ERASMUS at the ISSW FAQs for Incomings

The following information shall help to answer open questions around the ERASMUS-Program at the ISSW. Please read all questions carefully before you contact Janina Donalies-Vitt to get further questions answered. General Information about the ERASMUS-Program you find on the homepage of the International Office.

Heidelberg and ISSW Short cut

Inhabitants: about 150 000
Students: more than 30 000
Language in lectures: German (at the ISSW)
Lecture time:

• Winter term: from the third week of October until the first week of February.
• Summer term: from the third week of April until the last week of July.

Living costs:  Around 650€ a month (outdated)
Accomodation: from 180€ to 380€
A cup of coffee: from 1€ to 2,50€
A bottle of beer in pubs: from 2€ to 3€.

Which different kinds of degrees does the Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences offer?

These are the different degrees:

• Bachelor of Science: Sports Science major (50%) / State Examination: Teacher certificate to become a teacher of physical education in secondary schools (elementary school education is only possible at the Pädagogische Hochschule)
• Bachelor of Science: Sports Science major (75%) / minor (25%)
• Bachelor of Science: Sports in Prevention and Rehabilitation major (75%) / minor (25%)
• Master of Science: Sports and Physical Activities in Childhood and Adolescence

In the Master’s program, there are two different profiles:

• Prevention and Rehabilitation
• Development and Talent (Scouting)

The Master at the ISSW is cooperative project with the University of Karlsruhe (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie - KIT) and the Pädagische Hochschulen (Teacher Training Colleges) in both cities. That offers you the opportunity to take courses at four different universities, if you like.

Which different types of courses are there to choose?

• Lectures (germ.: Vorlesungen): Lectures are generally held by professors who specialize in one subject, for example Sports Psychology, and the lecture provides a broad overview over the subject. It is the best way to start with a subject if you do not have any previous knowledge about a subject. Many lectures end with a written exam.
• Proseminar: The Proseminars are basic courses. They provide further knowledge about a subject; often contents are related to the lecture of the same subject if you are at the beginning of your studies. To gain credit points, you have to attend the courses and it´s only allowed to be absent twice! In the most cases you will have to give a presentation on an assigned topic and write a short term paper about it.
• Hauptseminar: The Hauptseminars are main courses. They provide specialized knowledge about a particular topic. It´s meant to do in the middle/end of your studies, because usually they are more difficult. To gain credit points, you have to attend the courses and it´s only allowed to be absent twice! In the most cases you will have to give a presentation on an assigned topic and write a longer term paper.
• Practical Courses (germ.: Praxiskurs): In these courses you learn how to teach a particular kind of sport, for example Basketball, by actively performing the sport. You acquire different methods and techniques and learn about the theory as well. To gain credit points, you have to attend the courses and it´s only allowed to be absent twice! In the most cases you will have to prepare a practical session for your fellow students in which you teach them a particular element of the sport, for example the jump shot in Basketball. In addition, you probably will have to take a written exam about the theory of the sport, as well an assessment of your practical skills at the end of the semester.
• Excursions (germ. Exkursion): During the semester breaks, many different excursions are offered. These are trips that usually last several days, for example ski trips in the winter break or surfing, sailing, kayaking or outdoor education during the summer break.

What kinds of sports are offered?

Sports that are offered every semester:

• Artistic Gymnastics (germ.: Gerätturnen)
• Athletics (germ.: Leichtathletik)
• Basketball (germ.: Basketball)
• Dancing (germ.: Gymnastik und Tanz)
• Field Handball (germ.: Handball)
• Soccer (Germ.: Fußball)
• Swimming (germ.: Schwimmen)
• Volleyball (germ.: Volleyball)

Elective courses that are offered depending on availability (germ: Wahlfächer):

• Alternative Sport Games
• Archery
• Badminton
• Baseball (summer term only)
• Beach Volleyball (summer term only)
• Children’s Swimming Lessons
• Climbing
• Field Hockey (summer term only)
• Golfing (summer term only)
• Ju-Jutsu
• Kayaking (summer term only)
• Modern Dance
• Parkour
• Rowing (summer term only)
• Rugby (summer term only)
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Trampoline
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Water Aerobics
• Weightlifting

In addition, there are many more kinds of sports offered in the college sports department (germ.: Hochschulsport), which is open to all students of Heidelberg University. Most of the courses are for free. Please note that these courses are not related to Institute of Sports and Sports Sciences and its degree programs, they are merely leisure sport activities you can choose to do in your free time. Have a look at the Hochschulsport (General University Sport).

What kinds of modules do exist?

