PFORZHEIM STUDENT SURVIVAL GUIDE

2016 Digital Enterprise Management Version

1|Page

THE Digital Enterprise Management- TEAM It is our goal to help our students feel welcomed and well prepared for our program. To that end, we encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns. Prof. Dr. Rer. Pol. Stephan Thesmann Program Director [email protected]

General E- Mail Address [email protected]

Alexandra Wicke Program Coordinator [email protected]

Emma Schlosser Office Management [email protected]

Office ISP Business School Phone: +49 (0)7231-28-6447 [email protected]

Jochen Ebert Coordinator International Programs [email protected]

GETTING TO PFORZHEIM Rail travel within Germany is convenient and relatively inexpensive. Whether you fly into Frankfurt or Stuttgart, it will take up to two hours to get to Pforzheim by train. From Frankfurt Airport, the long- distance intercity train (ICE) takes one hour to Karlsruhe, where you change to continue on to Pforzheim (in the direction of Stuttgart). Less expensive regional trains depart from both the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station) and Mainz Hauptbahnhof, which can be reached via the local S8 commuter line. This option takes longer and may require more connections. From Stuttgart Airport, you can take the local S2/S3 commuter line to the Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof from which regional or intercity trains travel through Pforzheim (in the direction of Karlsruhe). You can check out the Deutsche Bahn for detailed information, prices and point-to-point schedules.

From the Pforzheim Hauptbahnhof, the University is reached by bus route #5 “Hochschule/Wildpark”. The bus leaves from bus station #5 just outside the station’s main entrance. Buses run every 15 minutes during the day, and travel time to campus is about 14 min. 2|Page

THE CITY OF PFORZHEIM In the busy city center, students will find plenty of restaurants, cafés, fast food, shopping, the theatre, library and other attractions.

Just south of the city center is the river confluence; three rivers, in fact, meet in Pforzheim – the Enz, Nagold and Würm. Numerous walking and biking paths meander along the rivers and out of the city from here. Combining nature and sports is a favorite for Germans.

THE UNIVERSITY The Business School is located high on a hill 2 km south of the center, overlooking the entire city. The campus has four buildings for classrooms and administration, plus a cafeteria and a library. Classrooms are easy to find and come equipped with projectors and WiFi. There are also computer labs on campus for those not carrying a laptop daily.

The cafeteria, known as the Mensa in German, has a dining hall serving daily hot lunch options and a la carte from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm Mo - Fr and a café-style snack bar with lighter fare, such as sandwiches, fruit and beverages, open from 7:30 am until 5:15 pm Mo-Th and 2:30 pm Fr.

The library, or Bibliothek, has a fair number of books in English and offers access to the EBSCO database for further research. It is open from 7:30 am until 10:00 pm Mo-Fr and 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sa- Su (check-out not available on Su or holidays). The view of the city from the library is quite nice.

3|Page

Pforzheim overhead view

Old and new combine in & near Pforzheim

The School Library and overlook

4|Page

WEATHER & PACKING TIPS Southern Germany enjoys a relatively mild climate. Summer temperatures range from 20º to 35º C. Unfortunately, it can also be rainy, and temperatures drop at night into the teens. In the winter, temperatures remain around freezing, and snowfall in the area is usually not excessive. On the other hand, conditions up on the hill where the university is located can be colder, windier and snowier than in the city center, and the weather can be affected by its proximity to the Black Forest. For more information, take a look at About Germany.

Most of the time, casual clothing choices will be appropriate for classes and daily life, but “business casual*” selections may be necessary for some activities. It may also be helpful when considering footwear options to know that cobblestone walkways are rather common in Germany, including on our campus.

While there are very few personal care items that you won’t find in Germany, be aware that you may not have access to favored brands or familiar forms. You may consider bringing enough supplies of important items such as vitamins, body care, makeup and feminine hygiene if exact brands are important to you. These items can usually be carried in checked luggage.

