Hessen:Wisconsin Exchange Program

WELCOME TO

Hessen:Wisconsin Exchange Program Akademisches Auslandsamt  Gutenbergstr. 6  35390 Giessen  Germany CONTENTS

History ...... 4 Facts and Figures ...... 4 The German Higher Education System...... 4

The Degree Program Structure ...... 4 Courses of Study at Justus Liebig University Giessen...... 5 Departments at Justus Liebig University Giessen...... 7 Types of Courses ...... 7 Course Guide ...... 8 Credits and Grades...... 8 Academic Calendar 2009/2010 ...... 8 FORMALITIES in the Home country...... 9

Application ...... 9 Health Insurance ...... 10 APPLICATION FOR GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES OFFERED BY JLU GIESSEN...... 10 the International Summer Course ...... 10 Intensive Language Course before the Summer Semester (Spring Course) and other German Lan- guage Courses ...... 10 ARRIVAL IN GIESSEN...... 11

Entering Germany ...... 11 How to get to Giessen...... 11 Moving in / Pick-up Service ...... 11 Private Accommodation ...... 11 Formalities in Giessen...... 12

Registration at Justus Liebig University Giessen ...... 12 Orientation Week / Information Desk ...... 12 Student ID Card / Semesterticket ...... 12 Official Registration with the Authorities and Residence Permit...... 12 Opening a Bank Account ...... 13 German Language Courses ...... 13 STUDY FACILITIES...... 13

University Computer Center ...... 13 University Library Giessen ...... 14 Departmental Libraries...... 14 Social Services...... 14

International Student Counselling ...... 14 Student Services ...... 15 Counselling for Students With Special Needs ...... 15 Student Restaurants ...... 16

2 Student Union (AStA) ...... 16 Departmental Student Associations...... 16 Aiesec...... 16 Aegee...... 17 Religious Student Communities ...... 17 Leisure activities...... 17

Sports Union ...... 17 University Orchestra ...... 18 Museums ...... 18 Outdoor Activities ...... 18 Cafés and Pubs ...... 19 Going Out ...... 19 Shopping Hours ...... 19 Tourist Office ...... 19 OTHER useful INFORMATION...... 20

Important Telephone Numbers ...... 20 Emergency Doctors / Hospitals ...... 20 Pharmacies ...... 20 Help in Financial Emergencies ...... 20 Living Expenses ...... 21 Academic Transcript...... 22 Moving out of your Dorm...... 22 De-register at the authorities...... 22 Close Bank Account...... 22 Alumni...... 22 Ambassadors...... 22 Checklist...... 23

Pre-Arrival...... 23 Arrival...... 23 Airport Pick-up Form...... 24

3 GENERAL INFORMATION ON JUSTUS LIEBIG UNIVERSITY GIESSEN

HISTORY 

Justus Liebig University Giessen was founded in 1607 and is one of the traditional universities in the Ger- man-speaking countries. For the first two centuries it was a provincial university where only four subjects were taught: Theology, Medicine, Philosophy and Law. Until the 19th century, various steps towards modernisation were taken and the number of faculties continued to increase: Economics, Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture were taught as well. During this period a number of acclaimed scientists were teaching at Giessen University, such as Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen and Justus Liebig. It is also due to their scientific work that an unusually wide range of subjects was established at such an early time. The university received its present name on the occa- sion of its 350th anniversary celebration in 1957. Today, Justus Liebig University is the second-largest university in the Federal State of Hessen. The university offers an exceptionally wide range of courses in the fields of Law, Business and Economics, the Natural Sciences, the Humanities, and the Social Sciences. Very few German universities can match Giessen’s particular combination of Agricultural Sciences, Food Science and Nutrition, and Veterinary Medicine. Along with Biology and Medicine, these subjects support and feed into special areas of research and teaching, particularly in the domain of Life Sciences. Justus Liebig University celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2007. The celebratory events were a major success and contributed to JLU’s popularity – on national and international level. Its recent success in the governmental funding program promoting top-level research at excellent German universities proves that it is well prepared for future challenges. JLU was able to succeed with two projects: the Graduate Centre for the Study of Culture (GCSC) and the Cluster of Excellence “Cardiopulmonary System”. This success indicates that JLU ranks among Germany’s top universities.

FACTS AND FIGURES 

Justus Liebig University Giessen is a public institution funded by the Federal State of Hessen. Today, almost 23,000 students are enrolled at Justus Liebig University, of which 1,700 are international students. With about 300 professors, 1,000 academic assistants and 2,000 other employees, the university is the main employ- er in the region. Add the University’s 23,000 students to the city’s local population of around 73,500 inhabitants, and you can see why Giessen has the highest concentration of students in Germany.

THE GERMAN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM

THE DEGREE PROGRAM STRUCTURE 

The switch-over to international Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at JLU Giessen will be completed by the year 2010. All courses at JLU Giessen (with the exception of the nationally oriented teaching degrees with the Staatsexamen qualification and the professional degrees in Law, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine) will then take the form of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Particularly at Master’s level, there will be a much broader range of classes offered in English. Justus Liebig University currently offers five different degree courses: Dip- lom, Magister, Staatsexamen, Bachelor and Master.

Bachelor / Master Degree The Bachelor degree is a first academic degree which enables graduates to start a professional career immediately or to continue academic studies with a Master degree course. Students can also enrol for a Mas- ter degree course when they have gained sufficient practical work experience in the respective area of study. The Master degree can be achieved within two years and entitles a graduate to do a doctorate.

Diplom The Diplom is awarded for courses of studies in the Natural Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Economics and Business Studies, Social Sciences or Art. At the end of their studies, students have to take various oral and writ - ten exams and write a thesis (Diplomarbeit).

