International Relations

I get switched on when others tend to turn off. I'm passionately interested in what's happening in the world and its effects. I soak up new information like a sponge and throw myself into any new political debate. The major issues and challenges in our world especially revolving around peace, prosperity, environmental protection, justice and human rights are what excite and drive me.

I want to be socially engaged and I'm curious about other cultures and ways of thinking. I'm interested in building bridges and find it rewarding when I can contribute to achieving or helping to develop solutions to the major challenge of finding peaceful resolutions to a conflict.

I believe in diplomacy as a driving force on the conflict-ridden world stage. I want to encourage people to stop fighting each other with weapons or exploiting their economic power, to negotiate instead with words, knowledge and values. I see myself as a future intermediary between cultures and their respective interests. In the future, I can see myself either in the Foreign Office, working for an international company or with an NGO.

I want to learn about and understand the context of international politics and economics, ecology and ethics, legal regulations and cultural ideas, as well as the art of diplomatic negotiations from scratch. That's why I'm studying "International Relations" at Karlshochschule.

Educational organisation

All modules focusing on international relations have been designed to teach students to work and communicate successfully in an international field of work like diplomatic services, civil services, journalism, and education or in an international business context.

The modules that focus on politics and social culture are: Cultural Studies, Introduction to International Relations, International Organisations, Political Philosophy, Introduction to Strategic Practice, Foreign Policy Analysis, Anthropology, Conflict Resolution, Contemporary Society, Ethics, Justice, Human and Constitutional Rights.

Study abroad unit(s)

In the fourth semester, students go abroad for one semester, in order to test and apply the knowledge they have acquired in a foreign culture. This experience makes them even more appealing to employers.

The university has established cooperation agreements with partner universities so that all the modules can be completed at a university abroad without any loss of time. During the semester abroad, students have the opportunity to discover another country, benefit from cross-cultural exchanges and broaden their horizons. Thus, they greatly increase their chances of successfully finding a job after graduation.

Internships

At the end of your Bachelor's studies, you will have to pass a practical phase. During these three to six months, you will prove your knowledge and enthusiasm under real circumstances - and you might develop your Bachelor's thesis. With great contacts in different areas, we will help you to find an internship.

Forms of assessment

Exams, presentations, term papers, projects

Language requirements

English proficiency:
Level C1 or above according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or IELTS of 6.5 or above or Internet-based TOEFL score of at least 100 points unless English is your native language

Academic requirements

To study as an international student at Karlshochschule International University, you must have a university entrance qualification that allows you to study in Germany. Furthermore, we emphasise your English language skills and something very special: you! Here we focus on your experiences, your character, and your personal qualifications.

Enrolment fees

All students pay 68 EUR per semester to the Karlsruhe Student Union.

Costs of living

Rent at a hall of residence or shared flat: 260-350 EUR
Health insurance: 65 EUR
Food: 160 EUR
Miscellaneous (books, computer, leisure, etc.): at least 120 EUR

Arrival support

• Advice on accommodation for students
• Assistance with student visas and residence permits
• Introduction days at the beginning of the study programme
• Pick-up service from Karlsruhe train station

Services and support for international students

Integrating and supporting our students is our top priority. This involves close contact with professors as well as a service-oriented, accessible administration and academic offices.

We offer:

• Programmes instructed in English
• German and English language courses at different levels
• German culture classes
• Academic counselling
• Open-door policy of professors
• Assistance with the application procedure
• Advice on accommodation for students
• Assistance with student visas and residence permits
• Counselling on financing and scholarship programmes
• Counselling on internship applications
• Assistance with practical matters and organisation of leisure activities by the International Office and student advisers
• Introduction days at the beginning of the study programme
• Excursions and extra activities with professors
• Specific events and excursions for international students, e.g. to Heidelberg, Strasbourg or Berlin
• Pick-up service from Karlsruhe train station
• Online platform for international students