The following questions can help you to make a decision: Which language do you already speak well or do you still want to learn? Are there mobility programmes in your subject or at university or in a country that is particularly important for your field of study or in which you are particularly interested? In principle, the whole world is open to you!

The be-all and end-all of a successful stay abroad is careful preparation. Depending on your plans, you should start planning at least one year in advance, if you want to apply for scholarships or for a place in an exchange programme even 18 months in advance.

Those who plan their stay individually are particularly flexible when it comes to choosing the host country or the project, but also need a higher degree of initiative and organisation.  In the case of self-organised study visits, any tuition fees that may have to be paid may also result in higher costs than for participation in mobility programmes, which usually include a reduction in tuition fees, as well as assistance with application and implementation.

Would you like to improve your language skills with a summer language course or gain a first insight into another university system with a specialist course in the summer? Is it more important for you to improve your practical skills? Would you like to get to know a different academic culture and get a different view of your subject by studying abroad? Or would you like to gain your first research experience in an international environment by writing your thesis abroad?