Since its founding in the sixties as an answer to the structural crises of the former coal and steel district, TU Dortmund University has developed a profile encompassing 17 departments ranging from science and engineering to social sciences and culture studies. The university has about 32,000 students studying in a range of fields, from classical subjects to innovative courses of study such as medical physics or degree programs in spatial planning, statistics and journalism. TU Dortmund also has a strong focus on research.
TU Dortmund offers exchange students a high level of support by academic advisors and the staff of the International Office.
Location
Dortmund is located in a densely-populated urban area that provides an outstanding location to learn German as well as experience life in a modern European city. It is known as Westphalia's green metropolis--nearly half the municipal territory consists of waterways, woodland, agriculture and green spaces. Spacious parks, such as Westfalenpark, invite you to go for a jog or enjoy one of the many cultural events held in the park. Hundreds of cultural events and exhibition venues--from festivals to ballet to opera--should fill your appetite for culture. Dortmund's walkable city center offers a wide selection of cafes and restaurants reflecting the region's rich heritage of immigration. Dortmund is also home to a world-class soccer club, Borussia Dortmund; Signal Iduna Park, one of the largest stadiums in Europe, is about 20 minutes by public transit away from the university.
Geographically, Dortmund lies on the northwest edge of the Ruhr. Exchange students receive a transit pass that covers all of North Rhine-Westphalia, allowing for easy exploration of the region. Dortmund is also well-located for exploring Europe, with easy transit access to a major international airport in Düsseldorf. It's about three hours by train away from Amsterdam, and three and a half hours by train from Brussels, Belgium.
Academics
Language prerequisites:
There is no language prerequisite for this program if you will be taking coursework in English. If you plan to take coursework taught in German, you must have completed 2000-level German at a minimum.
Finding courses:
- Find information on how to research courses on TU Dortmund's Incoming Exchange page. This page includes a link to the course catalog for exchange students, which breaks out coursework taught in English.
- The Institute for English and American Studies is very interdisciplinary, and often offers courses that could also fall under fields like Politics, Sociology, or Media Studies. All courses are taught in English.
- TU Dortmund can offer flexibility in terms of coursework and research opportunities for students interested in American Studies, English, Media Studies, and Urban and Environmental Planning. Individual tutorials and supervised research may be available in certain subjects. For more information, contact Annia at lsd9v@virginia.edu.
Language courses:
The university's Department of Foreign Languages offers a four-week Intensive German Language Course before the semester starts during the months of September (prior to the winter semester) and March (prior to the summer semester). The pre-session German course is free of charge for students in partnership programs; you will only have to pay for the entrance fees of the tutor & cultural program.
During the standard semester, German language courses are available at a variety of levels.
Internships:
TU Dortmund offers opportunities for internships in both English and German in a variety of fields, on both a credit- and not-for-credit basis. For more information, contact Annia at lsd9v@virginia.edu.
Terms:
- Year: October-July
- Spring Term: April - July
- Due to the fall semester calendar, fall semester-only study is not possible. You may study for the year or for the spring semester.
Accommodation
The Office of International Relations will make housing arrangements for exchange students in student dormitories. Housing is guaranteed as long as students follow the proper application procedures and timelines. Family housing is available for students traveling with dependents.
Students may also elect to find their own accommodation, but this is not recommended.
Costs and expected expenses
There are a variety of associated costs and expenses when studying abroad. The information provided below is a guide to help you plan and budget. Additional resources are available on your host university’s website
Tuition and Fees: You will pay your regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term you are on a UVA Exchange Program. Tuition and fees will be billed to your SIS account and can be paid as normal.
Housing and Meals: You are responsible to pay for accommodation and any required or preferred meal plan. You will pay the host institution or make your own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution website for accommodation and meal plan choices, cost, and application procedures.
Travel and Travel Documents: You are responsible for booking and paying for your own international airfare, as well as researching and obtaining any required visa(s) or residency permits. You should also budget for in-country transportation costs.
Insurance: UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance. More information can be found on our insurance page.
Additional Expenses: You should be prepared to purchase required books and supplies. Also budget for additional personal expenses, including laundry, phone costs, personal travel, meals out, etc.
Education Abroad Expense Form
If you are required to complete an Education Abroad Expense Form, you can use the links above to identify costs and expected expenses to complete the form. If you are studying abroad for a semester, to calculate costs, divide annual costs in half.
If you are not able to find cost information you need in order to prepare for your study abroad program, please contact your Education Abroad Advisor.
Financial Aid
You can find detailed information regarding financial aid and study abroad on the following websites:
Accessibility
The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual basis. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.
Passport and Visa
All participants will need a valid passport in order to participate in the program. Students must ensure that their passport is valid at least six months past the program return date. US Passport processing can take a few months once your passport application is received. If you are a US citizen interested in participating in education abroad, apply for your passport now. See the State Department for details and to apply. US passport holders will need a residence permit to participate in this program. All students should consult the German Missions website for information about visa and other entry requirements. International students should meet with their International Student Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process.
Health and Safety Information
All students considering Education Abroad should consult the Students Abroad section of the U.S. Department of State’s web-based travel resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health web resources to research health, safety, and security conditions; visa requirements; immunization requirements; and recommendations on staying healthy and safe in their target destination(s). Students should also carefully review the UVA Education Abroad Health & Safety Abroad web page. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to review all of these resources, as well. UVA students and visiting students enrolled in UVA Education Abroad programs are subject to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Student International Travel.
