Going abroad with Erasmus
"My Erasmus semester at the University of Groningen, Faculty of Religion, Culture and Society, was one of the most enriching experiences of my academic journey. More than simply studying abroad, it allowed me to engage with new cultures, gain diverse academic perspectives, and develop greater confidence and independence. I would highly recommend an Erasmus experience to other students, as it opens doors to the international academic community and broadens one’s perspective both personally and academically.” (Niroshan, M.A. student at CERES)
New Perspectives Through Studying Abroad
A study abroad experience is a valuable opportunity for students of Religious Studies. It broadens personal and academic perspectives while strengthening language skills and intercultural competencies.
Studying at another university with different academic strengths can also provide important new impulses for your own development in Religious Studies.
Opportunities for Studying Abroad
Students can organize their international experience in different ways: either by independently selecting a suitable university abroad or by participating in existing exchange programs offered by Ruhr University Bochum.
The International Office provides information on RUB’s worldwide partner universities and cooperation agreements, including institutions in Europe, Asia, and North and South America.
Exchange Partnerships in Religious Studies
Religious Studies at RUB currently maintains Erasmus partnerships with universities in Groningen, Bern, Ghent, Krakow, Naples and Perugia. Further collaborations are being developed, continuously expanding opportunities for student exchange.
Planning and Advising
Early planning is essential, as application deadlines for exchange programs are often several months in advance. Students who wish to complete a study abroad period within the standard period of study should therefore begin preparing during the early stages of their degree program.
Find more information about planning your Erasmus study abroad here.
Recognition of Academic Credits
To ensure that studying abroad can be smoothly integrated into your degree program, the recognition of academic achievements is designed to be as straightforward as possible.
Students are encouraged to seek academic advice before their stay abroad in order to clarify questions regarding credit recognition and course selection at the host institution.
International Internship Opportunities
MA students in Religious Studies who want to collect practical experience during their studies have the opportunity to organize an internship abroad through the Erasmus+ program. This is strongly encouraged to gain professional experience early on and set up connections and networks for students’ future careers.
Find more information on the Erasmus Internship and Scholarship program here.
Erasmus+ Internship applications
All degree students at RUB can participate in the Erasmus+ internship program. This program offers an opportunity to gather practical experience relevant to the study degree as well as to gain entrepreneurial and creative skills and cultural and language competencies relevant within the competitive job market. The internship program includes a monthly stipend, a travel allowance, language support and counselling before, during, and after the internship period.
Internships can be conducted at any workplace abroad. Securing a spot for an internship involves contacting the organisation of your interest with a motivation letter and a CV, reaching an agreement with them on the duration of your internship and the specific tasks to be fulfilled. Afterwards, a formal application to the RUB International Office should be submitted, including a signed Learning Agreement that specifies the goals and objectives of your stay. In the following, you need to secure a place to stay, a visa (if you need one), insurance coverage, and travel means to your destination. Upon internship completion, the completed Learning Agreement should be submitted to the International Office.
Find a list of participating businesses and organisations here.
Applications are accepted four times a year in March, June, September and December.
Find information on the application procedure, participation requirements, and financial coverage here.
Further questions?
For questions on CERES's Erasmus partnerships and opportunities to spend a semester abroad via Erasmus, please contact our Erasmus coordinator Prof. Dr. Dominika Motak.