Welcome to HOCHSCHULE HARZ
1
STUDY. RESEARCH. LIVE.
exchange student guide
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GERMANY
SAXONY-ANHALT
HARZ
Discover the Harz
The Harz is situated in the middle of Germany and
LOCATIONS OF hochschule harz
to the south-west of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. The
SchleswigHolstein
Harz mountain region includes the 1,142 m-high
mountain Brocken, making it the highest mountain
MecklenburgWest Pomerania
Hamburg
range in Northern Germany.
Hochschule Harz, University of Applied Sciences, is
located – as the name suggests – in the centre of this
Lower Saxony
lovely mountain range. The two sites in Wernigerode
Berlin
Brandenburg
Hannover
and Halberstadt will inspire by their location in the
Harz foothills and their rich history and architecture.
Berlin
Magdeburg
DISCOVER the numerous historical timber-framed
HALBERSTADT
Wernigerode
North Rhine
Westphalia
Saxony
Anhalt
houses, the old town hall and the castle in Wernigerode. EXPLORE the cathedral and its treasure in Hal-
Halle/Saale
berstadt and EXPERIENCE the diverse range of tou-
Leipzig
rist attractions and cultural sights of the region.
Dresden
HESSE
Rhineland
Palatinate
Thuringia
Saxony
In a nutshell, the two locations of Hochschule Harz
offer the best of both worlds. On the one hand, there
Frankfurt a. M.
are the advantages of a small town where one can
live in a comfortable and familial environment. On
the other hand, there is the great advantage of being
SAARLAND
located in the heart of Germany. Bigger cities like
Magdeburg, Braunschweig, Berlin, Leipzig or Hanover can be reached in 1 to 3 hours.
Stuttgart
Bavaria
In addition, the Harz region offers a wealth of natural
Baden Wurttemberg
landscapes: succulent green forests and fields as far
as the eye can see; mountains, lakes, rivers - every-
München
thing one´s heart desires! Set off on your journey
and DISCOVER the Harz!
publisher: editorial: pictures: design: edition: Hochschule Harz, Friedrichstr. 57-59, 3885 Wernigerode
Akademisches Auslandsamt, (Dipl-Kffr.) Katja Betker,
[email protected], Telefon +49 3943 659 150
Akademisches Auslandsamt Hochschule Harz
photograph archive of Hochschule Harz, Clemence Vernoux, fotolia
Tasha Bynz kommunikationsdesign | Anke Duda
500 Exemplare | April 2012
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Content
hochschule Harz
HOCHSCHULE HARZ
Discover the Harz
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Regional, practically orientated, international
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Degree Programmes 6
regional, practically orientated,
international
Since their foundation in the year 1991, the up-andcoming locations in Wernigerode and Halberstadt
STUDYING AT HOCHSCHULE HARZ
General Information
7
have developed rapidly. An innovative, practically
Courses
8
orientated range of degree programmes in the de-
Language of Instruction
8
partments of Automation and Computer Sciences,
Examinations and Grading Scale
9
Business Studies and Public Management attracts
Money Matters
9
an increasing number of students to the Harz region.
Student Services 10
For the 20th Anniversary ca. 3,300 future academics
were enrolled – a great progress from the 77 registered students recorded in the founding year!
LIFE IN WERNIGERODE AND
HALBERSTADT
Arrival and Orientation
12
The strengths of this young University of Applied
nar groups - intensively and individually. The aim
Visa and Insurance
13
Sciences include ultramodern new buildings and
of all activities is a degree programme based on
Accomodation
13
superb technical facilities that consistently main-
reality and practical experience. For this reason, the
Student Life
14
tain a high standard of education. In addition to
entire range of degree programmes are constantly
Trips and Travelling
15
the interdisciplinary professional training, the focus
checked and adapted to swiftly-changing markets.
is on the intensive reinforcement of valuable soft
Hochschule Harz is rooted in the region itself but at
HOW DO I BECOME AN EXHANGE STUDENT?
16
skills and comprehensive preparation for starting
the same time very internationally orientated.
