How To: Open Semester Program – studying in the US

Today's How To section will be dealing with the issue of studying in the US. We would like to thank our partner, College-Contact, this How To would not have been possible without them. Please also have a look at their extensive services.

QUESTION: I am studying in Germany (2nd semester) and would like to study in the US for one or two semesters. Unfortunately, my department does not cooperate with very many American universities so it is virtually impossible to get into an exchange program. What other options do I have and what would you recommend?

ANSWER: Apart from the university programs, there are a number of other options for you to spend one or two semesters at an American university. You could just "regularly" apply at a university. However, since the universities don't differentiate between exchange students for one or two semesters and regular students, the application process is very complicated and especially at the good universities, it is very hard to get in.

A good option that is not very well known yet is the Open Semester Program offered by some American universities. The application process is simple, and you can choose different classes from many different subjects and semesters. The whole process involves a minimum of red tape. At the same time, you pay a lot less than for the regular programs.

QUESTION: What American universities offer the Open Semester Program?

ANSWER: Many universities of the University of California System participate in the Open Semester Program, such as the UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, and UC Davis, in addition to many other good Californian universities - the San Jose State University, the San Diego State University and the California State University Northridge. Also the Hawaii Pacific University has been offering a very popular and well-known semester program for several years now. Outside of California and Hawaii no Open Semester Programs exist so far.

QUESTION: What are the entry requirements for the Open Semester Program?

ANSWER: The entry requirements are astonishingly moderate. First off, you have to be holding a qualification for university entrance (for Germany: Abitur or Fachhochschulreife). Furthermore, you have to provide a bank statement showing that you have the financial means to pay for the stay abroad. And finally, you have to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) to prove that your English skills are sufficient.

QUESTION: What are my chances of actually being admitted into the Open Semester Program?

ANSWER: If you meet the above mentioned criteria, admission is practically guaranteed.

QUESTION: To I have to have a certain grade point average for the Open Semester Program?

ANSWER: No, your grade point average is irrelevant for the Open Semester Program. The reason is that the Open Semester Program is one of the so-called "non-degree programs," i.e. a program that is not aimed at obtaining a degree at a university.

QUESTION: What are my options in case my TOEFL results are too low?

ANSWER: In case your TOEFL results are below the limit required by your desired university (mostly 213), you have a number of different options - you could apply at another, equally as good university that does not ask for that many points - the California State University, for example, only requires 197 points, the San Jose State University only 173.

QUESTION: How far in advance do I have to apply for the Open Semester Program?

ANSWER: Since the Open Semester Programs do not include complicated selection procedures, but rather the universities only check the above mentioned criteria, you may apply on relatively short notice compared to other university programs. For example, you can apply until June 1, 2005 for the semester that begins August 2005. However, we recommend to apply earlier than that - especially if you wish to live in a student dormitory or a university-owned apartment.

QUESTION: How much do I have to pay for an Open Semester Program?

ANSWER: The costs depend on your chosen university, and also costs for accommodation and living expenses may vary. You will probably have to pay between $3,000 and $5,500 tuition for one semester at a university, if you take four classes. Count on another $2,500 - $5,000 for accommodation and costs of living. In addition, you will have to pay for the flight, travel insurance and any pocket money you will need.

QUESTION: What kind of financial support can I get for such a semester abroad?

ANSWER: Other than the possibility of paying for everything yourself, if you are from Germany you may also apply for Auslands-Bafög (student loan for studying abroad). In case you are eligible for Auslands-Bafög, this will usually pay the tuition of up to €4,600 a year, part of the flight, part of the travel insurance, and also a part of the living expenses.

Find detailed information on http//www.auslandsbafoeg.de. Other ways of getting financial support are, for Germany, the Bildungskredit (http://www.bildungskredit.de) and a number of scholarships by DAAD (www.daad.de).

QUESTION: Can I stay in the US after the open semester and finish my study program in case I really like it there?

ANSWER: Yes, that is possible. However, the Open Semester Programs are limited to a maximum stay of one year.

QUESTION: How and where can I apply?

ANSWER: The easiest way is to apply via college-contact.com, one of the leading German organizers of semesters abroad. College-contact.com is the official representative of the above mentioned universities and all offered programs. The universities pay college-contact.com for the marketing and to assist the prospective students with the enrolment, This means that enrolling via college-contact.com is not only completely free of charge, but also guarantees a fast and easy enrolment process.

QUESTION: Where can I find more information about Open Semester?

ANSWER: Find detailed information about the Open Semester Programs on the website http://www.semester-im-ausland.de Apart from detailed information about the universities offering Open Semester programs, you will also find further information about the Open Semester Program concepts and information about credit and applications, as well as an interactive section with experience reports and a forum. If you are interested, you my download information brochures, application forms and an application manual from the university profile pages.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact kundenservice@college-contact.com, or find further contact information directly on the website. College-contact.com will be glad to assist you.