See current carriage regulations and travel restrictions at the TSA website for U.S. travelers or European Commission. Also, be sure to check your airline’s size and weight restrictions for luggage before packing.

*There is no official dress code; however, generally speaking, overly casual clothing, such as tattered jeans, flip flops and tanks tops are not appropriate for special activities and presentations – see tips from About.com.

5|Page

HOUSING For international exchange students throughout the world, finding adequate housing is a challenge. This is also true at Pforzheim, and as in most cities in the State of Baden-Württemberg, it can be difficult to find a furnished room or apartment that is available for renting on short notice.

Since most of the German students like to live in a shared apartment (Wohngemeinschaft or WG) we recommend looking for this kind of accommodation, that will help you to integrate faster and better within the culture of the country, at the time that you can enhance your Germanlanguage skills. You can search a WG-room with the following link http://www.wg-gesucht.de/en/ (Some German- language knowledge would be helpful).

Another alternative is to live in a student residence. Rooms are available in the student dormitories of the Studentenwerk Karlsruhe- Pforzheim (not run by the university), in private halls and from individual landlords. Quite often, students choose to share an apartment rented from a private landlord. Check the following link of the Studentenwerk Karlsruhe

Students can also apply directly for rooms in the dormitories, but the number of rooms is very limited. For more information, visit the Studentenwerk (English option available). For private dormitories, please check the following link for Studentwerk Karlsruhe. (http://www.swka.de/en/)

Students need to sign and receive a copy of a rental contract for their accommodations (“Wohnheim”/apartment). This will be used as proof of address for all future communication.

6|Page

Most international students will have to find a room on their own. An updated list of available housing can be obtained from the International Office ([email protected]), which will also work to assist the student in case serious difficulties are encountered. Students can also try to contact a local real estate agency that is experienced in working with international students, such as Förster Immobilien. Apartments can also be located on Internet sites such as ImmobilienScout24 (in German).

Housing costs should also be considered. In Pforzheim, the average cost of a student room is about €250 – 350 per month and can be more depending on how amenities, location, living standards, and if you decide to have roommates or not. When you do find an available room, it is normal that the landlord will collect a Kaution (deposit) for the room. The amount of the deposit can be up to 3 times the amount of one month’s rent. The deposit must be returned to you when you move out unless you have caused any damages to the property which need to be fixed. Plan ahead so that you have enough money to cover your rent and the expected deposit.

You may also consider ordering Haftpflichtversicherung which is a private insurance to cover liabilities and accidents that may occur in your apartment. The cost in normally only about €40 – 80 per year and can save you a lot of money if an accident were to occur in your apartment. The insurance however is voluntary and not required by the Hochschule or to stay in Germany. Insurance options can be easily found online at sites such as check24.de where you can compare insurances or by searching using engines such as google.

7|Page

ENROLLMENT PROCESS AT THE UNIVERSITY Registration is done in person at the StudiCenter located in building W1 of the main campus. Or you can provide another person with the power of attorney to complete the registration on your behalf. This should be done as soon as possible upon arrival. Contact information for the StudiCenter is as follows: Tiefenbronner Str. 65 75175 Pforzheim Tel. +49 7231 28-6940 Fax +49 7231 28-6185 E-Mail: [email protected] Hours: Monday - Thursday: 09:00-16:00 Friday: 09:00-12:00 Closed on holidays.

