Stays abroad for everyone - your chance for new perspectives

A stay abroad offers a valuable opportunity for personal development and allows you to gain new international perspectives. Whether you study for a semester at a partner university, complete an internship abroad or choose a short-term program - these experiences promote your independence, expand your professional skills and enrich your career opportunities in the long term.

Transcultural skills are particularly important in academic professions in the SAGE fields (social work, health, education). The ability to change perspectives, to understand different realities of life and to integrate these into professional action is essential. A stay abroad offers the ideal opportunity to develop these skills by taking a close look at your own biography and placing it in the context of other social experiences.

Navigating challenges together

However, for many students, going abroad seems difficult at first glance: How can you combine family life with a stay abroad? What opportunities are there for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses? And how can a stay abroad be realized despite limited financial resources?

We are convinced that no one should have to miss out on this formative experience because of questions like these. Our aim is to support all students - regardless of their life situation - and to overcome the existing barriers together. On this page you will find inspiration, practical information and concrete assistance to help you realize your stay abroad.

Experiences and support

  • Inclusive Mobility: Here you can find testimonials from students in English.
  • DAAD: Here you will find various testimonials from students who have successfully navigated a stay abroad with a chronic illness or disability or who have organized a stay abroad with their children.
  • Experience reports from ASH students at our partner universities can be found on our website.

Support services

As a student with child(ren), you can also study abroad for one or two semesters or complete an internship abroad - the International Office will be happy to support you. Students who go abroad with child(ren) as part of the Erasmus+ program can also apply for additional special funding (see below).

What do I have to do as a parent?

You should inform us as early as possible, preferably during the initial consultation, that you would like to take your child or children with you during your stay abroad. If you are planning to study abroad at one of our partner universities, we will be happy to advise you on the choice of study location in order to find a university with a suitable infrastructure, as not all partner universities are equally prepared for students with children (e.g. with regard to childcare or halls of residence that offer suitable accommodation for students with children). It is also highly advisable to do your own research on the website of the host institution to find out to what extent childcare facilities are available at or near the place of study. On the website Auslandsstudium-mit-Kind.de you will find additional tips and experience reports from study visits with children.

In addition to organizational issues, financial aspects also play a major role. The Erasmus+ program offers additional funding options (€250 per month as a social top-up or up to €15,000 per semester via a real cost application), as well as the Auslands-BAföG with child supplement.

Students with disabilities

A stay abroad often requires special planning for students with disabilities, for example with regard to accessibility, medical care or local support services. A disability can also lead to higher expenses. As part of the Erasmus+ program, there are special funding opportunities that can offset additional costs. Many of our partner universities are barrier-free and actively promote inclusion. We will be happy to help you plan your stay and ensure it runs smoothly.

Students with a chronic illness

For students with chronic illnesses, a stay abroad poses particular challenges, such as securing medical care, transporting medication or adapting to climatic conditions. Careful preparation is crucial and we are here to support you every step of the way. We will provide you with comprehensive advice on the necessary preparations and the available funding options.

Compensation for disadvantages

If you have applied for compensation for disadvantages at ASH in accordance with § 13 RSPO, we will be happy to contact the host university to provide you with similar support on site. Please note, however, that the final decision lies with the partner university.

Useful resources

Financial support options

Erasmus+: In addition to regular monthly funding, Erasmus+ offers social top-ups (€250 per month) for students with a degree of disability (GdB) of 20 or more or chronic illnesses. You can also apply for real costs to be covered (long-term application). You can also apply for preparatory trips to familiarize yourself with the local conditions in advance. Please contact the International Office in good time.

PROMOS: Students with a GdB of 50 or more or chronic illnesses can receive additional financial support of up to €10,000 for additional expenses incurred abroad if other responsible bodies (e.g. social insurance providers) have refused to cover them. The application must be submitted to the DAAD by the PROMOS project manager on behalf of the university at least two months before the start of the mobility.

Being the first in the family to start studying is a big step - planning a stay abroad can feel like an even bigger challenge at first. However, this experience offers a unique opportunity to grow beyond yourself and gain new perspectives. We know that this path can bring with it many questions and uncertainties. That's why we offer you targeted advice and support to help you overcome any hurdles. Together, we will ensure that you have the information, confidence and resources to make the most of this opportunity.

Offers of support and inspiration:

  • ArbeiterKind.de: This organization specifically supports students from a non-academic background with personal advice and helpful information. Here you will find contacts who have overcome similar challenges and share their experiences.
  • Studying Worldwide: Be inspired by the experiences of other students from a non-academic background who have gone abroad.

Financial support through Erasmus+
In addition to the regular monthly grant, Erasmus+ offers a Social Top-Up of €250 per month specifically for students from a non-academic background. This additional support is designed to help you overcome the financial hurdles of a stay abroad more easily.

A stay abroad is an exciting opportunity to develop personally and gain international experience. For queer and LGBTQIA+ students, however, there are some specific aspects that should be considered when planning to ensure a safe and open environment in the destination country.

Important points for your planning:

  • Legal and social situation: Find out in advance about the legal and social situation in the desired destination country. In some countries, there are restrictions or even criminal prosecution in relation to LGBTQIA+ identities. You can also use the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
  • LGBTQIA+-friendly universities and networks: Find out which partner universities are considered particularly inclusive and whether there are any local LGBTQIA+ networks, support groups or organizations that support queer students.
  • Gender identity and enrollment: Please note that some partner universities only offer a binary gender selection for enrollment. In such cases, students may have to specify a gender that does not correspond to their actual identity. We recommend that you find out about possible solutions and how to deal with this requirement at an early stage.

Inspiration and experience reports
Be inspired by the reports of other queer students who have shared their experiences abroad. At studieren-weltweit.de/queercommunity you will find valuable insights, tips and personal stories.

Contact points and support services at ASH Berlin

Intersectional Practice and Transformation (InPuT)

InPuT takes care of your concerns in the areas of (gender) equality, anti-discrimination, anti-racism & empowerment, diversity, inclusion, support in cases of sexualized harassment & violence as well as compatibility and family.

Contact persons

Ms. Liisa Noack

Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator/ Study abroad Erasmus+ and non-EU countries/ Erasmus+ STT mobility (administrative staff)

International Office

Room No. 345

Telephone consultation hours: Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Other phone consultations, video consultations, or in-person meetings available by appointment. Please contact me by email first.

T +49 30 99245 306

Liisa Noack

Mr. Julien Schwarz

Outgoing Student Coordinator (internships abroad)

International Office

Room No. 345

Telephone consultation hour: Wednesday from 1 - 2pm (+49 30 992 45 344)

Personal consultation hour: Wednesday from 2 - 3pm (room 308)

Video consultations can be arranged upon demand. Please contact us via email first (auslandspraktikum@ash-berlin.eu).

 

 

T + 49 30 992 45 344

Mr. Julien Schwarz