Program Details: FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences
Is this program for me?
The FH Joanneum (FHJ) exchange program was developed by GVSU's Padnos College of Engineering and Computing. Students studying in Computing and Information Systems may take courses in English at FH Joanneum during the Winter semester..While the academic program is located on the campus of Kapfenberg, it is recommended that students plan to live in the city of Graz in order to have access to the amenities of a larger city. The Kapfenberg campus is an easy 40 minute train ride from the city of Graz. Students can expect to take 3 CIS courses during the semester as well as a language and a culture course. The language and culture courses are typically offered on the Graz campus which will allow students to easily connect with other international students studying at FH Joanneum. This program requires students to exercise a high degree of independence, and is highly recommended for students looking for a full immersion experience. The GVSU faculty liaison responsible for this program is Jerry Scripps, [email protected].
Location
Graz, with a population of 301,368, is the second-largest city in Austria after Vienna. Graz has a long tradition as a student city: its six universities have more than 44,000 students. Its "Old Town" is one of the best-preserved city centers in Central Europe. Politically and culturally, Graz was for centuries very important for Slovinia, and still remains influential. In 1999, Graz was added to the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage Sites, and the site was extended in 2010 by Schloss Eggenberg. Graz was sole Cultural Capital of Europe for 2003 and got the title of a City of Culinary Delights in 2008.
Students will take all of their CIS courses on the Kapfenberg campus which is a 40 minute train ride from the city of Graz. Students will commute to the Kapfenberg campus for weekend classes.
Cultural Information
When studying abroad, it is important to learn about the culture of your host country.
For information on music, food, language, news & more, view Cultural Information for Austria
Cost
The cost of any study abroad program depends to a large extent on the participant's personal spending habits and lifestyle.
Visa Information
Students will be required to apply for a national visa (type D) prior to entry into Austria. Students can obtain instructions for how to apply at:https://www.bmeia.gv.at/botschaft/gk-new-york.html. The consulate does usually arrange "Consular Days" in Chicago for a day or two every so often. Students are encouraged to know about these important dates and make an appointment. If you are not able to get into one of the "Consular Days," you will be required to travel to New York for your visa (link).
Students are also encouraged to reference our student visa guide for more detailed information. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Housing and Meals
Students will be responsible for arranging their own housing in off-campus apartments. Click here for more information or email [email protected]
Computing and Information Systems students typically live in Graz, but take courses on the Kapfenberg campus which is about 40 minutes by train from Graz. Students may live near the Kapfenberg campus; however, many recommend living in Graz for the many activities available.
Program Dates
Winter Semester: Late February- end of June * preferred semester for CIS students taking classes in English
Courses
GV students can take a wide range of courses in German at FH Joanneum. Courses available in English are limited, so please review this information carefully before applying.
FHJ available course options:
Students taking CIS courses in English will be able to choose from this list of courses.
How will the courses I take at FHJ transfer back to my GVSU transcript?
If you are interested in taking a course that is on the existing course equivalency list, you do not need to secure course approval for that course. The courses listed have already been approved by the relevant GV academic department.
Note: This is not a complete list of course options offered at this partner institution.
FH Joanneum Guides
Information for Incoming Students- Before, during and after your stay
FH Joanneum Application Process
Step 1 - Students must apply and be accepted into the GVSU OASIS application system.
Step 2 - The Padnos International Center will provide all applicants with application instructions after the OASIS priority deadline.
Step 3 - Students must complete all required application materials for FH Joanneum.
Step 4 - Students receive admission into the program and are provided with additional pre-arrival instructions.
Important Note: Participants for this program will be required to purchase health insurance through FHJ which will be valid in Austria. The cost for this health insurance policy is approximately 50 Euro per month.
Travel Information
Use the map to explore campus and the surrounding areas.