4 Magister The Magister degree (Magister/Magistra Artium) is mainly awarded in Language and Literary Studies, Cultur- al Studies and Social Sciences. Students have the opportunity to choose various subjects from different academic fields, which makes the Magister degree highly interdisciplinary. The subjects are usually divided into majors and minors. In contrast to the Diplom, the Magister degree program does not focus on specific professions, but enables the graduate to work in a wide variety of professional areas. The Magister program concludes with the master’s thesis (Magisterarbeit) and a number of oral and written exams.

State Examination (Staatsexamen) In Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmaceutics, Food Chemistry, Law, and in all school teaching courses of study students are awarded the Staatsexamen (state examination). State examination departments of the respective state departments are responsible for the examinations in the various subjects. Prospective teachers have to choose a combination of subjects. Prospective teachers and Law graduates have to do a mandatory Ref- erendariat (a period of practical work at certain state and/or private institutions comparable to an internship) at the end of their studies at university. The Referendariat enables a graduate to work in his or her chosen area.

COURSES OF STUDY AT JUSTUS LIEBIG UNIVERSITY GIESSEN

Bachelor of Science  Biology  Chemistry  Physics  Mathematics  Geography  Advanced Materials  Agricultural Science  Environmental Management  Nutritional Science  Nutritional Science and Home Economics  Nutrition Chemistry  Physical Activity and Health  Psychology

Master of Science  Biology  Physics  Chemistry  Mathematics  Mathematics in Practice  Advanced Materials  Transition Studies (in English)  Agrobiotechnology (in English)  Crop Science  Farm Animal Science  Agricultural Economics and Farm Management  Environmental and Resource Management  Oenology (fields of study: Vinicultural Economics or Viniculture and Oenology)  Nutritional Science  Food Economics  Household Science

Bachelor of Arts  Business Administration  Economics  Social Sciences  Early Childhood Education  Extracurricular Education  Vocational Education and Training  Music Education  Musicology  The Culture of the Ancient World [degree title: Baccalaurea/Baccalaureus Artium]  History and Culture – combined course of study*: History; Journalism and Public History; Classical Archaeology; Classical Philology (Greek, Latin); History of Art; Art Education; Music Education; Musicology; Protestant Theology; Catholic Theology; Philosophy; Turkic Languages and Literatures; Education; Political Science; Sociology; English Language, Literatures and Cultures; German Studies (German Linguistics, German Literature); Romance Languages, Cultures and Literatures* (French, Spanish, Portuguese);

5 Slavonic Languages, Cultures and Literatures* (Russian Studies, Bohemian Studies, Polish Studies, Croatian/Serbian Studies); [Degree title: Baccalaurea/Baccalaureus Artium]  Language, Literature, Culture – combined course of study*: English Language, Literatures and Cultures; German Studies (German Linguistics, German Literature); Romance Languages, Cultures and Literatures* (French, Spanish, Portuguese); Slavonic Lan- guages, Cultures and Literatures* (Russian Studies, Bohemian Studies, Polish Studies, Croatian/Serbian Studies); Turkic Lan- guages and Literatures; History; Eastern European History; Classical Archaeology; Classical Philology (Greek, Latin); History of Art; Art Education; Music Education; Musicology; Protestant Theology; Catholic Theology; Philosophy  Modern Languages, Cultures, and Business Studies: English Language, Literatures and Cultures; Romance Languages and Literat - ures French; Romance Languages and Literatures Spanish; Romance Language and Literatures Portuguese; Russian Studies; Bohemian Studies; Polish Studies; Portuguese Studies; Business Administration; Economics  Modern Languages and Language Teaching: English; French; Spanish; Portuguese; Subject Didactics: English; Subject Didactics: Romance Languages  Applied Theatre Studies

* Some subjects can only be studied as minors. For combinations (major/minor subjects) please contact the Student Advisory Office.

Master of Arts  Comparative Child Law (in cooperation with the North-West-University Potchefstroom, South Africa; in English)  Business Administration  Democracy and Cooperation  German Literature and Culture in Eastern Europe  Society and Cultures of Modernity  Economics  Applied Musicology  Vocational Education and Training  Educational Science: Continuing Learning, Extracurricular Education  Historic and Present Visual Cultures: Classical Archaeology/ History of Art  Literatures of the Ancient World (Greek, Latin Philology)  Language, Literature, and Culture – combined course of study*: English Linguistics; English Cultural Studies; English Literary Studies; German Linguistics; German Literary Studies; German as a Foreign Language; Computational Linguistics and Text Technology; Comparative Studies; Romance Languages, Cultures and Literatures* (French, Spanish, Portuguese); Slavonic Lan- guages, Cultures and Literatures (Russian, Bohemian, Polish, Croatian, Serbian)*  Modern Languages, Cultures, and Business Studies*: English Language, Literatures and Cultures; Romance Languages and Liter- atures French; Romance Languages and Literatures Spanish; Russian Studies; Bohemian Studies; Polish Studies; Portuguese Studies; Business Administration; Economics  Modern Languages and Language Teaching*: English; French; Spanish; Portuguese; Subject Didactics: English; Subject Didactics: Romance Languages  Modern Languages and Linguistics  Language Technology and Foreign Language Teaching  Interdisciplinary Studies on Eastern Europe  Applied Theatre Studies  Choreography and Performance

* Some subjects can only be studied as minor subjects or elements of study. For combinations (major/minor subjects, elements of study) please contact the Student Advisory Office.

