Frequently Asked Questions

Am I obliged to take part in the entire program?
No, however, you must participate in all of the classes for which you have registered. If you do not attend regularly you will not receive a transcript.

What happens if I am ill?
If you absent from class because of illness you will have to provide a certificate from a doctor or a statement to that effect from your host family.

How much free time will I have?
During the week, you will have classes all day Mondays to Thursday. You will also have homework to complete in the evenings. On Fridays and weekends, you are free to participate in organised excursions but these are not compulsory.

Do I need a visa?
Please check whether you need a visa for the European Union. This depends on your own individual circumstances. You may need to refer to this for Canada or this for the USA.

Do I need health insurance?
You will need health insurance to cover you during your period of travel as well as your stay in Stuttgart. The Universität Stuttgart does not provide health insurance.

Where can I get information about the city of Stuttgart and the region around it?
The easiest way is to consult the internet. Here is the website of the City of Stuttgart, which is designed for tourists.

Do I have to stay with a host family?
The housing situation in Stuttgart is such that we are not in a position to be able to provide you with any other form of accommodation that with a host family. Please remember that you are ambassadors of your country whilst you are here in Stuttgart. For this reason, you are not allowed to drink or smoke in your room at the host family.

Do I need to contact my host family?
Once we have received final confirmation of your application, we will allocate you to a host family and will inform you of their address, email and telephone number. You are, of course, free to contact them.

What do I do if I have to arrive before the course starts or after it ends?
Your host family will not expect you to arrive before the first day of the program, or leave after the last day. Should this, however, be unavoidable, please notify us early enough so that we can assist you in making alternative arrangements, for example, in a Youth Hostel.

Will I be allowed to drink alcohol?
Drinking age in Germany is 18, so we cannot prevent you from drinking alcohol. However, remember that drinking too much is not only endangering yourself unnecessarily but is giving a very negative impression on you and your country. The Universität Stuttgart feels free to punish the excess use of alcohol and could end in your being asked to return to the partner institution.

Does my host family speak English?
Yes they do. However, we have asked them to communicate as much as possible in German so that you will have the opportunity of practicing what you have learnt in a very natural environment.

What do I do if a friend wants to visit me whilst I am staying in Stuttgart?
Inform your host family and ask them whether they mind someone visiting you. However, you must make the necessary hotel arrangements for your visitor yourself. Do not anticipate that your visitor will be able to stay with you in your room.

Can I use the phone at the host family to make private calls?
We recommend that you purchase a prepaid calling card on arrival. We will give you detailed instructions before you arrive. Please do not use the phone without first obtaining permission and make sure that you always pay for your phone calls immediately.