The modules subsume the different courses you have to pass to obtain your degree under a generic term with certain contents. The name of the specific course often has nothing to do with the name of the module to which it belongs. So don´t be confused! Here you find the translation of the modules we offer for the different degrees:

Physical education for secondary schools:

Module 1: Education and Pedagogy

Module 2: Movement and Practice

Module 3: Sports, Individual and Society

Module 4: Achievement and Health

Module 5: Work and research methods in reference to sport science

Module 6: General theory and practice in sports and physical activities

Module 7: Specific theory and practice in sports, block A

• Gymnastics
• Athletic Sports
• Swimming
• Dance

Module 8: Specific theory and Practice in sports, block B

• Basketball
• Football
• Volleyball
• Handball

Module 9: Specific theory and practice, block C

• Excursion
• Elective Subject

PM1: Profile forming in Sport Science

PM2: Theory and Practice in Core Sports

PM3: Optional Subjects

Modules of Technical Didactics:

FM1: Educating and Teaching

FM2: Evaluation and School´s Development

For further information, see the current lecture timetable in heiCO.

Bachelor of “Sports in Prevention and Rehabilitation”:

BM1: Sport and Education

BM2: Movement and Practice

BM3: Sports, Individual and Society

BM4: Body, Achievement and Health

BM5: Prevention and Rehabilitation

BM6: Research methods

BM7: Theory and Practice of individual sports

BM8: Theory and Practice of sport games

AM1: Career orientation: Sport Science

AM2: Career orientation: Prevention and Rehabilitation

AM3: Career orientation: Organization and Management in Sport

AM4: Research methods

AM5: Theory and Practice in Core Sports

AM6: Module According to Examination

ÜbK1: Studying and Working Techniques

ÜbK3: Rhetoric and Presentation

Additional Offers “Body, Achievement and Health”

Additional Offers “Prevention and Rehabilitation”

For further information, see the current lecture timetable in heiCO.

Master of “Sports and Physical Activities in Childhood and Adolescence”

The Master at the ISSW is cooperative project with the University of Karlsruhe (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie - KIT) and the Pädagische Hochschulen (Teacher Training Colleges) in both cities. That offers you the opportunity to take courses at four different universities, if you like. These are the modules the master is composed:

BM1: Communication and Project Development

AllgM1: Development and Socialization

AllgM3: Achievement and Training

PM3A: Planning, Realization, Optimizing

PM3B: Structure and Law

Practice Module: Practice of Core Sports

Additive Module 1: Adequate Acting in reference to Target Groups

Additive Module 2: Key Qualifications

Investigation Module

For further information, see the current lecture timetable in heiCO.

Where can I find my courses and how do I register for the courses?

If you want to have a look which courses exactly are offered in the upcoming semester and when they take part, check out heiCO. Please notice, that you have to register for all your courses exactly in the week before semester starts! Please take care that the courses do not overlap!

Once you are registered, you can choose courses by selecting your priorities. The system is divided into theoretical and practical courses (germ.: Wahl Theorie, Wahl Praxis). To make sure that every student gets the courses that are most important for him/her, everyone has to select their priorities. For the course that is most important to you, you should tick the number 1 box. For lectures you can always use the number 7 box because everybody will receive a spot in the lectures. Altogether, you can choose 7 different theoretical courses and 7 different practical courses. Please take care that the courses do not overlap!

At the end of the registration period, usually on Friday before the semester starts, you can view your results to see in which courses you received a spot. The system will tell you which placement number you got and how many students are allowed to participate in the course. For example, if you got number 10 out of 25, you received a spot in the course. However, if you did not receive a spot, it is always worth showing up on the first session to see if somebody else cancelled their spot. So if you got number 36 out of 25, there is still a chance of getting in!

What about living and studying in Heidelberg?

General Information HD:

Heidelberg (HD) is located in south-west Germany. The fifth-largest city in the State of Baden-Württemberg and part of the densely populated Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. Over 150,000 people live in the city. Heidelberg lies on the River Neckar in a steep valley in the Odenwald. It´s a former residence of the Electorate of the Palatinate, Heidelberg is the location of Heidelberg University, well known far beyond Germany's borders. Heidelberg is a popular tourist destination due to its romantic and picturesque cityscape, including Heidelberg Castle and the Old Town.

About the University:

Heidelberg University is a research university with a strong international orientation. Besides enhancing its disciplinary strengths, the University places special emphasis on maintaining the dialogue across traditional subject boundaries. Heidelberg University has twelve faculties with a total of more than 29,000 students and a research and teaching staff of more than 5,000 scientists - among them 420 professors.

Which language is spoken in class?

Language in lecture at the ISSW is German, so we recommend you to study German language before coming to study to Heidelberg! At the end of the term you will have to write the same exam as the German students. However nearly everyone understands and speaks English in general. Do not hesitate to ask if you have any question. Students or teachers will be happy to help or explain you any subject matter in English.

When is lecture time?

Winter term: From the third week of October until the first week of February

Summer term: From the third week of April until the last week of July

The courses take part from 8:00 to 20:00 o'clock from Monday until Friday, but most of the course takes place from 10:00 to 16:00 o'clock and usually there are fewer courses offered on Friday. You can choose and fix your own timetable according to the current offer and your interests, but take care that the class times do not overlap!

What about accomodation?