Magister Juris Internationalis  The Magister Juris Internationalis (“International European and Comparative Law“) is a course of study that can also be studied as a second Master’s Degree

State Examination  Law  Teaching Degrees (all types of schools)  Veterinary Medicine  Human Medicine  Dentistry

Supplementary Courses of Study/Second Master’s Degrees  Magister Legum (German Law for Jurists with a Foreign Degree; Supplementary Course of Study)  Fundamentals of Applied Information Technology and Applied Mathematics (certificate)

6 DEPARTMENTS AT JUSTUS LIEBIG UNIVERSITY GIESSEN

01 Department of Law 02 Department of Economic Sciences 03 Department of Social and Cultural Sciences:  Social Sciences/Political Sciences  Educational Sciences  Fine Arts Education, Music Education and Musicology 04 Department of History and Cultural Sciences:  History, Classical Philology, Oriental Studies  Protestant Theology, Catholic Theology, and Didactics 05 Department of Language, Literature and Culture:  German Language and Literature Studies  English Language and Literature Studies  Languages and Cultures of the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe, Theatre Studies 06 Department of Psychology and Sports Science:  Psychology  Sports Science 07 Department of Mathematics, Informatics, Physics and Geography:  Mathematics and Informatics  Physics  Geography 08 Department of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences:  Biology  Chemistry 09 Department of Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Management:  Agricultural Sciences and Environmental Management  Nutritional Science and Home Economics

10 Department of Veterinary Medicine

11 Department of Medicine

TYPES OF COURSES 

Justus Liebig University offers the following types of courses: lectures (Vorlesungen), seminars (Sem- inare) and/or class exercises/tutorials (Übungen/Tutorien). Students also gain work experience by doing internships (Praktika) and by going on excursions (Exkursionen).

Lecture (Vorlesung) Lectures generally offer an overview of various aspects of a subject and provide students with basic the- oretical knowledge. Students are expected to accompany lectures by extensive background reading. Some lectures require an examination at the end of the semester.

Seminar Seminars offer lecturers and students the opportunity of class discussions on specific issues. Students are usually expected to present papers which serve as the basis for discussion. Grundseminare or Proseminare are for students in their first two years at university. Hauptseminare or Oberseminare are intended for advanced students.

Class Exercise and Tutorial (Übung) Class exercises and tutorials deal with specific issues of a subject in detail. Credits can be gained for es- says, papers presented in class, or written examinations.

Work experience/Internships (Praktika) Some courses of study require students to do laboratory work and/or internships.

Field Trips (Exkursionen) In some courses of study - such as geography or archaeology - students are required to take part in a number of mandatory field trips. These can last from one day up to several weeks.

7 COURSE GUIDE .

The course guide (Vorlesungsverzeichnis) provides a detailed list of all courses offered by Justus Liebig University. The course guide is available online: http://evv.uni-giessen.de/

CREDITS AND GRADES

For regular attendance of a lecture, class or seminar, students generally get ungraded certificates (Teil- nahmeschein) at the end of the semester. For graded certificates (Leistungsscheine), students usually have to pass an exam, give a presentation and/or hand in an essay.

All Bachelor and Master Courses of Study use the following grading system:

1,0 – 1,5 Excellent 1,6 – 2,0 Very Good 2,1 – 3,0 Good 3,1 – 3,5 Satisfactory 3,6 – 4,0 Sufficient 4,1 – 5,0 Fail

All other courses of study are oriented at this grading system:

1 = Very Good 2 = Good 3 = Satisfactory 4 = Sufficient 5 = Fail

Students get ECTS credits for Leistungsscheine.

ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2009/2010 

The academic year is divided into two semesters:

Winter Semester: October 1st – March 31st Summer Semester: April 1st – September 30th

Semester dates and teaching period:

Orientation week: 05.10.2009 – 09.10.2009 Teaching period 2009/2010: 12.10.2009 – 12.02.2010 Christmas break: 19.12.2009 – 10.01.2010 Orientation week: 06.04.2010 – 09.04.2010 Teaching period 2010: 12.04.2010 – 16.07.2010 Examination period: generally at the end of the teaching period

Public Holidays in 2009/2010:

German Unity Day: 03.10.2009 Christmas: 25./26.12.2009 New Year’s Day: 01.01.2010 Good Friday: 02.04.20010 Easter: 04./05.04.2010 Labour Day: 01.05.2010 Ascension Day: 13.05.2010 Pentecost: 23./24.05.2010 Corpus Christi: 03.06.2010

8 FORMALITIES IN THE HOME COUNTRY

APPLICATION 

1) Application  Please click here for the Application Form for Admission to Studies For Foreign Applicants. Fill in ONLY PAGE 1 of the application form (because from exchange students we either already have or don't need the information asked for on pages 2-4), print it out, sign it on page 4 and send it - together with your application for housing - to the Hessen-Wisconsin Coordinator at the International Office of JLU Giessen before:

 June 1st for the winter semester  January 1st for the summer semester

Akademisches Auslandsamt Hessen-Wisconsin Student Exchange Program Dr. Margot Schneider-März Gutenbergstrasse 6

D – 35390 Giessen

Tel.: +49 (0)641 / 99 1 21 -47 /-70 Fax: +49 (0)641 / 99 1 21 33 E-mail: [email protected] giessen.de http://www.wisconsin.hessen.de

2) Preparation of a Course List  It is advisable to discuss the courses you are planning to take in Giessen with your academic advisor in Wisconsin. The courses that will be offered in a semester will only be published a few weeks before the actual start of the term. So be prepared to decide on course choices more or less last-minute. Feel free to contact the lecturer by email if you have questions about the course. Send us the preliminary course list before your arrival.

