Reutlingen University

What were the biggest cultural differences you experienced?

People are very honest and punctual

What is the best form of transportation within the city?

Public transit

What was your favourite place to visit within the city?

Christmas market

On average, what was the weather like?

Pretty nice, a little rainy, hardly any snow

Did the university provide airport pickup?

No

What is the best way for students to travel to the university upon arrival?

Bus from airport to Reutlingen

Did the university have a buddy program?

Yes

Was the following provided in your student dorm?

• Bedding - no
• Shared kitchen - yes
• Pots, pans, utensils, etc. - yes

How long did it take to travel from your accommodation to classes?

5 minute walk

Do you have suggestions for future students who are looking for accommodation?

I like building 41, you have 5 other flat mates but its a great way to make friends and its easy to meet people from other flats because it is very open.

How much cash would you recommend students bring when arriving?

Bring lots of cash, sometimes cabs and food places don't take card and it may take you a while to get cash from a bank account.

Which company would you recommend students purchase a sim card/e-sim through?

O2

What would you suggest students pack before leaving Canada if they are studying at your host university?

Umbrella

Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country located in Central Europe. It is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and strong economy. Germany is the most populous country in the European Union and is famous for its technological advancements, automotive industry, and contributions to the fields of science, philosophy, and music. It is home to picturesque landscapes, historic cities like Berlin and Munich, and world-renowned attractions such as the Brandenburg Gate and Neuschwanstein Castle. Germany is also recognized for its commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The country plays an integral role in the European Union and NATO.

The city of Reutlingen is located in southwest Germany, about 40 km south of Stuttgart, a world-famous centre of mechanical engineering and automobile engineering. It is known for its picturesque setting at the foot of the Swabian Jura mountain range. Historically, its economy and wealth are based on the textile industry. Reutlingen features a well-preserved medieval old town with charming half-timbered houses and narrow cobblestone streets. The downtown is modern with excellent shops and markets. The city offers multiple attractions such as pubs, restaurants, recreational facilities, cinemas, and other sightseeing. The larger cities of Stuttgart and Tübingen (famous for its student life) are also located only half an hour from the university. The city is home to the renowned Reutlingen University, which attracts students from around the world.

Reutlingen University began in 1885 as a College of Textiles and Weaving. The university enjoys a prestigious reputation as one of Germany's most international business schools, consistently ranked as one of the best university level business schools. It is known for its strong focus on applied sciences and offers a wide range of degree programs, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and textile technology. The university is highly regarded for its practical-oriented approach to education, emphasizing hands-on experience, industry collaborations, and internships. It has a diverse student body and provides excellent resources and facilities to support research, innovation, and career development.

Activities for Exchange Students

At Reutlingen University, the International Office staff are extremely friendly, well organized, helpful, and plan a number of events for students throughout the semester. Trips have included Nuremberg, Munich, Mercedes factory tours, and various dinners with other international students including a 'Running Dinner' where students drive from one house to another throughout the evening. The 'Challenger Weekend' takes students to a mystery location where they are given a chance to meet and have fun with all the other new German and international students.

Courses in English

Many courses at ESB Business School are taught entirely in English. Exchange students are registered during the welcome session before the start of the semester. Each faculty has its own list of courses in English, which can be found through the following links:

• School of Life Sciences (select "Course Catalogue")
• ESB Business School (under "Courses for Exchange Students")
• School of Informatics
• School of Engineering

Language Courses

• German language courses of various levels are also taught throughout the semesters. Students can register online and must take a placement test to place them in the correct level. For more information click here.
• Reutlingen offers a pre-semester intensive “German Culture and Language” course. The course fee is €250 (2023). This course acts as an introduction to the German language and makes integration into life on campus as smooth as possible. Additional activities are included, such as a campus tour, excursions to Heidelberg and Tübingen, and a day of intercultural training. The course is offered in September (3 weeks, 60 classroom hours) and early March (1 week, 25–30 hours). Courses have about 15-20 students. For more information click here.

Other Programs

During the fall semester, an alternative program called the Kettering Program is offered only for exchange students (most are from Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, USA). If additional spaces are available, they may be offered to University of Lethbridge students as well as students from other partner universities. This program is taught entirely in English and there are no local German students in these courses. View the course list below.

Reutlingen University has five Schools:

• School of Life Sciences
• ESB Business School
• School of Informatics
• School of Engineering
• School of Textiles

Reutlingen International Office staff are happy to assist exchange students in obtaining an internship: exchange students, like local students, are responsible for applications, documentation, and arranging interviews where necessary. This can be quite a long process, and cannot commence until students are in Reutlingen. As all AW and IB students are required to complete internships, Reutlingen University has excellent connections with a large selection of German and international companies that regularly take student interns. These companies range from global players such as DaimlerChrysler, BMW, IBM, Siemens, and Bosch to the medium and small-sized companies that are the backbone of the German economy. Internships are traditionally 5-6 months in duration and are full-time positions. Students must hold "continuing student" status at the U of L in order to qualify.

The European academic structure varies from the North American system. Courses completed at a European exchange partner will not be transferred back to the U of L on a course-for-course basis. Rather, students will be required to successfully complete a certain number of ECTS (European Transfer Credit System) credits to earn U of L credit equivalency. Typically, a full course load is 30 ECTS, and 6 ECTS = 3 U of L credits.

You are eligible for this exchange if you are:

• A full-time U of L student
• In at least the 2nd year of your program
• In good academic standing, with a GPA of 2.5 or higher

Canadian students do not need a visa to enter Germany. If you are staying for longer than 90 days. it is MANDATORY to apply for a study residence permit at the Foreigners Office after arrival. There is an application fee of €100 (2023) to obtain a residence permit.

For further information, visit the City of Reutlingen's website.

For detailed information about vaccination recommendations when visiting Germany, please visit the Government of Canada's website.

Student Residences

• Students may choose from various student residence building that are close to campus
• Includes furnished single rooms or shared rooms, utilities, and internet
• Residences are owned by external companies, not Reutlingen University
• Residences are very popular and have limited spaces, so it is important to apply early
• Housing costs must be paid in full at the beginning of the semester

Private Housing

• Reutlingen University provides assistance with finding private housing options through their Room and Apartment Search Portal
• If you are interested in a specific advertisement, you may email info.studium@reutlingen-university.de for the landlord's contact details

Arrival Information

Road, rail and air connections for long distance travel to and from Reutlingen are good. You will probably choose to arrive via Stuttgart, either by air or rail, and take the direct rail link from Stuttgart to Reutlingen. There is also a bus route linking Reutlingen directly with Stuttgart Airport (Expresso Bus). Stuttgart is the nearest international airport, just 30 km away, but you may have to take a flight landing in Frankfurt or Munich, both of which are within 2-3 hours by rail.

In Reutlingen

Once you are registered in the university and have your student ID card, you can purchase a student semester pass for the local Naldo train/bus network. Learn more about the student pass on the Naldo website.

In Europe

For those planning a lot of travel throughout Europe, it is recommended to buy a Eurail pass. The pass must be purchased before going to Germany.

It is MANDATORY to obtain sufficient health insurance to enrol at the university and apply for a residence permit. You can choose to opt into the German statutory fund or obtain private insurance.

If you choose to obtain private insurance from a Canadian company, bring copies of your insurance cards and policies to Germany so AOK can verify that they are sufficient.

If you choose to opt-in to the German statutory insurance, the cost is approximately €110/month (2023).

For more information about health insurance, visit the DAAD website.

Summary of Approximate Expenses