Please keep in mind…
The success of a study visit abroad depends largely on the individual student's own initiative and motivation. Therefore, it is particularly important that you clarify the following questions early on for any type of stay abroad:
Timing
The timing of the stay depends on the respective subject and on your own personal objectives. Generally, the stay is recommended during the second half of your Bachelor or the first half of your Master's programme.
Internships can be completed either during the lecture-free periods at the University of Lucerne or, in consultation with the student advisor, during the semester.
Many universities abroad offer advanced study programmes for graduates immediately after graduation and also for professionals.
For dissertations, stays abroad can be planned depending on the nature of the scientific project.
Duration
For study abroad, one semester is the minimum, although study systems and the division of the academic year vary from country to country. For an internship, the duration is individual.
Preparation time
Anyone planning to study abroad should begin preparations about a year before departure. The success of a study abroad programme depends largely on good preparation.
For an internship, six months of preparation time may be sufficient.
Obtaining Government scholarships for study abroad should usually be applied for one year before the start of the stay.
Language skills
Many universities require at least a basic knowledge of the local language. In addition, very good knowledge of the language of instruction is required for a successful study abroad. Find out in good time about the language requirements at the partner university of your choice.
Overview of the language courses offered at the University of Lucerne
Costs and financing
The effective costs of a stay abroad depend on any potential additional fees and on the cost of living in the country you want to go to.
Within the SEMP as well as the Partnership programme there are scholarships available. The amount can be seen on each respective webpage. In addition, the Greener Mobility programme provides a financial incentive to travel by an environmentally conscious means of transportation.
The CRUS (Rectors' Conference of the Swiss Universities) offers further comprehensive information on scholarships and exchange programmes on its website.
Host university
Part of the decision-making process involves obtaining accurate information about the subject-specific study opportunities at the chosen foreign university, as well as about the country-specific higher education system. The easiest way to obtain information is to visit the websites of the individual universities. In particular, you should check how the academic year is divided (semester or trimester), what special features the universities of the individual country have (e.g. highly structured system or self-study) and to what extent the study programme is compatible with that at the University of Lucerne.
Arrangement of the planned study programme
The aim of a stay abroad must always be to have the study credits obtained abroad recognised at the University of Lucerne so that the stay abroad does not prolong your studies. It is absolutely essential to clarify and agree on the transfer of the planned credits abroad with the responsible study advisor at an early stage.
Once you have agreed on your study programme with the study advisor, you should draw up a learning agreement in which all courses are entered. This forms the basis and your assurance for the recognition and transfer of your credits at a later stage.
In order to have the academic achievements obtained abroad recognised for your studies at the University of Lucerne, you must present your Transcript of Records, Record of Study or other existing proof of achievement upon your return. You will receive these documents from the host university.
Residence Permit / Visa
As soon as the stay abroad exceeds three months, a residence permit is required. It is best to contact the Swiss representation (embassies, consulates) of the respective host country directly before departure.
As a rule, you must obtain the necessary documents for countries requiring a visa before entering the country. The approval procedure can take several months. You should therefore obtain information in good time from the relevant foreign diplomatic representation in Switzerland.
Health insurance
During your stay abroad you are responsible for your own accident and health insurance. Depending on the host country, additional insurance may be required. You should therefore discuss the continuation of your insurance coverage with your health insurance company and ask about the regulations of the host university.
Due to the agreement on the free movement of persons with the EU, Switzerland is integrated into the international coordination of health insurance. With the corresponding form, which can be obtained from your health insurance company, students are exempted from compulsory insurance in the EU/EEA.