3) Application for a Room in a Student Hall of Residence  Most exchange students at Justus Liebig University stay in one of our halls of residence. The price for a room depends on the duration of your stay and ranges between 197€ for 12 months and 280 € for 2 months. If you want to study at JLU for one semester, for instance, the rent will amount to approximately 220 € per month. The rent for the first month and a 200 € deposit have to be paid on arrival. For more information see: http://hrza1.hrz.uni-giessen.de/studentenwerk/wohnen/haupt.htm If you wish to apply for a room in a hall of residence, please fill in the application form which is available online: http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/internationales/erasmus/in/bewerbung/unterbringung.

Please do not use any other form (e.g. the online application form for German students on the pages of the Stu- dentenwerk)!

Fill in the application form, print it out, and send it - together with your application for admission - to the Hessen-Wisconsin Coordinator at the International Office of JLU Giessen before:

 June 1st for the winter semester  January 1st for the summer semester

9 HEALTH INSURANCE 

Students must show a certificate of adequate health insurance when registering at JLU Giessen. For Hes- sen-Wisconsin students we strongly encourage to take out a German student health insurance from one of the health insurance providers.

Our student Buddies will be able to help you taking out German health insurance during the orientation week.

APPLICATION FOR GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES OFFERED BY JLU GIESSEN

THE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER COURSE  (in September)

The International Summer Course is intended for students from our international partner universities who are taking part in an exchange programme at Justus Liebig University Giessen. The course offers application-oriented language courses which help students to get familiar with the German language, especially in the academic context. It is also a hands-on introduction to the University of Giessen: you can find out about life and culture in and around Giessen together with your fellow students and our tutors even before the semester begins. Language courses on different levels and various workshops as well as various excursions to famous sites nearby, e.g. to Frankfurt/Main, Heidelberg and/or the Rhein Valley, are offered during the whole month of September. You can get 4 ECTS points for this course. You can get the course prospectus and the application form from the Hessen-Wisconsin coordinator of JLU Giessen. The application form should be sent to the Hessen-Wisconsin Office by July 15th at the latest.

INTENSIVE LANGUAGE COURSE BEFORE THE SUMMER SEMESTER (SPRING COURSE) AND OTHER GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES 

The International Office offers exchange students a three-week intensive language course which is free of charge and takes place each year before the summer semester at the end of March/beginning of April. Stu- dents activate and improve their command of German. They learn how to assess their skills in the foreign language correctly and receive help with linguistic challenges. New structures and vocabulary are introduced and practised, focussing particularly on typical forms and structures from the academic context.

Our Evening Classes in German as a Foreign Language during the semester are also free of charge for exchange students.

The German Intensive Courses in Preparation for Academic Study are not free of charge but you can pro- ceed from beginners' level (A1) through levels A2, B1, B2 and C1.1 up to level C1.2 of the DSH examination (the prerequisite for taking up a course of academic study) or the TestDaF (the Test of German as a Foreign Lan- guage). These intensive courses are aimed at individual foreign students applying to JLU Giessen and the Giessen–Friedberg Technical University. However, doctoral students, students on official exchange programs, and visiting researchers and their dependants can also participate. You can enter the program at any of the levels listed.

You can get further information on all language courses offered by the International Office of JLU Giessen on the international pages of Justus Liebig University and directly from the International Office.

10 ARRIVAL IN GIESSEN

ENTERING GERMANY 

HOW TO GET TO GIESSEN

Travelling to Frankfurt by plane:  It is best to fly directly to Frankfurt Rhein/Main Airport (FRA).If you arrive at Frankfurt/Main Airport, take either local S-Bahn or regional trains from Frankfurt Airport Tiefbahnhof at Terminal 1 or take InterCity (IC) and ICE trains from Frankfurt/Main Airport Fernbahnhof at Terminal 1 to Frankfurt Central Station (Hauptbahnhof). Trains leave around every 15 min. Trains to Giessen from Frankfurt Central Station leave at least every hour. You can buy your train ticket at Frankfurt Airport station from RMV vending machines, (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsbund, the transport company for the Rhein/Main region).

Travelling to Giessen by train:  Giessen is well connected to Europe’s rail network. All European train connections to and from Giessen can be found on www.bahn.de.

If you wish, you can participate in our Buddy Program free of charge. Experienced students who have studied in Wisconsin recently, will pick you up at the airport or train station and take you to your dorm room. Please contact the Hessen-Wisconsin Coordinator at JLU to register for the Buddy Service.

MOVING IN / PICK-UP SERVICE 

Students who have reserved a room in a hall of residence can get their keys and settle other accommodation formalities at the Studentenwerk (for the address pl. see "Student Services"). There will also be a pick-up service. To be picked-up, please complete the Airport Pick-up Form on the last page.

PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION 

If you have not applied for a room in a hall of residence, you can look for private accommodation. Students usually share apartments. This type of housing is called a “WG”, a “Wohngemeinschaft”. Room prices range from 180 € to 300 €. If you are looking for private housing, the following local newspapers might be of help, look for the section “Kleinanzeigen“(classified ads):  Giessener Allgemeine Zeitung “Vermietungen“: http://www.giessener-allgemeine.de  Giessener Anzeiger “Wohnungsangebote”: http://www.giessener-anzeiger.de  Giessener Express, especially for flats shared with other students ”Biete Wohnung“: www.marbuch-verlag.de

You can also find more private ads at the bulletin boards in many university buildings, student restaurants (Mensa) and halls of residence.

Temporary accommodation is available at the Giessen Youth Hostel.