StudiCenter in Buiding W1

Requirements for enrollment: • • • • • •

A valid visa for Germany. Proof of medical insurance (for all students under 30). Proof of payment of the German Student Union Fee. A copy of the letter of acceptance Completed enrollment application form Passport-sized photo (German biometric format)

More detailed steps for each requirement are found below. ORDER OF STEPS: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Housing (signed contract) Visa & Registration of address Bank Account (if needed) Health Insurance Payment of Student Fee Enrollment Application StudiCard

8|Page

REGISTRATION OF ADDRESS (Required for Visa) Registration of your address is required in Germany. It is recommended you do this immediately, because you will need the proof of registration to complete your visa application, insurance, student registration, and much more. To complete this process, take your passport and a copy of your rental agreement to the Rathaus (City Hall) and register in person. In Pforzheim it is done at the Bürgercentrum. You will need to take a ticket and wait in the queue until your number is called. You may then register with an available agent. The contact information is as follows: Contact Information: Altes Rathaus Östliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 2-4 75175 Pforzheim Tel. 07231 39-1111 Fax. 07231 39-2801

Open hours: Mon. 7:30-13:00 Tue. 7:30-13:00 Wed. 7:30-13:00 Thu. 8:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00 Fri. 8:00-12:00

Rathaus (City Hall)

9|Page

VISA APPLICATION PROCESS (Should be done ASAP) Important information: The application requirements and process may be different depending on the country where you are coming from. Pay close attention that you fulfill the correct requirements!

Students who are citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United States of America and most EU nations may obtain any residence permit that may be required after entering Germany. The student should apply in person within 14 days of arrival at the Ausländeramt (foreigner’s office) of the city or town in which they will reside. Citizens of all other countries planning a stay in Germany must apply for visas at the competent mission before arriving in the country. Students should always check their individual visa requirements well in advance to avoid any problems. More information may be found at Federeal Foreign Office. Other important information for applications can be found on the relevant embassy page for your designated country. Those websites may be found through a simple search on the internet. However, here are some useful links: • • • •

India: German Mission India China: German Mission China USA: German Mission USA Mexico: German Mission Mexico

Application requirements if done in Pforzheim at the Ausländeramt: To do the application in Pforzheim, you must make an appointment with the Ausländeramt in advance. You may set the appointment by contacting them via E-Mail or by telephone. The appointment is scheduled by last name.

10 | P a g e

Pforzheim Ausländerbehörde: (also found in the Rathaus on the bottom floor) Contact information for making an appointment Ausländerbehörde in Pforzheim is as follows:

with

the

E-Mail: [email protected] Last Name A - Bol Bom - Gau Gav - Kal Kam - Kur Kus - Pok Pol - Sor

Telephone 07231-393160 07231-392123 07231-393161 07231-391032 07231-393158

Days Available Mon. – Thur. Mon. – Thur. Mon. – Thur. Thur. Mon. – Thur. Thur. Mon. – Thur.

Sos - Uy

07231-392509

Mon. – Thur. Mon., Tue., Thur. Mon. – Thur.

Uz - Z

07231-393159

Mon. – Thur.

07231-393162

Time Available 08:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 16:00 08:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 16:00 08:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 15:00 08:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 16:00 08:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 16:00 08:00 – 12:00 14:00 – 16:00 08:00 – 12:00 08:00 – 12:00

Required Documents: 1.

Copy of the proof of registration done at the Bürgercentrum.

2.

Two completed application forms

3.

Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least 12 months of validity left after the scheduled return)

4.

1 copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)

5.

Letter of acceptance from Pforzheim University

6.

Two passport-sized photos (German biometric format)

7.

Proof of Health Insurance

8.

Applicable fee, currently €55 in cash (will be paid upon picking up the Visa)

11 | P a g e

9.

Proof of financial means such as: •

confirmation of scholarship/ stipend



“Verpflichtungserklärung” (formal obligation letter) by sponsor living in Germany



“Sperrkonto” (blocked account) in the name of the applicant showing a minimum balance of 8640,- Euros and the remark that the account holder can dispose of a monthly amount of 720,- Euros

A rule of thumb for calculating how much financial support you need to show is basically 720,- Euros times how many months you are applying for on the Visa application. • Example: 720 Euro x 6 months = 4,320,- Euros After completing the application process, the foreign office agent will give further instructions on picking up your visa once it has been processed. You will receive a confirmation letter from the Ausländerbehörde stating that the application has been made and you must bring it with you to pick up the visa once it has been successfully processed. The pick-up location for the visa in by the Ausländerbehörde and does not require an additional appointment. The entire process may take several weeks so do it as soon as possible! You never know when there may be unexpected delays or more information required. For any doubts/questions always contact the correct authority to get up to date information on requirements.