GUIDE TO GERMANY
18
a career. Furthermore the professors and teaching
Intensive fostering of international relations already
staff at Hochschule Harz supervise only small semi-
add an exciting cosmopolitan flair to the campus.
3.300 students
1991
77 students
cW
2012
D
a
B
cC
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Studying at Hochschule Harz
Degree Programmes
GENERAL INFORMATION
The official language of instruction in all degree programmes is German.
In addition, a range of courses is available in English.
Department of Automation and Computer Sciences Wernigerode
Bachelor‘s Degree Programmes
n Automation Systems and Computational Engineering (B.Eng.)
n Business Administration and Engineering (B.Eng.)
n Business Informatics (B.Sc.)
n Computer Science (B.Sc.)
n Mechatronics and Automation Systems (B.Eng.)
n Media Informatics (B.Sc.)
Master’s Degree Programme
n Computer Science/ Mobile Systems (M.Sc.)
Department of Public Management
Halberstadt
Bachelor‘s Degree Programmes
Administrative Economics (B.A.)
n Administrative Management/ eGovernment (B.A.)
n European Adminstrative Management (B.A.)
n Public Administration (B.A.)
n
Department of Business Studies
Bachelor‘s Degree Programmes
Business Administration (B.A.)
n Business Administration/ Service Management (B.A.)
n Tourism Management (B.A.)
n Business Psychology (B.Sc.)
n International Business Studies (B.A.)
n International Tourism Studies (B.A.)
Master‘s Degree Programmes
n Business Consulting (M.A.)
n Tourism and Destination Development (M.A.)
n
Wernigerode
A semester abroad is an extraordinary and unique experience for any student. You will discover what it
means to live and study in a foreign country, meet new people from different cultural backgrounds, learn
to speak a foreign language and master this challenge independently.
Exchange students often realise that their daily studies in Germany are very different from the systems
they already know.
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The academic year at Hochschule Harz is divided into a winter and a summer semester.
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The winter semester courses start in mid-September and the summer semester courses start in mid-March.
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Students generally attend 7 - 10 courses per semester. This is equivalent to 30 ECTS.
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The earliest course starts at 8:00 a.m. The last course ends at 8:15 p.m.
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Some courses are offered as block and/or weekend seminars.
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Examinations take place at the end of a semester.
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Examinations
Courses
According to content and educational objects courses are taught in different ways.
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Lectures and seminars are held by teaching staff and are often supported by PowerPoint
An examination must be taken in every course. The form of examination is to be determined by the teaching
presentations. Students are encouraged to participate and are allowed to ask questions.
staff, for example a “Klausur” (written examination) or a “Referat“ (oral presentation) or “Hausarbeit” (written
Some topics are only lectured on; other topics are developed through group work.
paper which is carried out at home).
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Laboratories and exercises are specifically designed for their practical relevance and supplement lectures.
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Tutorials are often held by students for students and serve as a kind of coaching.
Shortly before examinations, subjects are repeated and explained again in tutorials.
Exchange students can select freely from the regular range of courses from the three departments, as well as
courses taught in English. In addition to these lectures language courses in German and other foreign languages
Grading Scale
1,0 / 1,3
very good
1,7 / 2,0 / 2,3
good
2,7 / 3,0 / 3,3
satisfactory
3,7 / 4,0
poor
5,0
failing
can be taken.
Students usually complete 7 to 10 courses or 30 ECTS per semester. Double Degree students follow a set
course plan of 60 ECTS per year.
Money Matters
There are no tuition fees at Hochschule Harz. Every
student who registers pays an administration fee per
semester of approx. 50 €.
Language of Instruction
ABC
The monthly rental costs are about 200 to 250 € and
will form the greater part of the expenditure. For
additional living costs approximately 150 to 200 €
The official language of instruction in all degree pro-
should be planned. Naturally this depends on per-
grammes is German. In addition, a range of courses
sonal needs, but living costs in Germany are close to
are available in English.
average within the EU. Public Transport in Wernigerode and Halberstadt is free for students. In addition,
We strongly recommend that you attain good to
students are given discounts on various leisure ac-
very good knowledge of the German language in
tivities (e.g. cinema, theatre, swimming pool etc.).
preparation for your stay so that you can follow the
German lectures and complete the courses successfully. Students who choose a programme taught in
English and have only a basic level of German should
also do a German course alongside their studies.
