See the World ...
Studies Abroad & Credit Recognition
Students are expected to gain international experience during their course by spending an extended period of time in a Romance country. This can be achieved through a semester or year spent at a foreign university or an internship of at least three months.
The University of Bamberg operates student exchange programmes with around 300 universities in more than 60 countries.
If you have questions about the options available to you, please contact the Exchange Coordinator, teaching staff and the International Office. Funding opportunities for studies abroad are listed on the website of the International Office.
Applying credit achieved abroad towards your degree
The results of your studies abroad can be credited towards your degree at the University of Bamberg. To this end, you must make a recognition/learning agreement with the competent subject advisor at the University of Bamberg and have it reviewed before embarking on your studies abroad. This exchange is also important because it helps you choose the right classes abroad and clarify any recognition issues that may arise.
The Exchange Coordination Service of the Faculty of Humanities, which is responsible for all recognition and crediting processes, helps you with these steps and provides detailed information and all required forms.
Crediting your stay abroad to your number of semesters studied
Your time spent abroad may affect the number of semesters you need to complete at Bamberg. Any semesters spent abroad can only be credited towards your own number of semesters of study once you have acquired the same number ECTS points required during the home semester; any ECTS points under that threshold will have no bearing on the number of semesters you still need to complete.
Any decisions on semester upgrades shall be taken by the examining board. As per the resolution of the conference of chairpersons of the examining boards on 14 October 2020, the courses in Romance Studies are governed by the following regulations:
Major subject for 75 ECTS points
Students may be upgraded to the next semester if they have gained 15 or more ECTS points in this subject abroad. (Upon request, the upgrade may be granted with only 14 ECTS points.) Similarly, students may skip two semesters if they have gained 30 (28) ECTS points abroad.Minor subject for 45 ECTS points
Students may be upgraded to the next semester if they have gained 8 or more ECTS points in this subject abroad. (Upon request, the upgrade may be granted with only 6 ECTS points.) Similarly, students may skip two semesters if they have gained 16 (12) ECTS points abroad.Minor subject for 30 ECTS points
Students may be upgraded to the next semester if they have gained 5 or more ECTS points in this subject abroad. (Upon request, the upgrade may be granted with only 4 ECTS points.) Similarly, students may skip two semesters if they have gained 10 (8) ECTS points abroad.
Leave of absence
You may also apply for leave of absence from the University of Bamberg for the duration of your studies abroad. This is usually possible for up to two semesters per course. It is not mandatory, however.
To apply for leave of absence, complete theform and submit confirmation from the International Office stating that you have secured a place on an exchange or self-paid programme. If you have applied for a place at a university abroad privately, you will need a copy of the host university's acceptance letter. You must submit your application before your planned stay abroad. We recommend that bachelor's students schedule their stay abroad for the fifth or the fourth to sixth semester, as these do not necessary count towards your total study period (see below).
Submit your application to the Academic Registrar’s Office either when you re-enrol for the relevant semester in which you will be studying abroad or once you have enrolled.
For a detailed explanation, see the pages of the International Office.