Our Services for International Students

Do you want to study in Germany? Are you looking for a management degree course that prepares you for the working world? Well, then the HdWM study advisors might be the right people to turn to!

Our study advisors will be at your side from answering the first questions to – fingers crossed – your admission. They support you during the entire decision-making process, check your entrance requirements, prepare you for the application interview, and get your admission documents ready. If the German embassy in your country requires special documents, just let our study advisors know and they will issue the necessary paperwork.

We want to support you personally during this important decision. If you are applying from abroad, you can receive a personal counselling either via phone or video call. To give yourself the necessary time to apply and prepare your studies in Germany, please allow at least three months for the consultation and application process. We treat each application individually to make sure the HdWM study programmes offer you what you need for your career. Also, the application for a visa, which is a separate process that we cannot influence, usually takes a while, and needs some forward planning.

Find out more about our application process, the steps for the admission or how to settle in Germany.

At HdWM, you are more than just a matriculation number. The personal development and close contact to our students is very important to us.

Therefore, we have small groups to ensure personal contact between you and your fellow-students, but also between you and your lecturers. We have an open-door policy. The chair of your study programme always has an open ear and is the person you can turn to during you whole studies. Whenever there is something you need to discuss, just drop by, and ask for a personal meeting.

We know that academics styles differ from country to country. To get you in shape for your thesis, there are special courses in each study programme, such as ‘Academic Writing’ in the BA Management in International Business and an 8-week research project in the MA Business Management that students can choose instead of the management internship.

The International Office is our students’ connection to the whole world. They take care of you and the partner universities and process all Erasmus+ application – for HdWM students exploring the word, but also for incoming exchange students joining us from other institutions.

But the International Office is also your partner in getting settled at HdWM and Germany. They host many events to get you in touch with other students from Germany and the whole world. Organising programmes and courses to make you feel at home, is also part of their tasks:

• Welcome Week
  You are new in Mannheim and feel lost? The welcome week will help you feel at home. Find out about the German academic system, German mentality, meet your fellow students, and have some fun.

• German Classes
  Speaking the language of the locals will help you get in touch with people and employers.

• Buddy Programme
  It’s always good to have a friend in need – especially if you are new at a place. Your ‘buddy’ will help you get settled in Germany.

• Language Tandem Programme
  Do you miss speaking your mother tongue? With almost 30 nationalities on campus, there is certainly someone who speaks your language.

• Cultural and social events for exchange, international, and local students
  Studying is about learning for life – and having fun. Meet your fellow-international and local students in a laid-back atmosphere.

• Cosmopolitan Club
  You are looking for an apartment, the best grocery store around, or you would like to sell stuff? The Cosmopolitan Club is your platform for exchange with other HdWM students.

Would you like to find out more about the work of the International Office?

We understand how hard it is to arrive in a new city, a new university, and a new country. Finding your way around, having appointments at the city hall, going to the doctor’s – these are all challenges that seem to be so much bigger when being away from home. But don’t worry, there is help!

In the Buddy Programme, HdWM students volunteer to support international and exchange students to settle in the new environment. If desired, you buddy picks you up at the train station when you arrive, gives tips about the best supermarkets and leisure activities, and can also support you in dealing with official agencies.

Do you need assistance of a buddy or would you like to be a buddy for others? Contact the International Office for more information.

Although our English-track study programmes are 100% in English, we highly recommend all international students to learn German. Admittedly, it is a tough language to learn, but will open many doors while studying in Germany. From our 10-year experience, we can tell that students without sufficient German skills have difficulties finding jobs as working students or interns. Many of our partner companies are small- and middle-sized businesses and operate locally. And also big players prefer applicants who are fluent in German.

Every semester, HdWM offers German classes on beginners’ level. If you are interested in joining the course, just contact the International Office. If you are already a bit more proficient in German, you can take classes within our cooperation with the Studium Generale, which offers courses designed for students.