Intercultural Communication and European Studies (ICEUS) Fulda University of Applied Sciences

Some courses are held in English, and some are taught in German. Participants can choose to write the Master's thesis in either language.

The international Master's programme for "Intercultural Communication and European Studies" (ICEUS) focuses on relevant aspects of intercultural communication and European studies. More than half of the students are international graduates. Study groups are composed of about 15 different nationalities. Hence, the degree programme provides excellent opportunities for studying in an international group, practising intercultural communication and networking.

Being an interdisciplinary programme, ICEUS encompasses classes in social sciences, political science, law and (digital) communication, and focuses on the subject areas of intercultural communication, European studies, as well as international organisations and global governance.

The programme prepares for careers in international and European organisations, companies and institutions with strong international ties and for employment in public authorities, media or educational institutions.

The programme starts in mid-October each year.

30 September

Early applications (March – June) are highly recommended for international applicants from outside of the EU for visa procedures. Submitting applications by July or August is recommended for all other students in order to have time to find accommodation.

The programme is research-oriented, but much emphasis is also put on the application of practical skills in areas such as intercultural training, languages, modern technology, presentation, individual study, teamwork, etc.
In most classes, the ICEUS students study together in one group, which allows them to gain an intense intercultural experience. In addition, various classes are offered which bring them together with other students.
Field trips to Brussels and Strasbourg are part of the programme and usually take place every year. These field trips include visits to relevant European institutions.
After the first two semesters, students undertake a compulsory internship of ten weeks outside their home country. The third semester is reserved for in-depth studies and reflection upon the internship experience. The Master's thesis is written during the fourth semester; in this period, students are not required to be present in Fulda.

There are 10 course modules that must be completed to finish the programme successfully:

• Intercultural Communication: Communication, Culture, Media
• European Studies: History and Present of Development in European Societies
• Intercultural Communication: Fields of Action
• Globalisation and International Organisations
• European Studies: European Policy Fields
• Social Sciences Methodology
• Internship, Study and Career Orientation, Reflection
• Advanced Studies in Intercultural Communication and European Studies
• Cross Studies
• Exam Seminar and Colloquium
• Master's Thesis

A module overview and more detailed information on all subjects are available on the programme's website.

A special pre-study programme is offered for ICEUS applicants. This programme provides advanced preparation for students from abroad who want to "warm up" for their future studies in Fulda.
More information on pre-study options can be found on the Pre-Study website.

ICEUS students with a strong interest in research can apply for a PhD programme at Hochschule Fulda after graduation. For more information, see:

https://www.hs-fulda.de/en/departments/social-cultural-sciences/fulda-graduate-centre-of-social-sciences

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The international group provides good opportunities to not only study intercultural communication theoretically, but to also experience intercultural cooperation and networking.

The programme offers study abroad opportunities, but it is not compulsory.

A 10-week internship must be completed during the summer break between the second and the third semester. It may take place in an international organisation (public institution or social or economic organisation) or in the international activities section of a nationally based organisation. The internship should not take place in the home country of the programme participant.
Students are professionally supported in their efforts to find an internship position.

No tuition fees

A semester contribution of around 360 EUR is charged to cover the cost of student services, the student government, and an administrative fee as well as the "Deutschland semester ticket" (a student bus and rail pass for local and regional public transport all over Germany).

Approx. 900 to 950 EUR per month, including food, rent and health insurance (approx. 120 EUR per month), depending on one's living standard

First degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in social, cultural or legal studies or humanities

Certification of good proficiency in both German and English, e.g. a TOEFL iBT score of at least 79 and TestDaF level 3 in all sections of the examination (or TestDaF level 4 in all sections of the examination and a TOEFL iBT score of at least 61)

At the time of application, your level may be slightly lower. However, B2 proficiency must be demonstrated by the end of the first semester.

30 September

Early applications (March – June) are highly recommended for international applicants from outside of the EU for visa procedures. Submitting applications by July or August is recommended for all other students in order to have time to find accommodation.

International students may apply for the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship. The Deutschlandstipendium provides financial and non-material support to high-achieving and committed students from all over the world. Modelled after the principle of public-private partnership, businesses, foundations or private individuals sponsor young talents with a pledge of 150 EUR per month. The Federal Government matches this amount with another 150 EUR.

From tutoring jobs and student assistantships at Fulda University to typical student jobs in restaurants, shops, and many other industries in the city of Fulda and its surrounding area, there is a wide range of job opportunities available. Please note that proficiency in German significantly increases employability.

The International Office offers an accommodation service for international students coming directly from abroad. The cost of accommodation amounts to approx. 400 to 500 EUR per month. There are excellent, newly built student residences within walking distance of the university.

For more information on housing, see: https://www.hs-fulda.de/en/ueber-fulda/reside-in-fulda.

Career counselling already takes place during the preparation of the compulsory internship. Specific fields of work are discussed and a training for writing applications takes place. Additionally, opportunities to get in touch with alumni are provided. Whereas the department offers information and counselling on relevant work fields and positions, the International Office provides support for international students and graduates, who plan to find employment on the German labour market.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences is a practice-oriented university with an international profile and a strong focus on applied research. Fulda University is the first university of applied sciences in Germany with the independent right to confer doctoral degrees. Founded in 1974, the university currently encompasses eight departments with over 60 study programmes and approx. 9,000 students, including over 2,230 international students from more than 90 countries. The university offers a broad spectrum of academic and professional education. Numerous research and development projects are undertaken in cooperation with private business and industry. Fulda University cooperates with more than 100 universities around the world. The number of international programmes is growing continuously. These programmes are partly or entirely taught in English.
At the Bachelor's level, we currently offer six international Bachelor's programmes: Industrial Biotechnology, Industrial Engineering Life Sciences, Social Sciences for Intercultural Relations, Food Technology, Global Health, and International Business & Management. At the Master's level, we offer six programmes: International Management; Intercultural Communication and European Studies; International Food Business and Consumer Studies; Global Software Development; Data Science; and Human Rights Studies in Politics, Law, and Society.

Further programmes designed for international students include the following:

1. Pre-College Fulda, a preparatory year for applicants with and without a higher education entrance qualification for Germany
2. Pre-Study Fulda, a preparatory semester for international applicants that includes German language training
3. Career service for international students and graduates
4. Preparatory intensive German courses
5. German courses (accompanying studies)
6. Support services, e.g. for housing and visa as well as a buddy programme and orientation week
7. International Summer University (ISU), International Winter University (IWU), International Course in Business (ICB), and International Course in Social Work (ICSW)

A historic city founded in 744, Fulda today has a population of 71,000 with approx. 100,000 people living in the region. Fulda's Baroque quarter is one of the most beautiful in Germany and attracts visitors from all over the world. The picturesque Old Town has many cafés, bars, and pubs, with numerous shops and boutiques. The city's cultural life has something to offer for everyone. The high quality of life makes Fulda a great place to live and an ideal place to study. Fulda enjoys ideal public transport connections. One of Europe's principal international airports, Frankfurt International, is just one hour away by car or direct train. Other major cities in Germany, like Berlin, Munich, Cologne, or Hamburg, are within easy reach and only two to three hours away by train. Even famous European capitals like Paris and Brussels are reachable within five hours by train.