12 | P a g e

MONEY Although accepted in most major cities and in some larger establishments, credit/debit card use is not as widespread in Germany as it is in many other countries. (You must always double-check for window stickers when entering stores and restaurants.) When in doubt, assume only cash is accepted. A convenient and affordable way to obtain cash in Euros is to simply make a withdrawal from your foreign account at a Geldautomat (ATM) with a credit card or bank card in the Plus, Visa, Maestro and/or Cirrus networks. You can check with your bank in advance for details regarding the fees and exchange rate policy. For longer stays, it is best to open a local bank account.

BANK ACCOUNT Opening a bank account is free in most German banks for students (e.g., Sparkasse, Postbank, Targo Bank, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank). Requirements: 1) Passport 2) Proof of enrollment at Pforzheim University (acceptance letter) 3) Initial Deposit

13 | P a g e

HEALTH INSURANCE (Required for Visa and Enrollment) Health insurance is required for the entire length of your stay in Germany. There are two main options for health insurance coverage: Option 1: Insuring yourself through a private insurance provider from your respective country (even those without a Social Security Agreement with Germany). However, on arrival in Pforzheim – you must get a signed no objection certificate from a state owned insurance provider, for example: AOK or TK. Though you may choose this option, it is highly recommended that you opt for a German insurance to avoid unnecessary expenditures and complications in case of a medical emergency. Option 2: Obtain health insurance from one of the German public insurance companies such as AOK or Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). You may easily get a student insurance policy with a short visit to the office of one of these companies upon arrival in Pforzheim. The monthly premium for a student policy is currently about €80 (2016). Students from countries that have a Social Security Agreement with Germany that includes an insurance clause may be able to show proof of insurance from their home country. TK Marktplatz. 4, 75175 Pforzheim

AOK Hohenstaufenstraße 6, 75177 Pforzheim

14 | P a g e

Insurance Application requirements: 1.

Passport

2.

Acceptance letter from University

3.

Proof of residency registration

4.

Bank Account with IBAN (Payments are directly withdrawn)

5.

2 Photographs (German biometric standard)

PAYMENT OF THE GERMAN STUDENT UNION FEE The total amount for the Student Union Fee must be sent to school’s bank account and a copy of the receipt must be printed. The current fee per semester is 148 € and in the 1st semester you must also pay €20 for the StudiCard. The bank account information should have been sent with your acceptance letter. However, here it again: Recipient: Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Pforzheim IBAN: DE39660000000066001541 BIC: MARKDEF1660 Bundesbank Karlsruhe Reason for transfer: 48900100 / blank space / Student- or Applicant number / blank space / Last Name, First Name Example for reason of transfer: 48900100 333666 Müller, Alexandra Amount: 168 €

Verify that all of the bank information is up to date before making the transaction. Print a copy of the receipt and bring it with you for enrollment.

15 | P a g e

COMPLETE THE ENROLLMENT APPLICATION FORM The form should have been sent to you in the acceptance documents. If you do not have the form, you may download it online from the school website or ask the StudiCenter and they will assist you. Here is the link to the download the form: Enrollment Form

STUDENT ID CARD The student ID card contains a chip that carries personal information. It can be used for several purposes such as using copiers and printers, accessing the computer labs, borrowing library materials, printing transcripts and purchasing food in the cafeteria. It can be loaded with money for printing at machines near the StudiCenter in the Business building. To load money for the food is done at the machines near the cafeteria or by the vending machines. Money for printing does not work for food and vice versa.

