You are a student at Folkwang and would like to go abroad to study, work, improve your language skills, or simply gain new experiences? Here, you will find information about different options for your stay abroad. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the International Office.
1. First steps
It's generally a good idea to start planning about 1 - 1.5 years before your stay abroad. Consider when a semester or year abroad would best fit into your studies, which countries or regions are suitable, and in which language you would like to study in.
Your professors can advise you on how to best integrate your stay abroad into your studies - they may also be able to recommend a suitable host university.
2. Choosing a host university
You should consider not only the academic/artistic fit, but also the education system, travel and living costs in your destination country. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides comprehensive information on every country.
Folkwang University of the Arts has over 100 partner universities worldwide. Choosing a partner university has many advantages: Tuition fees are waived, the recognition of your academic achievements at Folkwang is straightforward, and the International Office can provide you with information about each partner university and support you in organizing your stay abroad. If you are planning to apply to a Folkwang partner university in the EU, the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey, you can also apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship.
If we do not have a partnership agreement with your chosen university, you have the option of applying as a so-called free mover, i.e. on your own initiative. This requires a lot of initiative and time, so start planning early. Most universities abroad charge tuition fees, which free movers - unlike exchange students - are usually required to pay. Not every university accepts applications from free movers. The majority of students who go abroad attend one of our partner universities as part of the Erasmus+ program.
3. Application
The deadline to apply for a stay abroad is January 15 for the following academic year (i.e., winter semester of the same year and/or summer semester of the following year). You can use the same application form (see "downloads" to apply for the stay itself and, if your destination is an Erasmus+ partner university, for an Erasmus+ scholarship.
You can list up to three universities on the form. Find out about their application deadlines in good time. In consultation with the International Office, you will apply there as well. Free movers can apply to their preferred university independently.
Student or recent graduate internships abroad in Europe can be funded with an Erasmus+ scholarship. The application deadline is 6 weeks before the start of your planned internship.
1. First steps
What are your goals for your internship? Do you already have a specific company, opera house, or organisation in mind? Would you like to get to know the working conditions in a specific country or region? Is your primary goal to improve your language skills?
You should allow sufficient time to search for an internship. It is advisable to start planning at least one year in advance.
2. Looking for an internship
Talk to your teachers and find out whether they can support you with personal or professional contacts and tips. Perhaps your fellow students have already gained work experience abroad and can provide you with information or advice that will help you in your search.
Look for companies, agencies, or organisations abroad that interest you. In some fields (e.g., communication design, product design, photography), the relevant department (e.g., communication, public relations, marketing) of a large company may be a good option.
Consider broadening your search a little. Many students have had exciting and rewarding experiences not only in an orchestra, ensemble, or opera house, but also at agencies, trade fairs, galleries, in instrument making or festival organization.
For teacher training students, an internship at a school abroad can be an exciting opportunity to gain initial professional experience. Many German schools abroad offer internships. The SCHULWÄRTS! program arranges student teacher placements at schools supported by Goethe Institutes abroad.
If you would like to apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship to finance an internship in Europe, please ensure that it meets the requirements for an Erasmus+ internship.
3. Planning your stay
Once you have secured your internship, you should start planning your trip and looking for accommodation. You can find some tips on planning and organizing a stay abroad here.
Find out about the cost of living in your destination country. Consider whether you have sufficient funds available for travel and living expenses. Costs may also be incurred in advance, e.g., for travel vaccinations, additional insurance, or visas.
Clarify the question of remuneration with your host company at an early stage. Getting paid by your employer does not exclude you from additional funding, e.g., through an Erasmus+ scholarship. If your internship is unpaid, you can still ask about benefits such as a job ticket for the commute to work or vouchers for the host institution's canteen.
4. Applying for an Erasmus+ scholarship
If the requirements for an Erasmus+ internship are met, you can apply to the International Office for an Erasmus+ scholarship. There are no scholarships available at Folkwang for internships outside of Europe, although you can check our list of funding options for alternatives.
Don't have time for a whole semester abroad? No problem – even with a short stay that you organize yourself, you can gain your first experience abroad during your studies.
1. The Kolleg der Künste Montepulciano
The Kolleg der Künste Montepulciano is a joint institution of the Detmold University of Music, the Robert Schumann University of Music in Düsseldorf, the Cologne University of Music and Dance, the Academy of Media Arts in Cologne, the Münster Academy of Fine Arts, and Folkwang University of the Arts.
It offers particularly qualified students the opportunity to spend several days working intensively at the Palazzo Ricci in Montepulciano (Tuscany). Students can collaborate on an interdisciplinary basis within the framework of various projects, which are advertised annually. Information about the college and current projects can be found here.
2. Summer schools and master classes
Many universities offer summer or winter schools on various topics, lasting 1-2 weeks during the lecture-free period. Summer schools offer a good opportunity to get a taste of another culture, develop your professional or artistic skills, or get to know a particular university. Fees are usually charged.
Conervatories often offer the opportunity to apply for a master class. Information can be found on the website of the respective conservatory or the teachers offering the master class.
An overview of some - but by no means all - summer schools in Europe can be found at Summer Schools in Europe.
3. Language courses abroad
Language courses are offered at various language schools and universities aboad; visit the website of the respective provider for information on the courses offered and the cost. A language course can also be a good way to prepare for a longer stay abroad.
4. Financing short stays
Short stays are usually organized and funded by the participant. For language courses (3 weeks – 6 months), master classes or summer schools (up to 6 weeks) abroad, you can apply for a PROMOS scholarship. The application deadline is December 10 for the entire following year.