Application

• What is the language of instruction? Do I need to speak German? → No, you do not need to speak German in order to participate in the program. The language of instruction is English. Therefore a B2 level in English is necessary.
• Do I have to be a Sociology major to be able to apply for the program? → No, but please note that classes are designed for third-year undergraduate students of Sociology. You will either need a general education in Social Sciences or be willing to put in extra hours in order to pass.

Costs

• How much is the tuition fee for the Summer School? → There is no tuition fee
• How much is housing? → Housing usually is between 500€ and 800€ a month. Dorm rooms are cheaper, but not always available.
• Will I need to get health insurance for my stay in Duisburg and if so, how much is it? → In order to enrol at the International Summer School in Global and Transnational Sociology, students need to provide proof of sufficient health insurance coverage for the duration of the program. It is up to each student to organize a (travel) health insurance with either a German insurance company or an insurance company from your home country. The costs for health insurance are around 30€ a month. You can find a selection of health insurance providers here.
• What are the living expenses in Germany? → For your stay at the University of Duisburg-Essen, you can expect living expenses to be around 300€ a month, depending on your lifestyle. A cup of coffee is approx. 2€, a meal at our cafeteria is approx. 4€, 1l of water is approx. 80 cents.

Arrival

• When do I have to arrive? → We recommend that you arrive either on Friday or Saturday before the start of your courses. That way you can get used to your surroundings before classes start on Monday.
• What is the closest airport to Duisburg? → Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) is only 12 miles (20 minutes by car, 15 minutes by train) away from Campus. Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) is approx. 140 miles south from Duisburg and can be reached by train (3 hrs).
• How do I get from the airport to Duisburg? → You will be assigned to a local "buddy" student, who will get in touch with you before the program starts. Most of our students will be willing to pick you up from the airport if your flight arrives at Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS).
• How do I get to my hotel/apartment? → Your buddy will most likely pick you up from the airport or train station and guide you to your hotel/apartment.

Academic Information

• How many credits can I earn during the Summer School program? → You will be able to earn up to 10 ECTS (Credits may differ, depending on your home institution)
• How does the daily schedule look like? → Classes will be from monday to thursday from 10 am to 2 pm. The program is divided into two blocks. Each block will be two weeks long. Within each block you can choose from one of two offered classes. The classes require some reading and preparation. That means that you will have to take time in the afternoon to prepare for your class the following day. We will also arrange some activities that you can partake in if you want to. For each class an excursion is planned Other than that you are free to explore Duisburg and its neighbouring cities. Friday to Sunday is off for studying and travelling
• Is attendance mandatory? → Yes, you have to attend your classes in order to be able to submit your final paper.
• How is the course graded? → You have to submit a final paper in each course and the paper is the only basis for your final grade.
• Do I have to be a Sociology major to be able to apply for the programme? → No, but please note that classes are designed for third-year undergraduate students of Sociology. You will either need a general education in Social Sciences or be willing to put in extra hours in order to pass.

Accommodation

• What accommodation arrangements have been made? → It is up to each student to organize their accommodation. However we are happy to help you with finding the right place for your stay in Duisburg. Please start seeking housing as soon as you receive your letter of acceptance. You can find a list of possible housing options here.
• Please note: There is also a campus in Essen but the summer school takes place in Duisburg. Therefore you  should stay as close to Duisburg as possible.

Campus

• How are the safety standards on/around Duisburg Campus? → Basically, Duisburg is a safe place to be. In some university buildings as well as some accommodations there is security staff. Nonetheless, in most buildings there is not. Still, in Germany it is common and safe to live in your own apartment, your own room in student accommodations or to share a flat with roommates while studying. Since in public places unforeseen occasions can occur, and help may be needed, you can find some useful links and phone numbers to call here.

• Are there any sport programs offered? → You have the option to use the gym and sport facilities of the University Sports Club for a small fee of 30€.

• Do I have internet access on campus? →Yes, you will be provided with a secured internet access to the University wifi network.

• Can I use the libary? → Yes, the libary, including computers, work stations and seminar rooms are open to you. You can also find print stations in the libary.

• Am I permitted to borrow books? → Yes, you are.

• Can I use all cafeterias and canteens? → Yes, you can use all cafeterias and canteens on campus. You will get the student discount that is offered to local students.

• Do I need to bring my own laptop? → We encourage you to bring your own laptop or tablet. Most local students will have exams and/or have to write their assignments in the summer. So the available computers will be used by many students. Therefore it is best to bring your own device in order to get easy access to online materials. If you do not have such a device, do not worry.

Miscellaneous

• Will there be enough free time to explore the city, country and continent? → Yes, there will be enough time. Afternoons will be off to explore Duisburg and other cities in the Rhine/Ruhr area. Weekends will be free to travel to different cities of your choice.
• What is the wheather like in Germany?→ Summers in Germany can be really hot, however sometimes it can be rather cool and rainy. Make sure to have everything with you: t-shirt and shorts as well as jeans and jackets. 
• Can I travel Europe with a visa from Germany? → Yes, you can enter most European states with a visa for Gemany: According to the Schengen Agreement, you can travel all countries belonging to the Schengen Area, i.e. Gemany, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
• Are there other currencies in Europe other than the Euro? → Yes, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic (amongst others) hold their own currencies.
• Can I use my own mobile plan in Germany? → Depending on where you are from and on your mobile plan, you can use your own whilst being in Germany. If that is not possible or too expensive you can get a prepaid plan in Germany (starting from 8€ a month, including 300 minutes to call or texts within Germany and 1.25GB mobile data). Students from the US have to make sure that their phones do not have a SIM-Lock.