StudiCard machine for Printers

The ID card costs €20 and is purchased upon registration at the Studicenter. To activate the Studicard, you must first scan it at any Printer and log in using the electronic log in and password that was sent to you upon your registration. If there are any issues, you may ask the Studicenter for support. If you lose your card, you must pay for a replacement. 16 | P a g e

Until the time a student gets the identity card, he/she can use the University acceptance letter as a proof of registration for travelling in the buses of Pforzheim, where transportation is free for the students of our University.

WELCOME MONEY FROM THE CITY Begrüßungsgeld for Students The city of Pforzheim offers €80 to all new students registered in the city. To receive the money, an application form must be turned in at the Bürgercentrum. The form can be obtained by inquiry while you register your address. What you will need: • Passport • Proof of Enrollment or StudiCard • Copy of registration of your address •

PASSPORT PHOTOS The German biometric standard for passport photos may be different than that of your home country. If you are already in Germany, the best option is to find a local photo studio to take the pictures. The cost is usually about 15 – 20 € and comes with a packet of several photos.

Passport photo guidelines are as follows: •

The size of the photograph should be 36mmx45mm



The height from top to bottom face must be between 32- 36mm.

The photograph should be centrally aligned with a full front view of the face for German passport and visa.



17 | P a g e

All the features from chin to hairline and both sides of the face need to be clearly visible.



The whole face is required to be clear, with proper contrast and sharpness.



There should be no reflections, shadows, or red eyes visible in the photo.



The background of the photo must be uniform and light colored, preferably a neutral grey.



There should be no other object or support to the subject in the photograph. The shadows in the background are also not acceptable.



There should be neutral face expressions with closed mouth avoiding smile.





The subject has to look straight into the camera.

Head coverings of any type are not permissible in German passport and visa photographs.



The eyes of the subject should be clearly visible, and not covered by hair or frame of the glasses. Sunglasses, tinted glasses, or reflections of glasses are not acceptable in the photos.





Passport photos must be printed on high-quality paper.

18 | P a g e

DIRECTIONS IN THE CITY (Bus is FREE with StudiCard) One of the most frequent methods of transportation throughout Germany is by train. It is likely you will arrive in Pforzheim using the Deutsche Bahn (www.bahn.com) at our Hauptbahnhof (Main Station). Until you received your student ID, you may use the public transport of VPE (Verkehrsverbund Pforzheim-Enzkreis GmbH) for free by presenting your statement of admission together with your identity card or passport.

HBF (from Tracks)

HBF (from Front)

To get to the Hochschule, you may take the number 5 bus in front of the Hauptbahnhof (HBF) at the bus stop. Bus info found online at http://www.pforzheimfaehrtbus.de/

Bus 5 stop City Center Rathaus

Hochschule Pforzheim

19 | P a g e

Main Campus

Library Entrance

20 | P a g e

CELL PHONES IN GERMANY In Germany, cell phone service can be obtained through a contract, payas-you-go plan or with a prepaid SIM card for your existing GSM tri-band phone. It is important to research options carefully as some phones will not work with an overseas SIM card. It is also possible that your home cell service provider may offer an international calling plan that will suffice for your needs.

If you obtain cell phone service in Germany, please note that airtime minutes are charged only for outgoing calls, but calls placed to cell phones cost more for the caller.

-

Prepaid phones: The price of phones vary, but they will be functional

within 15 minutes of activation. Incoming calls can be received even when the card is not loaded. Prepaid cards are typically available in €15, €25 and €50 increments. -

Contract phones: They are less expensive, and the phone is often

free; however, most contracts require a minimum of 24 months. Many carriers charge a monthly fee of about €10 plus the cost of calls. Flat rate plans are now more widely available in Germany and usually start at around €40 per month. (German bank account is required)

21 | P a g e

INTERNET & KEEPING IN TOUCH The university has wireless internet in all its buildings. Instructions and downloads for the VPN software are available from the university’s website. Your student ID code is needed, so note that until you are registered, there could be a delay.

