_eng 70 Student counselling Allgemeine Studienberatung Universität der Künste Berlin Allgemeine Studienberatung Einsteinufer 43-53 | Room 16b | 10587 Berlin Office hours: Mo, Thu 9:30 - 12:30; Tue 15:00 – 17:30, Fri only by appointment only; Only short information Wed: 10:00 – 12:00 Phone counselling: Mo: 14:00 – 16:00; Tue : 9:30 – 10:30; Wed: 10:00 - 12:00, Fri: 9:30 – 11:30 Phone: +49 (0)30 31 85-22 04 E-mail: beratung@udk-berlin.de Information for International Students General Stundents’ Committee (AStA) Hardenbergstraße 33 | Room 9 | 10623 Berlin Phone: +49 (0)30 31 85 - 24 64 / -27 65 Fax: +49 (0)30 31 85 - 26 70 E-mail: soziales@asta-udk-berlin.de www.asta-udk-berlin.de Language course German course (costs 100 – 120 €) E-mail: Deutsch.Info@udk-berlin.de www.udk-berlin.de/sites/content/themen/service/deutschkurse/ index_ger 71 7. Public Transport in Berlin Information for International Students 72 Information for International Students 73 Information for International Students 8. Index A Academic year 19 Alimentations 12 Arabic region tutor 15 Arrival 21, 29 B BAföG 36, 43 Bank account 31f., 52 C Career service offices 53, 54 Car liability insurance 28 Child day Care 16 Children 12, 33 f. Chinese tutor 15 Chronic illnesses 14 Churches 50 Citizen Registration Office 30, 52 Costs of living 23 Counselling and Support 11 ff. Credit card 32 Crisis 12 ff., 41 Cultural offers/Kulturkalender 13, 49 Currency 32 D DAAD 20, 54 Deutsches Studentenwerk 6, 21, 56 Development Education Programme for students 50 Dining facilities 7 Disabled and chronically ill students 14 Dismissal protection 33 74 E Electronic residence permit 31 Information for International Students EC card or Girocard 32 Eligibility of university admission 21 Emergency situations 12, 41 Employment agencies 10, 46 Employment opportunities 55 End of studies 52 ff. Enrolment 29 European Health insurance card 27 F Federal Law on Support in Education/BAföG 36 ff. Flat-shares 26 Foreigner Registration Office 25, 54 Foundation “Hilfe für die Familie” 34 Foundations for emergency situations 41 G German habits 17 German pension insurance fund 52 H Health insurance 27 Heinzelmännchen 10, 46 Hochschulsport 49 Home contents insurance 28 Housing 25 f. Housing benefit 41 I Individualistic culture 18 Information on legal remedies 56 ff. Institutes 19 Insurances 27 Integration assistance 14 International clubs 20, 49 International Office 20 ff. Internet 9 Internships 45, 47 75 Information for International Students J Jobs and Employment service 10, 46 K Kindergartens 16 Kommentiertes Vorlesungsverzeichnis 19 Kulturkalender 13, 49 L Language 22 language courses 23 language test 23 lawsuit 57 Learning difficulties 13 Legal advice 58 Legal advice 58 Legal aid 59 Legal process 56 Liability insurance 28 Loans 12, 42 ff. M Maternity benefit 34 Maternity protection 33 Matriculation 29 Mensa 8 Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 N Notfond 41 Notification 56 O Objection 56 P 76 Parent benefit 36 Participation fee 11, 24 Information for International Students Postgraduate Studies 54 Pre-departure 21 ff. Private health insurance 27 Proof of financial reserves 24 Psychological and Psychotherapeutic Counselling 13 Public health insurance 27 Public transportation 30 R Reintegration program 53 Residence permit 24, 31, 54 Residence registration 30 Returning home 52 Rules and restrictions 17 Rundfunkbeitrag 24 S Scholarships 38 ff. Semester contribution 29 Semester ticket 30 Semester ticket grant 30 Seminar 19, 51 Social counselling 12, 41 Social inhibition 13 Social insurance identification 11 social survey of the Deutsches Studentenwerk 2 Specialist employment 10 Sports 49 Staying in Germany 54 Structure of the brochure 3 Student accommodations 7, 25 f. Student council 19 Studentenwerk 6 Student life 33 ff. Student loans 42 ff. Students self administration 10 Student tutors in student accommodations 15 Study college 22 Studying and children 33 ff. StuPa 19 77 Information for International Students T Transportation (public) 30, 72 Technical and personal assistance 14 U Unemployement benefit 41 Uni-assist 21, 22 Universities of Berlin 60 V Visa application 24 Visa-service 20 W Wireless LAN 9 Wohnheim 8 Wohnheimtutor 15, 49 Working permit 45 f. Y Youth welfare office 16, 36 78 Information for International Students Impressum: Editor: Studentenwerk Berlin - Öffentlichkeitsarbeit Hardenbergstraße 34, 10623 Berlin v.i.S.d.P.: Petra Mai-Hartung (Geschäftsführerin) Edited by Sozialberatung Studentenwerk Berlin: Iris Altheide, Julia Türke und Felix Schwindack Coverfoto: © Günter Menzl - Fotolia.com Karte: BVG Layout und Satz: Jürgen Morgenstern, Studentenwerk Berlin Druck: FORMAT Druck- und 2. Auflage (2013) Erscheinungsdatum: 15. März 2013 Editorial inquiaries concerning this broschure should be directed to: info@studentenwerk-berlin.de 79 Information for International Students The addresses and phone numbers of Sozialberatung for students at the FU, Charité, HWR and EHB: Thielallee 38, Zi. 202 - 204, 14195 Berlin (030) 939 39 - 9022 and - 9024 sozialb.thielallee@ studentenwerk-berlin.de HU, HTW, Beuth HS, KHB, HfM, HfS, ASH and KHSB: Franz-Mehring-Platz 2, 2. Etage, 10243 Berlin (030) 939 39 - 8437 and - 8440 sozialb.f-mehring-pl@ studentenwerk-berlin.de TU, UdK, IPU, HdpK, PFH and Hertie School: Hardenbergstr. 34, 10623 Berlin (030) 939 39 - 8403/ -8405 and -8406 sozialb.hardenbergst@ studentenwerk-berlin.de 80 www.studentenwerk-berlin.de