General questions:

Q: Where can I get general information on studying in Bochum?
A: The International Office of Ruhr-University Bochum provides foreign students with any relevant information necessary. This includes events, visa problems, health insurance, etc.

Q: Do I have to pay for the NOHA course in Bochum?
A: There are joint participation costs for the Joint European Master's in International Humanitarin Action. The participation costs will be in line with an extensive scholarship scheme. More information are available on the official NOHA website at http://www.nohanet.org. Besides the participation costs, students at Ruhr-University Bochum have to pay a contribution to the social insurance ("Sozialbeitrag"). This amount that will be charged for every semester is mandatory for all students duly enrolled at Ruhr-University Bochum. The contribution to the social insurance includes a "VRR-ticket" for six month. With the "VRR-ticket", also called semester ticket, students may use public transportation facilities in the Ruhr-area for free. Further to this, students are requested to buy books.

Q: Where can I find accommodation?
A: The AKAFOE, the academic office of support and the representation of the students (here you can find a list of FAQs provided by the AKAFOE with regard to the issue of finding accommodation).

Q: What are the living expenses in Bochum?
A: About 200 EUR in cash will cover regular expenses, not including the rent, during the first few days after arrival. Students who arrive at Düsseldorf Airport can take a train from there to Bochum. It takes approximately 50 minutes to Bochum. A one-way-ticket (second class) from the Düsseldorf airport to Bochum main station costs about 7,50 EUR. You have to calculate with living costs of about +/- 600 EUR a month (incl. rent).

Q: What about health insurance?
A: All students have to arrange their own health insurance. Adequate coverage for medical costs is essential, and it is a requirement for obtaining a Residence Permit. The insurance should cover the entire period of stay, from the fist day to the last.

Before the course starts...:

Q: Do I need to pay for the IP?
A: You need to pay for your travel expenses to the IP. Accommodation is free under specific conditions and if you have not been receiving SOCRATES/ERASMUS support before.

Q: Can students get the e-mail addresses of their fellow NOHA-students in Bochum to make joint travel arrangements for the IP?
A: Yes, please contact the NOHA-secretariat.

Q: What exactly is the purpose of the IP?
A: The IP introduces the students to the programme and gives the opportunity to learn about the specific optional programme of the different NOHA partners. It also provides an introduction to the field of humanitarian assistance with lectures, workshops and working group elements.

The course itself:

Q: What is the calendar of the NOHA programme in Bochum?
A: The first semester runs from beginning of October to the end of January. The second semester starts in February and ends in May. The third semester runs from June to December. The third term is reserved to the master dissertation.

Q: What is the structure of the first semester in Bochum?
A: The semester starts with a welcome ceremony and continues with lectures and intensive learning components elements. In January the first semester exams take place.

Q: How do I register with the university?
A: You do not need to appear in person for the registration at the Ruhr-University. The procedure will be managed by the IFHV. You may pick up your student ID and further information at the IFHV secretariat (Building NA 02/33) after the Intensive Programme.

Q: Who is teaching in the programme?
A: Lecturers are the NOHA directors, institute staff, NGOs and IOs field workers and managers, government experts and skilled personnel from private companies.

Q: Is there a list of the teachers?
A: Yes, on the website under NOHA.

Q: Are all classes given in English?
A: Yes, except minor and specific programme elements announced at the IP for which the NOHA modules provide the basic material.

Q: Do I need to take all classes even when qualified in one of the five module areas.
A: Yes.

Q: What is the structure of the second semester in Bochum?
A: The second semester consists of simultaneous work in small project groups on fundamental issues related to humanitarian assistance and international organizations as well as participation in lectures which provide additional information to project topics or related problems. The interactive part of the semester ends with a simulation week in which students and staff perform different roles of NGOs, IO personnel etc. to manage a humanitarian crisis in Osmania.

Q: Can I change to a NOHA partner university in the second semester?
A: Yes, but exchange under the NOHA rules takes place on a one to one basis.

Q: Are there good chances to change?
A: In the past all who wanted to change could change though, not necessarily to their first choice universities.

Q: What procedure is foreseen to organize that exchange?
A: Students prepare applications for the other network-universities (CV, motivation for change, achievements) for the fall meeting of the NOHA directors (usually end of November). Forms are provided by the network.

When the course is about to end...:

Q: Do I need to write a Master Paper even when I change to a partner university in the second semester?
A: The master paper is a requirement for those whose home university is Bochum. Even students who spend the second semester in a partner university must submit a master dissertation.

Q: Do I need to do an oral defence for obtaining the Master's degree in Humanitarian Action?
A:Yes. Details are regulated in the conditions of study.

Q: Is an internship with a humanitarian organization compulsory?
A: No, the programme offers options to acquire the necessary credits.

Q: Are students advised to do a stage with NGO's etc.?
A: Students are encouraged to use parts of the programme for such a stage, if they have never worked in that specific field.

Q: Is the institute offering places for a stage?
A: No, it is the responsibility of the students to find a place, but the staff assists, if necessary.

Q: Can I contact ECHO directly for a stage in Brussels.
A: No, all contacts to ECHO go via the national NOHA directors.