Studying abroad - French

Depending on the degree programme, stays abroad in French-speaking countries are mandatory and vary in duration. The exact requirements regarding the period of time abroad can be found in the study regulations for your particular degree programme.

The following opportunities are available to students interested in a stay abroad either in France or in another French-speaking country:

The PAD language assistants programme

The language assistants programme (Fremdsprachenassistenz, FSA) organized by the Pädagogischer Austauschdienst (PAD) is primarily aimed at students training to become teachers. In exchange for teaching German at an educational institution abroad, language assistants are paid an allowance while also gaining insights into the country’s education system and its specific teaching methods. Students who participate in the programme are granted exemptions from selected modules in subject-specific pedagogy, language practice and in regional culture studies, based on internal equivalence regulations established by the university. Information is available from the Centre for Teacher Education.

While PAD is responsible for the organization of the language assistants programme, applications must be submitted to the Saarland Ministry of Education.

A detailed description of the programme can be found on the PAD web page.

Studying abroad under the Erasmus+ programme

Participating in the Erasmus+ programme offers you the following benefits:

  1. The opportunity to spend one or two semesters abroad at one of our partner universities. You can also study in two different countries within a single academic year.
  2. Exemption from tuition fees at the host institution.
  3. Simplified enrolment procedures at the host university.
  4. No language test required for university admission.
  5. Support in preparing for your stay abroad and, typically, assistance from the host institution regarding accommodation, cultural activities, etc.
  6. A monthly mobility grant (currently approx. €600 for France and Italy, and approx. €540 for Spain). The exact amount depends on the country in which you will be studying. For up-to-date figures, please contact the International Office at Saarland University. Grants are available for durations between 3 and 12 months. You may participate in Erasmus+ more than once, but financial support is only available once during your degree programme (or within a single academic year).
  7. Academic credits earned at the partner university will be recognized, subject to agreement with the relevant examinations office in your department.
  8. A limited amount of additional funding is available for students with disabilities to help cover any extra costs incurred during their stay abroad.

The Department of Romance Languages and Literature has Erasmus+ agreements with the following partner universities (as of November 2024):

  • Université Gustave Eiffel (formerly Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée): 2 scholarships (6–12 months each)
  • Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour: 2 scholarships (6–12 months each; associated with the Chair of French and Italian Literature); 3 scholarships (5 months each; coordinated by Prof. Dr. Polzin-Haumann's researcg group)
  • Université de La Réunion: 2 scholarships (max. 9 months)
  • Université de Limoges: 4 scholarships (6 months each)
  • Université de Lorraine (Metz): 7 scholarships (max. 10 months)
  • Université de Nantes: 6 scholarships (6 months each)
  • Université de Versailles: 3 scholarships (6 months each)
  • Université des Antilles, Guadeloupe: 1 scholarship (9 months)
  • Université Paris III Sorbonne Nouvelle: 5 scholarships (9 months each)
  • Université Paris Cité:  2 scholarships (6 months each)
  • Université Paris-Est Créteil: 2 scholarships (12 months each)
  • West University of Timişoara, Romania: 3 scholarships (10 months each)
  • University of Warsaw, Poland: 1 scholarship (6 months)

How to apply   
Application deadline for a stay abroad in winter semester 2025/26: 15 February 2025

To apply for one of these Erasmus+ study placements, please contact the relevant coordinator listed below.

Coordinator for the universities of Paris Cité, Gustave Eiffel, Pau et des Pays de l'Adour and Warsaw:

Dr. Sabine Narr-Leute (French and Italian Literature)

Building A5 3, Room 1.08

Tel.: +49 681 302-6504

s.narr(at)mx.uni-saarland.de

 

Coordinator for the universities of Paris III Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris-Est Créteil, La Réunion, Limoges, Metz, Nantes, Versailles, Pau and Antilles:

Dr. Vera Mathieu |Dr. Julia Montemayor (Prof. Polzin-Haumann's research group)

Building A5 3, Room 0.23

erasmus-ik(at)uni-saarland.de

 

Coordinator for West University of Timişoara:

Dr. Hélène Fau

Building A5 3, Room 0.06

Tel.: +49 681 302-3707

h.fau(at)mx.uni-saarland.de

 

General questions about the Erasmus+ programme should be addressed to:

GoOut! Service Center

Building A4 4 (Campus Center), ground floor (level 0)

Tel.: +49 681 302-71126

outgoing(at)uni-saarland.de

PROMOS (DAAD-funded study abroad scholarships)

As part of the DAAD-funded PROMOS programme, Saarland University awards scholarships for stays abroad worldwide.

PROMOS—the successor to the previous Erasmus 'Freemover' programme—aims to provide funding for study-related stays abroad.

Funding is available for:

  • Students of all disciplines
  • Study-related stays abroad of one to six months at higher education institutions in all European countries if no funding is available under the Erasmus+ programme
  • Internships of six weeks to six months that are outside the scope of the Erasmus+ programme
  • Courses aligned to the student's degree programme, language courses, study trips, competition-related travel

Calls for scholarships are usually published twice a year. The current application deadlines and all further information on the application process (necessary documents, table with the DAAD standard rates, etc.) can be found on the DAAD website.

