How to organise your studies: Department of Cooperative Studies

Exchange students can also get familiar with the dual study format at the Department of Cooperative Studies. This innovative study model is characterised by the successful combination of theoretical phases and practical experience as part of studying at university.
Further information about the exchange programmes can be found here:

• Business Administration
• Computer Science

The Department of Dual Studies follows a trimester model. Exchange students are able to study from August to November or December, as well as from February to April or May.
Semester dates depend on the relevant exchange programme.

We’re delighted that you have made the decision to study abroad at the HWR Berlin. Please note the following information on the application process:

1. Registration takes place online on our Mobility Online platform. You will receive the link after your home university has nominated you in our Mobility Online database. It is unfortunately not possible to register without being nominated by your university.
    
2. As soon as you receive the email from us, please apply with your completed documents by the application deadline in Mobility Online (by 31st October for the summer semester and by 31st May for the winter semester).
   
   You have to upload the following documents:
   -    Learning Agreement
   -    Proof of your English OR German language skills (at least CEFR B2)
   -    Proof of medical insurance
   -    Passport photo (optional)
    
3. As soon as you have uploaded all your documents and have completed your application, we will evaluate your application. You will receive a response within 2-4 weeks about your status as well as an acceptance letter online if you have been admitted.
    
4. You will receive all further information on the Welcome Period, course enrolment and the semester fees by email once the application process has been completed. You are also welcome to have a look at the relevant information under “Organisation of Studies” or to contact the International Office with general questions.

Students with EU citizenship can easily enter the country on the Schengen visa. If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, please contact the German Embassy in your country for information on entry regulations to Germany. Appointments at the embassy should be arranged in good time to ensure a problem-free entry and a punctual start of the semester. Please note: the International Office has no influence on the processing of visa applications!

All exchange students must have health insurance to be enrolled at a university in Germany. For this you need German statutory health insurance. If you come to Germany with private health insurance, you must obtain a confirmation from a German health insurance company stating you are exempt from your obligation to possess statutory health insurance.

Unfortunately, the Department of Dual Studies cannot offer student accommodation, as this is reserved for long-term students only. Exchange students should therefore look for their own accommodation on the private housing market.
The student halls of residence in Berlin are unfortunately not available for short-term exchange students.

The following websites can assist you in your search for accommodation:

Accommodation within reach of the Lichtenberg Campus

• http://www.studentenwohnen-osw.de/de/
• https://www.berlinstadtservice.de/hotels.html

Accommodation throughout the city

Bürgermeister-Reuter-Stiftung:

Bürgermeister-Reuter-Stiftung:
This non-profit organisation offers accommodation to young people from all over the world who are temporarily staying in Berlin. The foundation maintains several halls of residence throughout the city, with furnished rooms and apartments. If you are interested or would like to know more about individual apartments, please visit the following website:

• home-in-berlin.de

Accommodation on the private market

• https://www.easy-living4u.de/en/about-us
• https://www.uniplaces.com/de/accommodation/berlin
• http://www.66monkeys.de/en/start-page/
• https://housinganywhere.com/s/Berlin--Germany
• https://www.bestfewo.de/bundesland/berlin.html

Youth hostels and hostels

For shorter stays it is possible to book cheap accommodation in hostels and youth hostels. Here are some helpful links:

• http://www.berlin.de/tourismus/unterkunft/hostel/#
• http://www.hostels.com/berlin/germany

Shared apartments

• https://www.wg-gesucht.de/
• https://www.zwischenmiete.de/
• https://www.immobilienscout24.de/
• https://www.studenten-wg.de/
• https://www.immobilo.de/mieten/wg/berlin

The semester for exchange students begins in August or February with a Welcome Day. There, students receive important information about their semester at the Department of Cooperative Studies, as well as about life in Berlin. The International Office also organises a Buddy Programme every semester: German students help exchange students on a voluntary basis so that they can get acclimatised to HWR Berlin’s structures as well as to everyday life in the capital.

During the start of the welcome period, the International Office organises numerous activities that ensure exchange students receive an excellent cultural start to their exchange semester.