Students who choose to organise a stay at a university themselves can opt for one of several programmes to help organise their studies, or choose to self-organise their studies. Choosing a programme can facilitate the organisation process. Additionally you may be provided with financial support (depending on the programme). Self-organising students always have to pay their fees on their own but have access to a wider range of universities.
In order to get your studies abroad acknowledged, you must fill in the Stay Abroad Agreement Sheet and have it signed by Dr. Nicole Nyffenegger before you leave. Use the checklists (for both study and work) to make sure you follow all the required steps.
SEMP (Swiss-European Mobility Program - Swiss equivalent of Erasmus)
SEMP ("Erasmus") - Application Deadline: 1 December
What is SEMP? The SEMP programme allows students of the department to study at universities in Europe. Places are limited so it is advisable to think of an alternative should your application not be successful.
Financial Support and Cost: SEMP provides financial support to students. You pay a set fee for the programme and you have to pay for accomodation.The tuiton fee at the host university is covered by SEMP while you pay tuition fees in Bern. Additionally, students receive a scholarship by SEMP to partially cover costs of living. The amount will depend on the length of your stay. For detailed information, please consult the SEMP website.
The Department of English currently has agreements with these universities:
- University of Limerick
- University of Birmingham
- University of Malta
- University of Exeter
- University of Essex
- University of Warwick
Some universities allow you to study for one term (3-4 months), two terms (6 months), or an entire academic year. More information can be found on the SEMP website (Swiss-European Mobility Program).
Application Requirements: application takes place through the Department of English of the University of Bern. To apply for the Autumn term of the following year or the following Spring term (e.g. December 2024 deadline for Autumn 2025 / Spring 2026), please address a motivational letter to the International Coordinator Dr. Nicole Nyffenegger. Please submit it as a PDF attached to an email. Only electronic submissions will be considered.
- You can use this template for your letter.
- Please note that, depending on the number of applications, your acceptance may depend on the strength of the motivational letter (only electronic submissions will be considered, thank you).
- If your application is successful, you will be asked to provide further documents to your host university via the SEMP programme.
Application Deadline: 1. December (each year).
Late applications for remaining places during the year are possible; pleace contact Dr. Nicole Nyffenegger to inquire about open places. You will be informed on the success of your application by the end of December. Should your SEMP application be unsuccessful, you can apply to other programmes until the 15 January.
Exchanges Worldwide
Exchanges Worldwide - Application deadline: 15 January (with 15 June for late registration for any remaning places).
What is Exchanges Worldwide? The University of Bern has exchange agreements with a variety of universities worldwide. The exchange is possible for one or two semesters within an academic year.
Financial Support and Cost: study and accommodation fees will vary depending on the university you choose. You pay the normal tuition fees in Bern. Please consult the websites of Exchanges Worldwide, the international office, and your chosen university for details.
A number of universities in English-speaking countries have agreements with the University of Bern through “exchanges worldwide:” They include:
- University of Wisconsin, Whitewater Campus (USA)
- Sam Houston State University (USA)
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute (USA)
- University of Ottawa (Canada)
- University of Technology, Sydney (Australia)
- Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
- Nanyang Technological University (Singapore)
Application Requirements: application takes place through the international office of the University of Bern. Please consult their website for the general application requirements.
- Please note that your chosen university may require you to submit further documentation. The specific requirements for all partner universities can be found on the international office's website.
ISEP (International Student Exchange Program)
ISEP Application deadline: 15 January (for Autumn Semester and/or Full Academic Year), 31 July (for Spring Semester).
What is ISEP? ISEP is the largest network for student exchanges worldwide. Like with SEMP, ISEP is partially in charge of the fees and organisational process of your study abroad. Other than with SEMP, exchanges outside Europe are possible.
Financial Support and Cost: ISEP requires you to pay a basic fee for application and an additional fee if you are successfully placed, as well as a set fee for each semester you partake in the programme. Please consult the ISEP and international office website for further information.
Application Requirements: You can apply through the university's international office. Please consider that ISEP requires you to submit more documents than other programmes. The exact requirements can be found on the websites of the international office and the ISEP programme.
Self-Organised
What are self-organised studies? It is also possible to organise your study abroad independently. This will give you access to even more universities, but the application effort is likely to be higher and places may be limited.
Financial Support and Cost: if you decide to self-organize, you will need to cover the tuition and accomodation fees at your host university yourself. These fees will vary depending on the university you choose. Self-organizing is likely to be higher in costs than choosing a programme.
The University’s International Office might offer some helpful tips if you wish to self-organize. Make sure to consult the checklist (study and work) and especially the reports written by students who have self-organized their study abroad.
Self-Organised Further Education
Studying does not necessarily have to happen at a university. You can choose to take advanced language classes, study dance or performance, do a teacher or sports instructor training, etc.
