Englisch
America
You want to see breath-taking nature and explore endless landscapes? With the partner universities of Macromedia University on the American continent, you are spoiled for choice.
Are you more interested in the United States to explore the Californian summer or to encounter the life in Hawaii?
Or would you prefer to visit Canada and explore its magical landscape?
Maybe you prefer Latin America, this unique cultural and natural region and improve your Spanish in Argentina or Mexico?
Learn more about our partner universities and find your prefered place to study.
Countries
Argentina
Are you looking for an artistic, multicultural and vibrand city? Then you are going to be at the right spot in Buenos Aires.
Loose yourself in the captivating tango rythms in La Boca, the unique architecture of Puerto Madero, the deisgners of San Telmo and the charming streets in Palermo.
Enjoy breakfast with cortado and Medialunas while watching the portenors strolling and immerse in a city full of vitality that unites the past with the future and accommodates people of various origins in the heart of South America. Argentina is a country with a high diversity of climates and landscapes. From roaring jungles, impressive waterfalls, to highland deserts and even glaciers, there is always something to explore. But also culturally you can immerse yourself in every way, grab a Mate and enjoy!
For details, click here.
Universities
Universidad Austral, Buenos Aires
Cost of Living
Rent, groceries and leisure activities are generally lower than in Germany. For details, click here.
Safty and crime
In Argentina, strikes and demonstration might occur, also be aware of pickpocketing and walking alone at night. For travel and safety instructions, visit the Federal Foreign Office Website.
Country specific advices
Keep in mind that living standards may vary from standards you are used to in Germany (e.g. food, water, accommodation, infrastructure, indigence). Crimes of opportunity, such as distraction thefts, commonly occur in popular tourist areas and in other public areas so be aware of pickpocketing, avoid public transport in the rush hour (hora pico) - on weekdays 7-9 am and 6-8 pm.
In Buenos Aires buses only stop when you wave your hand and bus stops are not indicated in buses.
Entry Requirements and Visa
International students studying in Argentina for longer than 90 days must acquire a Student/Resident VISA for their exchange period. Students should apply through the nearest Argentine consulate as soon as they have received their letter of acceptance as the visa process may take up to three months.
Universidad Austral provides students with the certificates they need to get their visa. The coordinator from Austral will be in contact with you, you can also find information here.
A Consular fee for visa application of around 150 USD might apply. Students of other nationalities, should inform themselves about the entry requirements for their respective countries here.
Diplomatic Missions
Canada
The second biggest country in terms of size is characterized by breath-taking nature, outstanding outdoor activities and endless expanses. But not only the scenic benefits convince many students in spending their semester in Canada. Also excellent academic offers and the tolerant attitude towards immigrants are persuasive arguments. The practice-oriented education and cutting-edge research makes Canada an attractive location for academics from all over the world.
For details, click here.
Universities
Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo
Costs of Living
Rent, Groceries and Leisure activities are generally higher than in Germany. For details, click here.
Safety and Crime
Canada is considered one of the safest destinations in the world. However, it is recommended to not leave valuables in cars.Visit the Federal Foreign Office website for further information.
Country specific advices
Please respect the rules in national parks (no plucking of flowers) as there are heavy fines. When taking trips in the nature, always report your travel plans and keep in mind to not leave food in your tent/car since bears might be attracted by the smell. When in the city, keep in mind that smoking in public buildings, airports, etc. is strictly forbidden.
Entry Requirements and Visa
Students of German nationality do not require a visa for a period of up to six months, but if you plan to work on campus (20 hours), you need a Study Permit.
A Visa application fee of around 150 CAD might apply.
Everyone who wants to enter Canada - regardless of their country-specific visa requirements for Canada, foreign nationals or German - need to apply for an eTA. A small fee is due (7 CAD - 2021)
This authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires.
Diplomatic Missions
United States of America
If your greatest desire is to discover the land of opportunities, discover diverse landscapes, get to know laid-back people, a scene of young creatives and leading media businesses, California is the spot. Its diverse geography, multicultural heritage and creative media scene will convince every ambitious student wishing to spend a semester abroad there.
For further details see here.
Universities
California State University Channel Islands, Camarillo
Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu
Cost of Living
Rent, Groceries and Leisure activities are generally higher than in Germany. Find out more about prices in Camarillo and Honolulu.
Safety and Crime
Do not leave valuables in cars and be aware of pickpocketing. Access to firearms is easier in the US than in Germany, thus the risk of misuse is higher. Please obide the local laws. For further details, see here.
Country specific advices
As the land of extremes, the USA offers everything for everybody. Be aware of long distances and lost places as well as big and crowded cities. Students who are 18 years of age, are underaged in the USA, meaning, no alcohol, no entrance to clubs and renting a car might not be that easy. Drinking and smoking in public is generally not allowed. The most common form of payment is via credit card, so it is advisable to possess one, to make life easier.
Entry requirements and visa
For the university to send you the required visa forms, you will have to show a bank balance of around $14.500 (amount subject to change). You can sponsor yourself for a visa, but a family member or a third party can sponsor you as well. The sponsor must provide documentation from his or her bank in English indicating the availability of funds. An affidavit must also be signed and attached to the proof of finances form.
Type of Visa: To study in the US, you need an F-1 visa, entry requirements are very strict, we ask you to get your documents in order on time and carefully.
Required documents and conditions for issuing a student visa and a step by step guide how to apply can be found here.
Important: To apply for the F-1 visa you need the I20 formula, issued by the partner university, which you have to bring along with you.
Your Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your semester abroad.
Fees
You will need to pay a separate SEVIS fee (around 350 USD in 2021) in addition to the Visa Application fee (around 160 USD in 2021). An online application form, DS-160 has to be filled prior to visa application.
Sevis - The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System is a system that tracks visa participants from the time you receive the I20 document until you leave the partner institute in the USA.
Visa application as to be done in person at one of the three consular departments (Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich), unless intructed otherwise, an appointment can be made by phone or online at your embassy of choice. You can apply for the visa no earlier than 120 days before its intended start date. Validity Period: A maximum of 30 days before classes start (if you want to enter earlier, you will need a separate tourist visa) and no more than 60 days after the end of classes.
Re-Entry: Please note that if you exit and then try to re-enter the US (for instance a trip to Canada or Mexico), you might need to apply for certain documents, which may take some time to complete. Please inform yourself about the documents you will need for re-entry into the United States (such as proof of health insurance) and plan enough time to organise these. Information can be obtained from the responsible government departments.
During the grace period (30 days), we don't recommend leaving the U.S., not even for short trips abroad and to re-enter, because you might have difficulties at the border (even if you still have your luggage in the U.S. or have a reserved return flight back to Europe). Since you do not have the student status any more in this period, it might be difficult to re-enter.
Import Regulations: Please inform yourself about the current import/export regulations from the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection as well as visiting the sites of the American Embassy in Germany. Please note that the import of certain goods is only allowed for people 21 years of age and older.
All information provided is subject to change.
Diplomatic Missions
You are free to choose which of the three missions to visit for your interview; there is no division of responsibility based on your location in Germany.
To schedule an appointment for the visa interview, please call +49(0)900 1-850-055 (for call placed from within Germany, in English or German, Mon-Fri 7.00am-8.00pm) or at +49(0)9131 72-2270 (for calls placed from outside of Germany, in English only, Mon-Fri 7.00am-8.00pm). €1.86/min from German landlines; prices vary from mobile phone networks ; Service number for applicants from outside Germany and callers that cannot dial 0900 numbers.