11 Jugendherberge Giessen Richard-Schirrmann-Weg 53

D – 35398 Giessen

Tel.: +49 (0)6 41 / 6 58 79 Fax: +49 (0)6 41 / 9 60 55 02 http://www.djh-hessen.de/jh/jugendherberge-giessen

12 FORMALITIES IN GIESSEN

REGISTRATION AT JUSTUS LIEBIG UNIVERSITY GIESSEN 

The exact dates of the enrolment period are to be found in your Letter of Admission (Zulassungsbes- cheid). Hessen-Wisconsin students enrol after their arrival in Giessen at the Matriculation Office for International Students. They have to register anew after each semester if the duration of stay is longer than one semester. Our Buddies (experienced fellow students) of the International Student Advisory Office offer help.

Studentensekretariat Zulassung/Immatrikulation für ausländische Studierende Gutenbergstrasse 6

D - 35390 Giessen

Please take the following documents with you:

 Letter of Admission as a Hessen-Wisconsin student of JLU Giessen  Payment receipt of the fee for Student Services (Studentenwerk) and “Semesterticket” for public transport of around 185 € per semester. Please note that this is not a tuition fee. You will also have to pay a deposit of 15 € for the student ID card. The deposit will be refunded on your leave.  Valid health insurance certificate

ORIENTATION WEEK / INFORMATION DESK  The International Student Advisory Office organises the Orientation Week http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/internationales/studierenjlu/studieneinfuhrungswoche for international students one week before the start of lectures. Experienced students (tutors) help new- comers with registration formalities. They also give advice for everyday life. Furthermore, special events will help you to settle in and to get started in Giessen. We strongly advise you to participate!

During the whole enrolment period (i.e. at least two weeks before the start of lectures), tutors offer incoming students help at the so-called Information Desk (“Info-Tisch”) at the International Student Advisory Office. All Hessen-Wisconsin students will also be matched with a Buddy.

STUDENT ID CARD / SEMESTERTICKET  The Student Card serves as library and student restaurant ID Card and includes the “Semesterticket” which allows students free local public transport within the whole Rhein/Main and North Hessen region (this includes local trains, trams, the underground, and buses in and between Frankfurt/Main, Giessen, Wiesbaden, Marburg, Darmstadt, Fulda, and Kassel).

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION WITH THE AUTHORITIES AND RESIDENCE PERMIT All students have to register officially with the authorities in Giessen after their arrival. During the Ori- entation Week (see above), tutors will support students with all necessary bureaucratic procedures.

13 OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT 

We advise you to open a bank account (Girokonto) as soon as possible. The procedure is simple: you only need your passport, the confirmation of official registration of residence and a proof of your status as a JLU student or at least your letter of admittance. Students usually do not have to pay transaction fees. You can also use this account for the payment of the semester fees for the Studentenwerk (responsible for student housing and student restaurants) and the Studierendenschaft as indicated on your letter of admission.

GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES  Apart from the International Summer Course before the winter semester and the intensive course before the summer semester, Hessen-Wisconsin students can also take part in free German language evening classes during the semester (4 hours per week). In order to participate, you have to register and take part in a place - ment test. The test usually takes place on the first Wednesday of the semester and helps to organize groups ac- cording to the level of German proficiency of the participants (7-8 different levels).

Information on course timetables, registration and the placement test:

Akademisches Auslandsamt Bereich Deutsch als Fremdsprache Gutenbergstr. 6 (Room 011a)

D-35390 Giessen

Tel.: +49 (0)641 1 21 45 Fax: +49 (0)641 1 21 33 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.uni- giessen.de/cms/internationales/sprachkurse/in

STUDY FACILITIES

UNIVERSITY COMPUTER CENTER 

Computer access is easy at JLU Giessen. You can find many workstations in the university’s main library and in the university’s computing centre (HRZ). You can use scanners and several laser printers (5 ct per page). The computing centre offers free tutorials to make you familiar with the hard- and software.

All university computers have access to the internet. You will get your passwords and username together with your Student ID Card and your individual JLU email address a few days after your matriculation.

You can also bring your own laptop with you, all rooms in our student halls of residence have internet access - almost all are constantly connected to the computing centre through a fast and free leased line. All members of the university can also profit from the free WLAN hotspots located in the libraries and many other university buildings. For more information please see http://dbs.ub.uni-giessen.de/homepage.php, for a complete list of all hotspots see http://www.uni-giessen.de/hrz/datennetz/Netzzugang/wlan/hotspots.html.

The computing centre also offers you possibilities to create your personal web pages. Please contact the computing centre (HRZ) for details and any further questions:

Hochschulrechenzentrum Heinrich-Buff-Ring 44

D – 35392 Giessen

Tel.: +49 (0)641 / 99 1 30 01 www.uni-giessen.de/hrz 14 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIESSEN 

The University Library of JLU Giessen (Universitätsbibliothek, UB) has nearly 2 million books and almost 5,000 journals covering all disciplines. Assistance is available for disabled students.

Universitätsbibliothek JLU Giessen Otto-Behaghel-Straße 8

D – 35394 Giessen

Tel.: +49 (0)641 / 99 1 40 32 Fax: +49 (0)641 / 99 1 40 09 Email: [email protected] www.uni-giessen.de/ub

Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 8.30 a.m. –11 p.m.

DEPARTMENTAL LIBRARIES

In addition to the main library there are smaller libraries at individual departments with subject related publications. Addresses and opening hours as well as further information on these departmental libraries are available on the homepage of the main university library (see above).

SOCIAL SERVICES

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT COUNSELLING 

If you need help or advice in Giessen, the International Student Advisory Office is ready to help you. It organises the orientation week, exciting excursions (www.uni- giessen.de/cms/internationales/studierenjlu/umgiessen/exkursionen) and offers information and advice during your entire stay in Giessen.

