Germany: Aachen University of Applied Sciences

Aachen, Germany

University: Aachen University of Applied Sciences

Exchange Program: Magellan Exchange

Application Deadline: March 10 for Fall Semester & October 10 for Spring Semester

VISA Application Information: Embassy of Germany

Germany: Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences

Schmalkalden, Germany

University: Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences

Exchange Program: Magellan Exchange

Application Deadline: March 10 for Fall Semester & October 10 for Spring Semester

VISA Application Information: Embassy of Germany

General Information: 

Location: Germany is located in the center of Europe and borders nine countries: Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west. Aachen University of Applied Sciences is located in Aachen, with a population of 248,000, and is known to be an ancient and culturally rich city.  It is located in an area known as the "Three Countries Corner," where Germany borders with Belgium and The Netherlands. Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences is located in Schmalkalden, with a population of 18,000 and is located in southwestern portion of Thuringia state in Germany.

Climate: Germany is located in a temperate zone with precipitation throughout the year.  Average temperatures in January range from 20 to 32 Fahrenheit, and in July between 68 and 90 Fahrenheit.

Currency: The unit of currency in Germany is the Euro.

Transportation: Travelers can reach most destinations in Aachen on foot or bicycle.  When traveling within the city or to other cities, transportation is available by public bus or train. The cost is approximately $1 within the city.  Passes are available if you plan to use this service often. For train information in Germany and Europe visit www.bahn.de.

Food: Germans usually eat a light continental breakfast (Frühstück) of coffee, fresh rolls, butter and jam.  Lunch (Mittagessen) is usually the main hot meal of the day with meat and potatoes. The evening meal (Abendbrot) standard in German homes consists of a variety of cold cuts, cheeses and breads. Lunch facilities are available on campus during the week with meal costs between $1.50 and $3.00.  For the evening meal and breakfast, students may cook at home, or eat at a variety of restaurants available in Aachen.

Living Arrangements: There is no "on-campus" housing available at Fachhochschule Aachen.  There are dormitories available in Aachen that range in price from $200 to $300 per month.  These apartments are near campus and include individual rooms, sharing a bathroom and kitchen.  These rooms are fully furnished, and include a bed and desk.  Televisions are not provided in the individual rooms, and may or may not be available in the dormitories.  Private housing generally cost between $175 and $350 a month.

Social Activities: More than one hundred music, theater and film festivals and celebrations are held annually between spring and fall in all regions of Germany.  The largest German festival held annually in Munich from the latter part of September until the first Sunday in October is also the largest in Europe--Oktoberfest. An annual Carnival is held in February in Dusseldorf and Cologne comparable to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Aachen has a wealth of theaters, museums, concerts, sporting events and social activities, restaurants and cafes. Cities like Paris and Cologne are accessible by both car and train. On the weekend, many Germans enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, swimming, and soccer.  Skiing and ice-skating are popular outdoor activities in winter.