Binational in History (German-French)

The international Bachelor's programme in history aims at introducing students from Germany (or German-speaking countries) and France (or French-speaking countries) to knowledge and skills in history. Special emphasis lies on specific theoretical and methodological approaches of academic research in history in both Germany and France.
The fields of study comprise all central epochs of European history.
One central feature of the programme is the explicit intercultural dimension: German- and French-speaking participants complete the programme side by side. By working in pairs, they can assist each other with language problems as well as in practical matters.
The Bachelor's programme refers to the binational Master's programme in history, which is also organised by Bielefeld University and the University of Paris 7.

Educational organisation

Students follow the general Bachelor's study programme in history (or licence in history) of both universities (see http://www.uni-bielefeld.de and http://www.univ-paris-diderot.fr). This programme comprises lectures, seminars, and tutorials which deal with methods and theories in history, transnational approaches to historical matters, and intercultural questions.
Following the second and the third year of the programme, the participants take part in two summer schools in Paris that give the students the opportunity to extend their historical and cultural knowledge and improve their ability to give oral presentations on specific matters.

Study abroad unit(s)

At least two semesters are spent at the University of Paris 7.

Internships

Internships are not obligatory, but they are strongly recommended.
The "Deutsch-Französische Hochschule" (http://www.dfh-ufa.org) regularly offers specific internships that aim at improving intercultural abilities and giving insight into the European dimensions of various professional fields.
Further offers are also announced via the internal communication network of the study programme.

Forms of assessment

• Seminar paper
• written exam
• oral exam
• summer schools
• Bachelor's thesis

Course objectives

Students will acquire profound knowledge and skills in the field of historical research. They become familiar with scientific techniques of historical research in both Germany and France and learn how to produce texts in both academic cultures. One important feature of this knowledge is the major improvement in students' ability to express themselves in the foreign language (French or German).
Furthermore, one central aim is to prepare the participants for the continuation of their studies in the binational Master's programme in history, organised by Bielefeld University and the University of Paris 7.

Language requirements

Applicants must be native speakers of either German or French. Oral and written proficiency in the other language (French or German) must be good.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

Applicants must have a German "Abitur" or the French equivalent, the "baccalauréat".

Enrolment fees

Currently approx. 270 EUR per semester, including a ticket for public transport in the city of Bielefeld and the whole state of North Rhine-Westphalia

Costs of living

The following monthly costs can be expected: the rent in a student hall of residence, in private halls, rooms, or flats amounts to about 300 EUR per month; health insurance is about 80 EUR per month; and a meal in the students' canteen (Mensa) costs less than 3 EUR. According to lifestyle, about 150 EUR per month can be expected to be spent on food. So the cost of living amounts to approx. 670 EUR monthly, i.e. some 8,000 EUR per year.

Job opportunities

Basically, international students are allowed to work parallel to their studies for 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a work permit once they have successfully completed preparations for their studies and started a course.
A limited number of jobs are available at the university; however, jobs for students can also be found in companies in and around Bielefeld.

Funding opportunities within the university

Students at Bielefeld University are generally able to apply for a scholarship from the Studienfonds OWL e. V. For further information, please see http://www.studienfonds-owl.de.
Additionally, participants receive financial support from the "Deutsch-Französische Hochschule" during their stay abroad (i.e. French students receive this support while studying in Bielefeld and vice versa).

Arrival support

Both universities participating in the binational Bachelor's programme have tutors available who are responsible for taking care of the new participants in the programme as well as of the more advanced students. Thus, new students receive help with all practical problems such as enrolment, accommodation etc. In addition, there is a close communication network between all participants of the programme. This network helps students solve practical problems.
Additionally, a personal tutoring programme is offered by the International Office at Bielefeld University (please see: http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/International/Students/).

Services and support for international students

In addition to many services and facilities available to all students, the International Office offers a wide range of special services helping you adjust to your new surroundings and providing you with continuing support that will enhance your learning.
At the beginning of each semester, a leisure day programme with a variety of activities is published to which all international students are invited: day excursions, weekend trips, journeys taking several days, and evening meetings in the international contact centre.
The PunktUm project offers interdisciplinary assistance in the acquisition of basic academic skills to international students. Project offers are composed of individual counselling, workshops, and courses on the following contents: academic writing, oral study achievements and scientific language for subject-related and interdisciplinary use. Bielefeld University's Brother-Sister Programme is a personal tutoring programme for all foreign freshmen and participants of the German language courses. Students of all semesters and fields of study support people new to Bielefeld during their first semester in dealing with organisational difficulties and in other new situations.
In 1985, the Society for the Support for International Students was founded with the purpose of supporting international students and scholars/scientists of the Bielefeld academies and encouraging new contacts and relationships with the people of the region.

Accommodation

In Bielefeld, a broad range of accommodation options can be found at affordable prices.
Housing options include 17 halls of residence, which are run by The public "Studentenwerk" and private organisations. Additionally, single apartments as well as rooms in shared flats with other students are available. The rent for a room in Bielefeld amounts to about 180 to 300 EUR per month. The International Office supports students who are searching for accommodation.