Büro für Studienberatung Abteilung Internationale Studierende Gutenbergstr. 6

D – 35390 Giessen

Tel.: +49 (0) 641 / 99 1 21 43 Email: studium-international@uni- giessen.de Office hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 10-12

15 STUDENT SERVICES  The Student Services (Studentenwerk) offers:  2,557 rooms in 10 halls of residence  The International Student Identification Card (ISIC)  Help with insurance matters, jobs and scholarships  Legal advice

Studentenwerk Giessen Otto-Behaghel-Straße 23-27

D – 35394 Giessen

Tel.: +49 (0)641 / 4 00 08-0; Fax: -109 E-mail: [email protected] giessen.de http://hrza1.hrz.uni- giessen.de/studentenwerk/index.html

Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Students registered at JLU Giessen are automatically insured against accidents by the Studentenwerk. In case of an accident, please inform the doctor treating you that the injuries are due to an accident. For claims settlement, please hand in a written accident report to the Studentenwerk.

Additionally, all students registered at JLU have a university liability insurance covering damages which have occurred in connection with their studies. You will not be insured against damages not having occurred in connection with your studies or which have been caused by neglect of duty from your side. Damages involving vehicles are not included in this insurance. To be on the safe side, it is therefore best to get a private liability in - surance covering any kind of damage.

COUNSELLING FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 

The Student Services offers special counselling for disabled students:

Studentenwerk Giessen Sozialberatung Otto-Behaghel-Straße 25

D – 35394 Giessen

Tel.: +49 (0)641 / 4 00 08 -1 61 or -1 62 or +49 (0)641 / 99 - 1 48 17 E-mail: [email protected]

Special needs consultation-hour: daily from 12 -2.30 p.m. and by appointment

For more information please see: http://www.uni-giessen.de/cms/studium/beratung/studmitbehinderung

16 STUDENT RESTAURANTS  There are a number of self-service student restaurants and cafeterias in Giessen with reduced prices for students:  Neue Mensa, Otto-Behaghel-Strasse 27  Mensa Pic – Pastaria, Otto-Behagel-Strasse 27  Mensa Otto-Eger-Heim, Leihgesterner Weg 16  Mensa Fachhochschule Giessen, Wiesenstrasse 14  Restaurant "study affairs", Eichendorffring 111  Cafeteria Philosophikum 1, Otto-Behaghel-Strasse 10  „Café am Kunstweg“ Philosophikum 2, Karl-Glöckner-Strasse 21  Cafeteria Rechenzentrum, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 44  „Café JuWi“, Licher Strasse 68  Cafeteria Fachhochschule Giessen, Wiesenstrasse 14  Cafeteria im IFZ , Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32  Café cUBar, otto-Behagel-Straße 8  Cafeteria CampusTor, Platz der Deutschen Einheit 1

The price for a meal ranges between 1.50 € to 6.40 €. More information on the student restaurants and the meals is available on the website of the Studentenwerk: http://hrza1.hrz.uni-giessen.de/studentenwerk/index.html.

STUDENT UNION (ASTA) 

If you have any questions or specific needs, you can also contact JLU Giessen’s student union (AStA). It offers various services for students, such as an additional accommodation service, free advice on legal matters and job offers.

AStA der JLU Giessen Otto-Behaghel-Straße 25 D

D – 35394 Giessen

Tel: +49 (0)641 / 99 1 48 00 E-mail: [email protected] www.stud.uni-giessen.de/asta

DEPARTMENTAL STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS

In each field of study a group of students form the Fachschaft offers help in various matters. Have a look at their notice boards in your department.

AIESEC

AIESEC, the biggest international student organisation, allows you to discover your potential in an international context. The local committee Giessen meets regularly in the international Café Giramondi. Meet other students and AIESEC-members at the Stammtisch afterwards or come to the various events organized by AIESEC Giessen (football matches, brunch, cinema, etc.).

AIESEC in Giessen Licher Straße 62 (Side entrance)

D – 35394 Giessen

Tel.: 0641 – 9922680 E-mail: [email protected] Weekly meetings: Tue, 6 p.m., room 31 Juri- dicum http://www.aiesec.de/de/aiesec_giessen/aiesec.in.giess 17 AEGEE

If you wish to meet people in Giessen you can join the local AEGEE group, for instance. AEGEE (Associ- ation des Etats Généraux des Etudiants de l’Europe) is an international student organisation with the objective of promoting European co-operation and integration especially among students. AEGEE helps international students to cope with difficulties of adjustment to a foreign country. AEGEE also organises several local and European events as well as summer universities.

AEGEE Giessen e.V.

E-mail: [email protected] http://www.aegee-giessen.org/

RELIGIOUS STUDENT COMMUNITIES 

Protestant Catholic

Evangelische Studierenden- Katholische gemeinde (ESG) Hochschulgemeinde Henselstrasse 7 Giessen (KHG) Wilhelmstrasse 28 D – 35390 Giessen D – 35392 Giessen Tel.: +49 (0)641 / 7 67 57 Fax: +49 (0)641 / 13 28 12 Tel.: +49 (0)641 / 7 80 31 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +49 (0)641 / 7 80 33 http://www.esg-giessen.de E-mail: [email protected] http://www.khg-giessen.de

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

SPORTS UNION 

The university sports union offers a wide range of sports. Many of them are free of charge, for some activities you may have to pay a small contribution. A brochure with all activities offered and registration dead- lines is published at the beginning of each semester by the Allgemeiner Hochschulsport.