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Student Services
are all time favourites. Modern sports such as Power
Besides the degree programmes Hochschule Harz
The central institution for all international affairs is
Yoga and Capoeira or classics for nature lovers such
offers a range of service facilities, which make
the International Office (IO). This is also the most
as Mountain Biking and Climbing are also available.
studying easier and enjoyable.
important area of contact for exchange students.
In summer the popular beach volleyball pitch in the
Both before and during their studies, exchange
middle of the green Wernigerode campus creates a
All service facilities can be used by presenting a
students can receive valuable help and useful tips for
real holiday atmosphere in the daily routine.
student ID card. This is a multi-functional chip card
every question connected with studying abroad.
which can also be used to pay at the canteen, for
photocopying and for the washing machines in the
Library
hall of residence. Apart from that the student ID
Hochschule Harz students can borrow most of the
card is a valid ticket on public buses.
books required for lectures and examinations from the
library. In addition to books, some lecturers use scripts
that summarise the entire learning content. These are
easy to use during lectures and make consolidation
The Language Centre
and examination preparations easier at home.
The Language Centre of Hochschule Harz offers
International Office
Canteen
a comprehensive range of general and specific
As well as the study-related services on offer, the
foreign language courses. Exchange students have
campus also caters for your gastronomic needs. In
the opportunity to choose courses in German as a
the canteen you will find a full meal at a good price.
foreign language. The offer ranges from beginner
There is also a cafeteria and a sales kiosk on campus.
courses to advanced courses in cultural studies,
grammar and Business German.
During their studies abroad at Hochschule Harz,
young globetrotters can take part in international
study programmes, improve their existing German
language skills using the interactive and multimedia resources in the Language Centre and maintain
personal contact with German and international
students.
University sports –
Fit for the lecture hall
Ideal training conditions, flexible course planning
and an extremely modern range of equipment get
PC- Pools and Wireless LAN
students interested in fitness and exercise. Those
Students are able to take advantage of several PC
who love sports can choose between 25 courses in
pools for study-related research and project work.
over 50 different kinds of sport, with more than 30
The Wifi network can also be used on the entire
sports coaches. Badminton, Volleyball and Football
campus free of charge.
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Life in Wernigerode and Halberstadt
Arrival and Orientation
Visa and Insurance
Accommodation
People from the following countries do not require
Exchange students are accommodated in shared
a visa: member states of the EU, Switzerland, the
apartments in the student halls of residence in
USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Is-
Wernigerode or Halberstadt. They live in furnished
Wernigerode and Halberstadt can easily be reached
To make the start of studying abroad easier for
rael. However, students from these countries should
single rooms and share a kitchen and shower/WC
by train or car. We recommend the airports in Ha-
exchange students, the International Office offers
make sure that their passport is valid for the entire
with 2 to 3 other students. Basic furnishing (bed,
nover, Leipzig and Berlin when travelling by plane,
Orientation Days before the start of the semester,
duration of their study visit in Germany.
cupboard, writing desk), Internet connection, wa-
since trains to the Harz region go from them regular-
which include the following activities:
ly. Please use the multi-lingual website of Deutsche
- Guided tour of the campus in English or German
All other foreign students wishing to enter the Fe-
the basic facilities in the halls of residence.
Bahn, Germany’s national rail service, for informati-
- Registration at the local registration office and deral Republic of Germany for the purpose of stu-
The student halls of residence are approximately
on regarding train connections (www.bahn.de). Your
at the Aliens Department (for non- EU- citizens)
dying require a visa. The visa application process
4km away from the campus of Hochschule Harz
destination is “Wernigerode“ or “Halberstadt“.
- Signing of the rental agreement
can take up to three months. You should therefo-
and can be reached by bus in 15 minutes. The rent
- Opening of a German bank account re contact the closest representative (embassy) of
is maximum 250 € per month. In addition, a deposit
(necessary for the monthly rent)
Germany in your country in good time.
of a monthly rent must be paid, which you recei-
shing machine and kitchen equipment are part of
ve back upon leaving your room in an immaculate
- Introduction to the computer services
- Introduction of the library and the Before travelling to Germany, various insurance po-
condition.
university sports
licies have to be taken out in your home country.
