First point of contact

What subjects can I take in Würzburg? How do I apply and what are the admission requirements? International students who want to come to Würzburg always have lots of questions, especially at the beginning. The University International Office is there to make sure that they get all the right answers.

“We are the first port of call for students from other countries who want to study in Würzburg,” says Katharina Gerth, head of the International Office. Five of her staff are dedicated entirely to looking after the incoming students. They give advice by e-mail or over the phone or at first hand in their offices. And they are supported by a strong network of “tutors” who are there to provide international students with help and advice.

The International Office does not restrict its help to matters directly concerned with students’ university courses. “International students can come to us with any questions they might have”, the advisers in the International Office agree. “We will help them find a solution or put them in touch with the right people.”

There are numerous things that have to be done which are outside the University itself, bank account, obtaining health insurance – these are frequent subjects which crop up when students ask for advice. Or they ask: Am I allowed to work to help finance my studies? How much am I allowed to earn? Where can I apply for a student grant? What is the cost of living in Germany? What is the best way to look for accommodation? The International Office helps students to get started.

Or international students want to know how to behave in their day-to-day contact with Germans and what the best way to meet them is. The advisers are often asked questions such as these and offer students who are interested their “Home away from home” programme in which they are teamed up with German families or individuals.

Or they suggest taking part in the classes on “Global Systems and Intercultural Competence.” In these classes German and international students compare notes and find out what their cultures have in common and what differences there are.

Or they draw the students’ attention to the face2face programme run by the Language Centre. In face2face, two students from different countries meet regularly to learn each other’s language. This gives the international students a chance to meet Germans and improve their German – and find out more about their host country.