Allgemeiner Hochschulsport Universitätssportzentrum Kugelberg Kugelberg 58

D – 35394 Giessen

Tel.: +49 (0)641 / 99 2 53 21 Fax: +49 (0)641 / 99 2 53 29 http://www.uni-giessen.de/~g51001/ E-mail: [email protected]

18 UNIVERSITY ORCHESTRA 

The orchestra has the status of the official University Orchestra since 1989. Within a very short time it has become a well-established institution at Giessen University. Symphonies and solo concerts of famous com- posers of romanticism and late romanticism have been the focus of the orchestral work over the last years. Fur- thermore, classic and modern pieces and even first performances have enriched the programme of the Giessen University Orchestra. Apart from concerts in and around Giessen at the end of each teaching period, the orchestra goes on international tours, including Italy, France, Poland, the US, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and Israel.

The orchestra combines people from different backgrounds. Lecturers and employees of the university are as much part of it as students from various departments and also pupils from schools in Giessen. Therefore, the University Orchestra is highly flexible as far as orchestra members are concerned. You are therefore most welcome to join the orchestra! More information is available on: http://www.uni-giessen.de/orchester

MUSEUMS 

Mathematikum : The world’s first hands-on mathematical science centre Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 9am – 6pm Thu: 9am – 8pm Sat, Sun, holidays: 10am – 7pm For further information see: http://www.mathematikum.de

Liebig-Museum: One of the world famous museums for chemistry (the old laboratory of the “father of modern chemistry”) Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 10am – 4pm For further information see: http://www.liebig-museum.de

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES 

Tuesday Night Skating: Every Tuesday in summer skaters meet for night skating in Giessen: http://www.tns-giessen.de/

Kloster Schiffenberg: The Schiffenberg with its monastery grounds is Giessen’s “home mountain”. You can get there via hiking trails, by car (direction Pohlheim), or by bus (no 6). You have a wonderful view of the Wetterau from the plateau; the beer garden is open in summer and there are several cultural happenings, including the Musikalischer Som- mer with an all-round programme including renowned national and international bands.

Botanischer Garten Giessen’s Botanischer Garten is Germany’s oldest university garden located at its original place and is a green oasis in the city. About 8,000 different species of plants are cultivated in the botanical garden which is still used for scientific purposes. There are two entrances: One is in “Sonnenstrasse” the other in “Sencken- bergstrasse”. The Botanischer Garten is open from May till October, the entrance is free.

19 CAFÉS AND PUBS  You will easily find a nice place for having a drink and/or a bite in Giessen.

Here is a selection of Giessen Pubs:

 Bootshaus Giessen: Nice beer garden on the banks of the Lahn Bootshausstr. 12  Melange: Schiffenberger Weg 5  Die Kate Brasserie Bistro: Bismarckstrasse 32  Kaffee Wolkenlos: Goethestrasse  Bistro Türmchen: Marktplatz 7  Café Bistro Einstein: Johannette-Lein-Gasse 8  News Cafe: Plockstr. 1-3  Café Cup & Cino: Johannisstr. 1  Klimbim: A cosy traditional beer pub - Ebelstr. 2  Havana Club: Cocktails, Drinks, Smoker’s Lounge - Ludwigstr. 37  Centralbar: A mixture of club and lounge - Löbers Hof 10  Irish Pub: Concerts, Pub Quiz and Karaoke - Walltorstr. 27  Enjoy Cocktailbar: Reggae & Rasta-Bar - Asterweg 6  Gasthausbrauerei Alt Giessen: Still brewing its own beer - Westanlage 30

GOING OUT   Student parties: Nearly every week there are student parties, organized by different departments. Look for posters in the student cafeterias.  Ulenspiegel: Music pub with regular concerts and a large beer garden –  Seltersweg 55  Haarlem: Music club with varying weekly programme - Schanzenstrasse 9  MuK: Alternative music club with varying programme, dancehall, concerts - An der Automeile 16

SHOPPING HOURS  Most of the larger shops are open Mon-Sat from 9am till 8 or 10 pm, smaller shops Mon-Fri from 9am- 6pm and Sat from 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets already open their doors at 8am. All shops are usually closed on Sundays.

TOURIST OFFICE  For further information please contact the Giessen tourist office, Berliner Platz 2. See also:

http://www.giessen-tourist.de

20 OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS 

 Police, Ambulance 110  Fire brigade 112  Helpline in case of poisoning 06131 / 1 92 40  Telephone directory Germany 11 8 33  Telephone directory international 11 8 34

EMERGENCY DOCTORS / HOSPITALS  Please note when calling from outside of Giessen: The local area code for Giessen is +49 (0)641 / … General emergency service: Ärztliche Notdienstzentrale Eichgärtenallee 8 D-35394 Giessen Tel.: 4 50 91 Daily from 6pm (Wednesdays 1pm) and on weekends and holidays

Eye clinic: Uni-Augenklinik Friedrichstrasse 18 D-35392 Giessen Tel.: 99 4 64 44 Mon, Tue, Thu 6pm – 8am; Wed, Fri from 2pm and on weekends and holidays

Hospitals (24 hours, 7 days emergency service):

Evangelisches Krankenhaus Tel: 70 02-1 Paul-Zipp-Strasse 171 35398 Giessen Tel.: 96 06-0 Universitätsklinikum Giessen St. Josephs Krankenhaus Rudolf-Buchheim-Strasse 8 Liebigstrasse 24 35394 Giessen 35392 Giessen Tel.: 99-0

PHARMACIES 

Most pharmacies are open Mon-Fri from 8am till 6pm and Saturdays from 8am till 1pm, some of them are closed between 1pm and 2pm. One pharmacy is always open for emergency service after opening hours. In order to find out which pharmacy is on duty, please click Notdienst on: http://www.aga-online.net/aga/

HELP IN FINANCIAL EMERGENCIES 

In emergencies such as theft or loss of your purse you can contact the assistance of “Reisebank Western Union” at Giessen’s Postbank branch offices. This worldwide service allows you to pay money into an account of a cooperating bank. Within a few minutes, the money will be available with an access code at one of the partner offices. For further information about locations, procedures and fees, please contact the following website: http://www.reisebank.com

21 LIVING EXPENSES $

The average cost of living in Giessen amounts to around 600 € per month.

