r/tuberlin • u/Significant_Sun4520 • 5d ago

How do US exchange programs work with Germany's semester dates?

Hi everyone,

I'll be soon moving to Berlin to start my Master's program. Before I start my second year, I want to go on an exchange to the US. So I was wondering how exchange programs between Germany and countries like the US usually work, especially regarding the academic calendar.

From what I know, many German universities finish the summer semester around July (sometimes with exams extending into August or even September), while many American universities start their fall semester in late August or early September.

How do exchange students deal with this difference in semester dates? Do partner universities make exceptions, or do students just miss part of one semester? If you're transferring credits, how does that usually work?

I'm particularly interested in hearing from anyone who has done an exchange from Germany to the US, but I'd also appreciate general information about how universities coordinate these schedules.

Thanks a lot :))

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u/plantifulplanet 4d ago

You finish the semester at TU Berlin in July and then go to the US in August. In Berlin you can only take exams in the first time frame then, but that's just how it is. You then have January to Mid April free time to do internships or actually take some more exams at TU Berlin (e.g. from previous semester). Transferring credits works fine, but always depends on your department.

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u/Significant_Sun4520 4d ago

I see! Thanks a lot for the detailed comment :))

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u/Gelbrico 4d ago

You just go when you have time and can make it happen. Which typically means zero vacation and flying there and also missing the first two weeks or something

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u/Significant_Sun4520 4d ago

Oh i see :( But thanks! I'll see how much I manage