Should the number of exchange students exceed
- Instructions for planning your course schedule
The most important is foreign health insurance. Eu-
the number of rooms available in the halls of resi-
- City tour in English or German
ropeans are usually insured by European treaties.
dence, private student rooms of the same standards
Non-Europeans should take out private insurance.
as those in the halls of residence are sourced.
The introduction programme is enlivened by group
In addition, we recommend you take out liability
leisure activities in the evenings and at the week-
insurance.
end such as bowling or a hike up the “Brocken”, the
highest mountain in the Harz mountain range, and
a visit to the castle of Wernigerode.
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Student Life
Trips and Travelling
Not just academic training, but also culture, personal development and fun are an integral part of life at
The Harz is a very popular destination for trips and days out.
Hochschule Harz.
We highly recommend the following sights:
Semester Programme for Exchange Students
Different activities take place for foreign students during each semester. Some highlights are for example
barbeques, city trips and, in winter, a trip to a Christmas market. Alongside these optional activities, the
International Office organises regular meetings. These provide foreign students with an opportunity to ask
important questions and give feedback.
International Evening
Thale
Rübeland
Quedlinburg
This event takes place once per semester and is extremely popular with students and teaching staff at Hochschule Harz. As well as an international cultural programme, international specialities are provided on this
Further information are available at the local tourist information offices.
evening, cooked by foreign and German students together.
It‘s easy to organise trips to other German cities and places of interest thanks to the central position of
Student Parties
the Harz region. The German rail network is an extremely comfortable and popular method of transport,
During every semester, there are numerous parties on campus and in the halls of residence. In particular,
although you must occasionally expect delays. Cheap group rates, such as the “Schönes Wochenende-Ticket“
the Welcome Party for new students, the “Campusfest“ and the end-of-year parties are legendary.
and the “Sachsen-Anhalt-Ticket“, are also available. Of course, it is also possible to rent cars in Germany.
Cinema
In Wernigerode there is a nostalgic small cinema (the “Volkslichtspiele“), and in Halberstadt there is a modern
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Multiplex cinema (the “Zuckerfabrik“). In addition, the university cinema regularly shows films in German and
English. International films shown in German cinemas are generally dubbed into German, however.
Bars and Cafés
In the centres of Wernigerode and Halberstadt you will find various bars, restaurants and cafés. There‘s something for everyone here – from modern to international to rustic and traditional.
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Braunschweig
Dresden
Leipzig
Campus-Plan
page |Wernigerode
17
Campus-Plan
page Halberstadt
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How do I become an exchange student?
Future exchange students from our partner institu-
Important prerequisites for successful studies abroad
tions are selected exclusively by their home univer-
are interest, openness and curiosity for the country,
sity and registered (nominated) at the International
the culture and the university itself, adaptability and
Office at Hochschule Harz. After nomination, you
a certain amount of planning and preparation.
will receive information about online applications.
Are you ready for the challenge of a semester ab-
The approval will be confirmed by a “Letter of Ac-
road? Then let the adventure begin. Apply for a place
ceptance”. You can read precisely how the applicati-
at Hochschule Harz.
on works and which documents and forms need to
be included on the website of Hochschule Harz.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Initially, you yourself should prepare intensively
Students who do not attend a partner university
for your stay abroad:
ContaCt box
can also complete an exchange study period at
Hochschule Harz. You can request information on
n
Inform yourself about studying in
this at the International Office.
Germany in general and in particular
about Hochschule Harz.
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Contact former exchange students at your
university. They are experienced
“outgoing students“ and will be able to
assist you in making your preparations and share their experiences.
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Contact the International Office of your
own university and inform yourself
about important formalities.
Test yourself – are you prepared for everything?
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How does the semester abroad fit
into your degree programme?
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What are your personal objectives?
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Will your language skills prove sufficient,
or do you require preparatory training?
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How will you finance your studies abroad?
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Can you apply for a grant?
Hochschule Harz
International Office
Friedrichstr. 57-59
38855 Wernigerode | Germany
welcome.hs-harz.de
[email protected]
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A guide to Germany
Opening times: Although opening times
men than men. Usual greetings include: “Guten Mor-
vary from shop to shop, you should assume that
gen/ Tag/ Abend“ (Good Morning/ Day/ Evening) or
most shops close at 6:00 p.m. On Saturdays, they
“Hallo“ (Hello). When leaving you say “Auf Wiederse-
generally close earlier than this. Some larger super-
countries and has an extensive 12,531 km of motorway running through it, which is used by 41.2 million
hen“ (Goodbye) or “Tschüss“ (Bye).
markets remain open until 8:00 or even 10:00 p.m.
registered vehicles. 1.93 million students attend over 391 universities. Most of these students study
All shops are closed on Sundays.
Business Studies, Law or German Studies.“ (DAAD)
1
people. Bodily contact is found more between wo-
Things you need to know about Germany and the Germans
6
7
“Germany has 82.2 million citizens spread on 357,104 km² of land. It is surrounded by 9 neighbouring
German food: There is more than white
sausages and pork knuckle to eat in Germany! Of
Mail: Mail boxes in Germany are yellow. In
Do we Germans really always wear Leather Pants? Do we all have a cuckoo clock on our wall? Do we all
course, these hearty meals are still available. How-
Wernigerode and Halberstadt, there are post offices
drink beer and eat sauerkraut? Find out about the Germans and their country for yourself! To start off with
ever, they have been enriched over the years. The
both near the university and in the city centre.
here are a few things that are good to know:
modern trend is moving towards healthy eating.
Every region in Germany also has its own typical
Punctuality: Punctuality is extremely
Medical care: In Wernigrode and Hal-
points (colloquially known as “Punkte in Flensburg“ )
recipes. Some examples of regional dishes from
important. If you don‘t make it to an appointment
berstadt, you will find doctors for all kinds of me-
will be levied along with a fine for severe traffic offen-
the Harz are game specialities, lentil stew, farmer‘s
on time, you must excuse yourself in time. The lec-
dical issues. You must pay a practice fee of 10 € per
ces. If you accumulate too many penalty points, your
breakfast, eggs in a mustard sauce and pancakes
turers, too, expect you to get to lectures on time.
quarter when going to a doctor (or when getting
“Lappen“ (Driver‘s license) will be confiscated and
with sugar. We also have “Baumkuchen“ (“tree cake“)
a prescription). Pharmacies are easy to recognise
you have to pass an exam in order to get it back (the
and “Brockensplitter“, a sweet speciality peculiar to
as they are marked with signs bearing a large red
“Idiotentest“).
Wernigerode and its surroundings. Regional bever-
ny recycles widely. We separate our waste into pa-
ages include the herb liqueur “Schierker Feuerstein“,
per, plastic, (green dot) and “Restmüll“ (remaining
“Rotkäppchen Sekt” (sparkling wine) and “Hasse-
waste). Glass is disposed off in central containers.
röder”, one of the most popular beers in Germany.
There is also the so-called “Dosenpfand“ (can de-
“A“, and there are some located close to Hochschule
Harz. A “Not-Apotheke“ (emergency pharmacist) is
Driving: Even though having a car affords
always available at the weekends.
you a lot of flexibility, it is possible to manage well
Recycling and can deposits: Germa-
posits). Empty plastic bottles and cans are brought
in Wernigerode und Halberstadt on foot and by bus.
Going Out: In a restaurant, each person usu-
Parking spaces in the towns are hard to find and you
Money: Germany belongs to the European
back to the shop or supermarket and you receive a
ally pays his/her part of the bill. The waiter then asks
have to pay. There is free parking at the university
monetary union, so transactions are made in Euro.
refund of 5 to 25 cent.
whether you‘re paying “zusammen“ (together) or “ge-
and the halls of residence. During the winter semes-
You can find out the current rate of exchange easily
trennt“ (separately). If you want to give any tips in re-
ter, you must put on winter tyres. Foreign driver’s
on the Internet. VAT in Germany is currently 19 %.
staurants or pubs, rounding up the amount you have
licenses are valid for half a year in Germany, after
This is often shown separately on receipts, but is al-
ch members belong to the Protestant and Roman
to pay usually suffices (the service charge is already
which they have to be “transferred“. After one year,
ready included in the prices shown on goods.