 Meals: The cheapest and definitely not the worst choice is the student restaurants (Mensa). Prices range from 1.50 € to 6.40 €. Public restaurants charge more: the average price for the well-known Schnitzel, for example, is around 9 €.  Drinks in a bar/restaurant: A small soft drink or a cup of coffee usually amounts to 1.60 €, a cappuccino or a beer to 2.30 €.  Public Transport: Regional public transport within the Rhein/Main & Northern Hessen region is free (see semester ticket) for students of JLU Giessen. Show your student ID card when asked by the ticket inspector. Visit http://www.bahn.de for all regional, nationwide and European train connections. Prices will be shown for fast trains and all trains covering longer distances. If you intend to travel around a lot by train (outside the Rhein/Main & Northern Hessen region), it might be a good idea to buy the BahnCard (25% or 50% discount on regular prices).  Cinema: 5 € to 8 €.  Postage: 55 ct for standard letters within Germany, 45 ct for postcards, 1,45 € for letters to the US Photocopies: Copying is cheapest in copy shops. For copying in university buildings, you need a copy card. Vending machines for copy cards are located in the library.

Job Opportunities 

Foreign students enrolled at Giessen University are allowed to work part-time up to 180 days a year or full-time up to 90 days a year. Part-time work means up to 4 hours a day, full-time means anything above that. All you need is a work permit which is attached to your passport by the public authority for foreigners in Giessen. It is also possible to work as a student assistant (Hiwi-Job) in addition to the limit mentioned above on the basis of your work permit.

For job offers please visit:

 the Giessen Job Center (Agentur für Arbeit): http://www.arbeitsagentur.de  the Student Services  the Student Union  or the Giessener Express Magazin, available online on http://www.marbuch-verlag.de

22 WHEN THE SEMESTER IS OVER

ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPT

Please contact your Hessen-Wisconsin Coordinator for the official Hessen-Wisconsin Academic Tran- script. The grade sheets you might receive in your individual classes cannot (!!) be used for the transfer of credits to your studies at home. Make sure to request the transcript before you leave the country. Issuing transcripts after returning home can get very difficult or might even be impossible.

MOVING OUT OF YOUR DORM

You will get back the deposit of your dorm room if you leave it behind in a clean and undamaged condi- tion. Usually the housing office likes to use the deposit as your last month's rent. Don't forget to return the key.

DE-REGISTER AT THE AUTHORITIES

Let the authorities know you are leaving Giessen and cancel all your registrations.

CLOSE BANK ACCOUNT

Ask the bank to close your account and either withdraw your money or have it transferred to your US account. You can also get traveller checks for riskless transfer home.

ALUMNI

You have the possibility to stay in touch with JLU Giessen as an alumnus. Please contact alumni-aaa@ad- min.uni-giessen or visit the JLU alumni website at www.uni-giessen.de/alumni-international.

AMBASSADORS

If you liked your stay with us, please recommend the Hessen-Wisconsin program to your fellow students back home. You might even be interested in becoming an ambassador with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Their "Young Ambassador Program" is especially designed for US students who studied in Germany and would like to promote this experience back home. Please see www.daad.org/?p=ambassadors.

23 CHECKLIST

PRE-ARRIVAL

 Return your Application for Admission with payment for Semesterbeitrag (international cur- rency transfer).

 Return your housing application.

 If applicable, return your application for the Spring or International Summer Course.

 Send us the Airport Pick-up Form, even if you are not expecting to be met on arrival.

 Talk to your Academic Advisor about the courses you are planning to take and send us the preliminary course list.

 Bring your passport, proof of medical insurance coverage, admission letter, 2 passport-size photos, and the receipt for payment of the "Semesterbeitrag". Make photocopies of all important documents (passport, airline tickets, ID cards) and leave with your family.

ARRIVAL

 Pay your housing deposit and first month's rent and pick up your room key.

 Attend the international student orientation and bring along all your important documents (topics: German health insurance, opening bank account, registering with the authorities, etc.)

 Attend immatriculation at the International Office and bring along all your important documents.

 Submit your dormitory address, phone number, and email address to the Hessen-Wisconsin Coordinator at the International Office

 Talk to the Hessen-Wisconsin Coordinator about your course choice and enrol in classes

24 AIRPORT PICK-UP FORM

Fax or email back to the Hessen-Wisconsin Coordinator

+49 641-99-12133 / [email protected]

Your university:

My travel information is as follows:

I am arriving at Frankfurt International Airport

Day and date of arrival:

Airline: Flight # to Frankfurt:

*Time of arrival in Frankfurt (local time):

* Weekend and some later evening or early morning arrivals may not be possible for pick-up service. Unanticipated missed connections or flight delays may necessitate you making your own way to Giessen train station or to the university.

Please check:

I am requesting to be met by someone when I arrive at Frankfurt airport.

I will make my own way to Giessen train station when I arrive.

I will make my own way to the university and don't need pick-up service.

Email and telephone # where you can be reached the week before departure:

Email: Phone:

Mobile: