Tuition at universities in Oregon—and thus the most expensive part of the exchange—is covered by the exchange program. However, fees charged by the partner university, such as those for the use of campus facilities, still apply. In addition, however, there are costs for insurance, airfare, and general living expenses (clothing, travel, groceries), and tuition fees at your Baden-Württemberg home university must still be paid (in favor of the exchange partners in Germany). Proof of financial support for the costs of your stay in Oregon must be submitted. You can find the latest information on the IE3 Global “Incomings” page.

You should apply about one year to one and a half years before your departure. The application process generally consists of three steps:

1. Submitting your application to the International Outgoing Office at your home university in Baden-Württemberg
2. Your admission to the Oregon State Program and your placement at a university in Oregon
3. Submitting documents and completing the online application process in collaboration with the Oregon Study Center, IE3 Global, and your host university in Oregon.

Please note the application deadlines set by your home university. Admission and placement for the next academic year take place around November/December.

See the Outgoings (OR->BW) page for more information.

In Oregon, the academic year is divided into three terms: Fall, Winter, and Spring Terms. Each term lasts approximately 3 months. The academic year begins in September and ends in mid-June. Students can apply to study for one, two, or three terms in Oregon. Please compare the academic calendar in Oregon with the semester calendar at your home university and contact your International Outgoing Office.

An example of the academic calendar in Oregon (Oregon State University, 2022–23):

• Fall Term: Sept. 21 – Dec. 9, 2022
• Winter Term: Jan. 9 – March 24, 2023
• Spring Term: Apr. 3 – June 16, 2023

In Oregon, college courses are typically listed in a “Schedule of Classes,” “Academic Catalog,” or “Course Catalog.” There you'll find more detailed descriptions of all courses by major.

It’s best to search for courses by term. Simply select a term and then a subject to see what’s being offered. If your academic year isn’t listed, use the most recent academic year to find the courses. In many cases, courses are offered every year.

Students must take a combination of courses each term they are in Oregon that totals 12 academic credits for undergraduates (bachelor’s degree) and 9 for graduates (master’s degree) to be considered “full-time.” Undergraduate courses are numbered 100, 200, 300, and 400; graduate courses are numbered 500 and 600.

When searching for courses, please select as many courses as possible so that you have alternatives available in case some courses are not offered. Please also pay attention to the “Prerequisites” listed—if you wish to take a course that has prerequisites, you must be able to demonstrate the necessary prior coursework in that subject area.In Oregon sind Universitätskurse normalerweise in einem "Schedule of Classes," "Academic Catalog" oder einem "Course Catalog" aufgeführt. Da finden Sie eine detailliertere Beschreibung aller Kurse je nach Studienfach.

Compared to many university courses in Germany, courses in Oregon are held several times a week, require attendance, and assign homework and assignments more regularly throughout the term. The classes are also generally smaller, with the exception of a few lectures.

While studying in Oregon, you’ll have a variety of housing options. Many international exchange students choose to live in student housing, known as “dorms” or “on-campus housing.” This is a wonderful experience that allows international students to meet and get to know their American classmates while fully immersing themselves in college life. Living on campus is also the more convenient option, since most, if not all, university buildings are within walking distance.

Living off campus (“off-campus housing”) in shared apartments or similar arrangements is also possible, but usually has to be arranged independently.

You can get more information about on-campus housing, meal plans, costs, application deadlines, and much more from your host university in Oregon once you’ve been accepted by the host university.

Yes, you may use scholarships for an exchange program in Oregon. Please contact us and the International Outgoing Office at your home university if you plan to apply for an overseas scholarship. Some students have also applied for financial aid for their time abroad (so-called “Auslands-BAföG”).

Students must demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in English. This is typically done through the TOEFL iBT test. Depending on the host university, the score must fall within a specified range—for example, between 61 and 83 points. Please note that the TOEFL score must not be more than 2 years old. Some universities also accept the Duolingo English Test (DET).

For more detailed information, please see the Outgoings (BW->OR) page.

If, for example, you have completed high school in an English-speaking country or grew up bilingual, please contact the Oregon Study Center upon application.

To enter the United States, you will need a passport issued by your government and a visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

As a general rule, our exchange students need an “Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1).” To obtain a visa, you must schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country and present your Certificate of Eligibility, the “DS-2019,” along with your proof of financial support, your passport, and other required documents. The DS-2019 is issued by your host university in Oregon as soon as you are admitted to the host university. Please be sure to bring your DS-2019 with you to the U.S.

If you wish to travel outside the U.S., you must obtain travel authorization from the international student advisor at your host university in Oregon.

Please note that you should not enter the U.S. on a “Visitor’s Visa (B-2).” This visa is intended for tourists only.