A room in a shared flat in a student hall of residence costs from 180 € to 300 €. The International Office (germ.: Akademische Auslandsamt) will be happy to help you to find a place to stay. On your ”Application for Admission as an Exchange Student”, you can indicate whether or not you would like to be housed in a Student Hall (Studentenwohnheim). You will be informed if your application could be considered in the assignation of available rooms. This notification is sent together with your letter of admission (germ.: Zulassungsbescheid) approximately one month prior to the start of the semester.

The private housing market is more expensive: Usually students pay from 220 € to 380 € for a room in a shared flat. You can use the platforms like HousingAnywhere or WG-Gesucht, where our students use to offer and search for rooms and flats. Even the International Office (Akademische Auslandsamt) has its own platform where you can look for accommodation: Zimmerbörse.

What are the living costs? (outdated)

The livings cost in Germany are in the European average and cheaper than in Scandinavian countries. Heidelberg is not as cheap as other German cities, but you can also find nice low-budget places. The price depends a lot from the place you are (in more touristic and central or places more for students and locals). You should calculate with a minimum of 550 € a month, if you try not to spend so much money in eating outside and if your room is quite cheap. Normally you need more money. 670 €/month is a realistic amount you can live well as a student. To compare the prices with your home country, we made a list what foods used to cost in the supermarket:

1 bread from 1,50 to 3,00 €,
1 kilo of apples: 2,00 €,
1 kilo potato: around 1,00 €,
1 liter of milk: 0,50 to 1,00 €,
1 bottle (0,75 Liter) of sparkling water: 0,30 €,
1 packet of spaghetti: 0,60 €,
1 a cup of coffee in a café: 2,50 €,
1 glass of beer (0,3 liter) in a pub: 2,00 to 3,00 €,
1 ticket for a cinema (reduced for students): 6,00 to 8,00 €,
1 ticket for a theatre (reduced): 6,00 to 30,00 €,
1 ticket of a museum (reduced): 2,00 to 8,00 €.

What to do in leisure time?

Heidelberg and its university offer a lot of leisure time activities. For example the Hochschulsport (college sports department), which is open to all students of Heidelberg University. There they offer a very wide range of different sports. A large part of the courses are for free. Have a look here. Furthermore you find a list with student groups and activities for international students on the ERASMUS website of the University. In addition; don´t forget, that Heidelberg is a city of medium height, located very closed to other bigger cities, so it´s very easy to do cultural activity like going to the cinema, theatre, concerts o clubs.

Where can I get more help, information and tips for international students?

Once arrived in Heidelberg you can take part on the orientation week for international students organized by the International Office (Akademische Auslandsamt). It offers you a city tour, and  explain you the first administration steps you have to do and where you can make friends and get to know the city better. In addition the ISSW offers you a Buddy-Program all along your stay: You will be helped by a student who guides you through the university routine and will help you to feel comfortable in Heidelberg. In addition the International Office (Akademische Auslandsamt) and its ERASMUS department provide you with a lot of general information for all international students. For all further questions regarding the ISSW you can contact our departmental ERASMUS coordinator Janina Donalies-Vitt.

What do I have to do for admission and enrolment?

You will get the information how to apply for ERASMUS at the ISSW from your coordinator at your university. After that you have to sent all your documents in question. Then you will receive a letter of admission (germ.: Zulassungsbescheid) entitling you to enrol at the university. For enrolment you need following things:

• valid passport with visa and/or residence permit as applicable
• proof of health insurance (or certificate of exemption)
• 2 passport-sized photos (5 cm by 5 cm)
• letter of admission by the University of Heidelberg (germ.: Zulassungsbescheid)

At the beginning of your stay at Heidelberg University you have to present the above mentioned documents in person to the International Office (germ.: Akademische Auslandsamt). Then you will be ask to pay a fee of 64,00 € to the Studentenwerk (student union), like all our students do every semester. The money solely contributes to the social facilities like Mensa, House of students, student ticket for public transport, Internet-Cafés, child-care facilities, insurance against accidents in university buildings, free social and legal advice and so on. Important: Only after the fee has been credited to the university’s account does your enrolment take effect. Please be sure to keep your receipt; you need it in order to buy your Semesterticket (student season ticket for public transport).

If you want to apply for starting the Master´s degree at the ISSW: We have a different admission system.

Which possibilities do I have after ERASMUS in Heidelberg?

Heidelberg University is very interested in keeping in touch with you – and all its alumni. Therefore the central alumni initiative of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg Alumni International (HAI), fosters the scientific and personal exchange among its former as well as current students and of course with the Alma Mater. A growing number of activities and a wide range of services are offered for you:

• HAIsociety – worldwide alumni network (professional and social interchange)
• HAInet – the alumni online platform
• HAImail – the alumni email address
• HAIlife – the alumni magazine
• HAInews – the alumni newsletter
• Alumni Career (Job Board, internship, University Career Services and Mentoring Program)
• Alumni events
• etc.

Joining is very easy: register for free with Heidelberg Alumni International and become part of HAIsociety, the worldwide alumni network of Heidelberg University.

All questions are answered to the best of the knowledge. Source of most information are the homepages of the International Office including their information brochure „Informationen für ausländische ERASMUS-Studierende“ and the homepage of the ISSW. All information is subject to change.