Information International Office

Contact:

GoOut! Service Center

Building A4 4 (Campus Center), ground floor (level 0)

Tel.: +49 681 302-71126
outgoing(at)uni-saarland.de

Studying abroad under the DAAD programme

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers students a wide range of opportunities and financial support for studying abroad. The DAAD programmes are among the most sought-after by students, but they also involve a dedicated application process and require a strong academic record. However, the programme requirements are not intended to deter anyone from applying, but rather to increase motivation and effort.

We suggest that you consult the DAAD website (www.daad.de) well in advance of your planned stay abroad and find out about current calls for applications.

List of popular scholarships for studying abroad in French-speaking countries:

  • DAAD scholarship for Master's degree programmes at Sciences Po in Paris (Paris Institute of Political Studies)
  • DAAD one-year scholarship
  • DAAD: one-year scholarships in cooperation with the French government

The DAAD scholarship database is also a useful source of information.

'Programme d'Études en France' (PEF) exchange programme

The Programme d'Études en France (PEF) is aimed at German students for whom French is a key part of their degree programme and enables them to study in France for the first time intheir second Bachelor's year.

Students can choose from four French partner universities:

The programme enables students to apply their language skills in practice and improve their knowledge of the French language and culture.  In addition to studying courses aligned with their main degree subject, scholarship holders also have access to a language tandem programme connecting German and French students, an accompanying cultural programme and the opportunity to gain insights into professional working environments. 

Applications are open to students of Romance Languages and Literature, intercultural studies with a focus on French, European Studies, History, Linguistics with French as the first foreign language (e.g. foreign language linguistics), Law or Economics. 

The programme duration is five months (one semester) and includes a partial scholarship of €450 per month. Students are also exempt from paying tuition fees at the French university and receive health, accident and personal liability insurance cover. In addition, the PEF programme provides academic guidance and practical support for students. The host university provides assistance with accommodation.

Further information and how to apply 

Application deadline: 09 March 

Contacts:
Dr. Sabine Narr-Leute
s.narr(at)mx.uni-saarland.de
and
Dr. Vera Mathieu

Dr. Julia Montemayor
erasmus-ik(at)uni-saarland.de

Saarland University's Overseas Programme

Saarland University has cooperation agreements with the following partner universities in French-speaking Canada:

  • Université Laval in Québec
  • Université du Québec à Montreál (UQAM)
  • Université de Moncton (French-speaking university in a bilingual city)
  • Université de Saint Boniface (USB)

Further information is available on the website of Saarland University's International Office.

Contact:

GoOut! Service Center

Building A4 4 (Campus Center), ground floor (level 0)

Tel.: +49 681 302-71126
outgoing(at)uni-saarland.de

Exchange programme of the Institute of Modern and Contemporary History

The Institute of Modern and Contemporary History at Saarland University maintains cooperation partnerships with two French universities:

  • Institut d'Études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po)

    This exchange programme is aimed at students at Saarland University who have demonstrated strong academic performance and who are typically studying one of the following degree programmes: History, Cultural Studies in Historical Perspective, Intercultural Communication, or Romance Languages and Literature. Up to six study places are available every year, which are awarded via a competitive, merit-based selection process.

    Further information is available from the Modern and Contemporary History research group:

    Prof. Dr. Rainer Hudemann

    B3 1, 3rd floor

    Tel.: +49 681 302-2312
    martina.saar(at)mx.uni-saarland.de
    www.nng.uni-saarland.de/lehre/auslandsstudium.htm

Erasmus traineeships (internships, work placements)

Under the umbrella of the EU Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP), the Erasmus+ sub-programme has since 2007 provided funding not only for study visits abroad in Europe, but also for traineeships (internships, work placements).

The aim of Erasmus+ traineeships is to promote quality and innovation in the professional training available to students within the EU. Students can gain work experience in an international environment and learn about the requirements of an EU-wide labour market. In addition, students can enhance their core competencies such as communication and teamwork skills, intercultural openness and their understanding of foreign cultures and markets. Funding is available for both mandatory and voluntary internships lasting between three and twelve months. The programme does not provide internship positions; students are responsible for finding and organizing their internships independently. 

Contact:

Bettina Jochum (International Office)

Building A4 4, Campus Center

Tel.: +49 681 302-4356
bettina.jochum(at)uni-saarland.de

Internship in France and the French-speaking world

For students at Saarland University, the Centre for Franco-German Relations arranges internships in the French-speaking world.

Further information is available on the International Office website at:  https://www.uni-saarland.de/global/go-out/praktikum/frankreich.html

Contact:
GoOut! Service Center
Building A 4.4 (Campus Center)
Tel. 0681/302-71126
outgoing(at)uni-saarland.de