Catholic churches (approx. 35% each). In Saxony-
included). When doing so, you usually tip the waiter
you have to possess a German driver’s license.
Religion: In Germany, the majority of chur-
Anhalt, approximately 80% of citizens have no reliEmergency calls: Generally Germany is
gious affiliations. The other 20 % are either Protes-
Greetings: The Germans are relatively dis-
a safe country, but this doesn‘t mean there are no
tant (approx. 15%) or Roman Catholic (approx. 4%),
tant and not very tactile. Both men and women shake
pickpockets or other petty criminals. Always lock up
or belong to a different religion. Church Services
Motorways: Germany is famous for its mo-
hands when greeting each other. Hugs are only given
your bike. In emergencies, you can contact the poli-
take place on Sunday mornings.
torways. Although there is no speed limit, they do
to friends and family. Kisses on each cheek are only
ce by phoning the number 110 and the fire brigade /
advise you to drive no faster than 130 km/h. Penalty
given to good friends, usually only among younger
emergency doctor by phoning 112.
when paying the bill and say “Stimmt so“ (keep the
change) or “Machen Sie 20 draus!“ (make it 20)!
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Formal or Informal: The word “Du“ (the
Christmas: Germany likes to start celebra-
informal way of address) is used exclusively for fami-
ting Christmas during the Advent period. This inclu-
ly and friends, and among teenagers and students.
des the four weeks before Christmas Eve and starts
From the age of 18 onwards, every citizen has the
with the first of Advent. Houses are decorated with
right to be addressed as “Sie“ (the formal form of
pine branches, Christmas decorations and candles.
address). For this reason, students are also addressed
During the Advent period, almost every German
as “Sie“ by their professors, and vice versa. It is a sign
town opens a Christmas market, where you can
of respect to address people whom you don‘t know
buy crafted products, drink German mulled wine
or don’t know well with “Sie“. Should you get to
and eat German specialities.
know each other better, the older person will ask the
younger to address them as “Du“ after a while, and
will address the other in the same way.
ry kind of weather during your stay in the Harz
region. The winter semester starts in September
Weather: You should be prepared for eve-
Student jobs: It is, in principle, possible
and you can usually still feel the tail end of the
for students to hold a job during their studies. Some
summer. Soon the temperatures will sink though
students work part time as assistants in supermar-
and, if they‘re lucky, the students will have a white
kets and other students work as tutors or teaching
Christmas. In the Harz region up to 50 cm of snow
assistants for lecturers.
falls between December and February. At the beginning of the summer semester, however, the stu-
Behaviour: The Germans are polite, but
dents should be aware that weather conditions can
not excessively polite. The words “Bitte“ (please) and
be unreliable. That means temperatures may range
“Danke“ (thank you) as well as “Entschuldigung“ (ex-
from 3°C to 13°C and it could rain. Soon, however,
cuse me) are common and polite, but are not used
it will get warmer. Then life moves beyond the cozy
too often - excusing yourself once is quite enough.
living room and people start venturing into parks
Hochschule Harz in Halberstadt
Mountain Brocken
“Schlossberg“ in Quedlinburg
Tourist attractions in Thale
to have barbeques or to go swimming. On average,
Walpurgis: Walpurgisnacht (Night of the wit-
ches) is celebrated every year on 30th of April, on the
summer temperatures lie around 22°C; however,
they can rise to 30°C and more.
eve of the festival of St Walpurgis. Walpurgis is seen as
the patron saint who protects against evil spirits, which
are frightened away and banished by the Walpurgis fire
and by wearing masks. Nowadays, Walpurgisnacht has
become something of a mass event with a culture and
folk festival character, which attracts participants from
all over Germany. The festival is celebrated all over the
Harz region with fireworks and cultural events.
welcome.hs-harz.de