The Internet provides a cheap and convenient way to communicate with contacts in Germany and at home. Internet phone service is often the least expensive way to call overseas, and e-mail and instant messaging are usually free. If you and your contacts don’t already have accounts set up, it may be advisable to consider the services offered by companies such as Skype, MSN, Viber, Yahoo and others.

You can also make use of less expensive pre-dial codes for discount carriers when making calls outside of Germany. Try a service such as Verivox to find the cheapest rates.

BRINGING YOUR ELECTRICAL DEVICES Electricity in Germany is 220V, 50Hz. If you are bringing any electrical devices, you will need an adapter – and since there are several “European” types of connectors, you must be sure you have the right one for Germany. Also, some appliances, such as hair dryers, cannot handle the additional voltage – even with an adapter. The maximum allowable voltage should be listed on the appliance’s label.

22 | P a g e

Institute of Foreign Languages During the first three semesters, all courses for the Dem program are conducted in English. At the same time, »German as a foreign language« courses as well as tandems of German- and Englishspeaking students will provide international students with adequate language proficiency for the internship and further semesters. A compulsive beginner course »German as a foreign language« starts in September 5th for the freshman WS 16/17. Students with adequate knowledge of german have to visit another foreign language course or they have to go to one the courses: “Unternehmensbesteuerung/ European Union/ or offers from Ethics and Social Responsibility” Please find all the information’s in the study and examination regulations.

23 | P a g e

PUBS AND ENTERTAINMENT There are many pubs and cafés in Pforzheim, including: Bar Ozon Process Bahnhofplatz 2 – T-Mobile Hotspot, DJ on Friday night. Rosenrot Salierstr. 24 – Café with bar, Italian specialties, Sunday brunch. Art Café Ebersteinstr. 18 – Café with large open terrace. Rooney’s Irish Pub Zehnthofstr. 5 – Quiz night Tuesday, Karaoke Wednesday, Live music Friday and Saturday COMO::CLUB Am Schlossberg 15-17 Musikpark Goethestraße 19 75173 - Dance Club, Lounge and Cafe Lounge Sun Dunes Hanauer Str. 8 75181 - Night Club Salt & Pepper , Sägewerk Östliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 35, 75175 - Music Store, Dance Club Wolf St.Georgen-Steige 12, 75175 - Night Club

24 | P a g e

SHOPPING Pforzheim boasts plenty of options for shoppers. Karl-Friedrich-Strasse spreads out to the west and east from Leopoldstrasse, and shops can be found in both directions, primarily to the west. Food tends to be less expensive than in the U.S., while clothing and consumer goods tend to be more expensive. Note that shopping hours are more restricted in Germany with some stores closing as early as 7 or 8pm on weeknights and 1pm on Saturdays; stores are closed on Sundays. Shops in malls tend to stay open later – some as late as10pm. Options include: Schlössle Galerie Westliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 80 An indoor shopping center with several shops and eateries, anchored by H&M. Galeria Kaufhof Westliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 17-19 A department store that sells everything from clothing, housewares and electronics to stationery and Jelly Belly jelly beans. Schmuckwelten Pforzheim Westliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 56/68 A museum and shopping experience in one, this center boasts the best from the city’s jewelry and watch-making tradition.

25 | P a g e

SURROUNDINGS Pforzheim itself has many cultural and tourism opportunities to offer, but the nearby cities also beckon: Stuttgart Only 30 minutes away by train, the capital of Baden-Württemberg is home to many world-class cultural institutions, trendy restaurants and clubs, and plenty of shopping venues. Karlsruhe One of the country’s top arts centers along with plenty of shops and eateries make this a fun spot for getting away from campus. And it s only 20 minutes by train. Heidelberg About an hour north, this romantic town is a favorite among foreigners with its famous castle, beautiful river, historic university drinking clubs and modern shops. The Black Forest Just minutes away, the renowned region boasts year-round activities for hikers, bikers and skiers. Historic towns and spas keep ancient customs alive.

26 | P a g e