Guide - Universität Oldenburg

Transcription

Guide For
International
Researchers
Contents
Words of Welcome by the President5
4. GETTING READY FOR YOUR STAY
35
Services for International Researchers 7
4.1Checklist of Important Documents
35
1. WELCOME TO OLDENBURG
8
4.3Traveling to Oldenburg
39
8
5. GETTING STARTED IN OLDENBURG
40
5.1Registration
40
4.2
1.1
Übermorgenstadt Oldenburg
1.2Culture and Leisure
11
36
2. WELCOME TO THE CARL VON OSSIETZKY UNIVERSITÄT OLDENBURG 13
5.2Extending Your Visa and Obtaining a Residence Permit
41
2.1Carl von Ossietzky Universität: Open for New Ideas
13
5.3
42
2.2Research at the Carl von Ossietzky Universität
14
6. WORK AND RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY
43
2.3The University at a Glance: Facts and Figures
17
6.1Employment Regulations 43
3. DAILY LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY
19
6.2Employment Contract or Appointment
45
3.1The Haarentor and Wechloy Campuses
20
6.3Intellectual Property
46
3.2The International Relations Office (IRO)
21
7. ACCOMMODATION IN OLDENBURG
47
3.3University Dining Facilities
23
7.1Finding an Apartment
48
3.4University Library
25
7.2University Guest House / Hotel
49
3.5Language Courses
27
7.3List of Abbreviations for the Apartment Search
50
3.6Technical Services
28
3.7University Sports Program
30
3.8Culture and Arts on Campus
31
3.9Shopping, Travel Agency, Medical Treatment, and Insurance on Campus 34
2
Visa and Entry
Guide for International Researchers
Bank Account
8. SOCIAL SECURITY IN GERMANY
51
11. LIVING IN GERMANY
68
8.1Health Insurance
52
11.1Doctors and Health Care
69
56
11.2Emergency Phone Numbers
70
58
11.3
71
8.2
Pension Scheme
8.3Unemployment Insurance
Public Transport
8.4Accident Insurance
58
11.4 Your Own Vehicle
72
8.5Nursing Care Insurance
59
11.5Bicycle
73
8.6Additional Private Insurances
59
11.6Radio, TV, Phone, and Internet
74
9. TAXATION IN GERMANY
60
11.7Religion
75
9.1Research Visit Based on a Fellowship
60
11.8 Public Holidays
75
9.2Research Visit Based on an Employment Contract
60
11.9 Good to Know – Useful Information
76
9.3Double Taxation Agreements
61
12. BEFORE YOU LEAVE GERMANY
78
9.4Tax Return
61
12.1Checklist
78
9.5Church Tax
61
10. RESEARCH VISIT WITH THE FAMILY
62
10.1Child Care
62
10.2Child Care at the University of Oldenburg`s Studentenwerk
63
10.3Schools
65
10.4 Benefits for Families
66
10.5Employment Opportunities for Partners
67
Impressum79
Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
3
4
Words of welcome by the president
Dear Guests,
Relations Office is happy to help you with any
questions you have during your stay, or even
before you leave home. Please do not hesitate
to take advantage of the services it offers.
Welcome to the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg. I am sure that your decision to
come to Oldenburg will prove to be a good
one. I hope that your stay will be successful
and enjoyable, both professionally and personally.
We are proud of our university, named after
the outstanding journalist and Nobel Peace
Prize recipient Carl von Ossietzky (1889-1938).
As a university, we see it as our obligation to
take on the most urgent global challenges,
and address them on a social, political, economic, and environmental level. This is one
reason why we place such importance on
forward-thinking research projects on both a
national and international level.
Our institution is known for its welcoming,
friendly atmosphere. We want to make sure
our guests feel really at home within our community. After all, we know how important a
role you play in making the Carl von Ossietzky
Universität a diverse, vibrant campus that is
truly the place to be to study, teach, and do
research.
Do take some time to get to know the city and
the beautiful surrounding countryside while
you are here. The North Sea is right on our
doorstep. Or take a day to visit our friendly
neighbors in Holland. Whatever the purpose
and length of your stay, I wish you a wonderful time here, with unforgettable memories
and professional achievements.
There are currently more than 850 international students and doctoral candidates from
over 100 countries at our university. Every
year, our university welcomes more than 100
visiting scientists from all corners of the globe,
who contribute to our international graduate
teaching and participate in various interdisciplinary research groups. The International
Herzlich Willkommen!
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Babette Simon
President
5
6
Service for international researchers
at the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
The University of Oldenburg has established a service for international visiting researchers
to make your time here as enjoyable and smoothly-running as possible. We’re here for you
and happy to assist with all the required formalities and questions you may have about your
time in Oldenburg.
Our portfolio of services includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
An Internet portal in German and English
Checklists for preparing your stay
Support in finding accommodation
Assistance with locating the right kindergarten or school for your children
Assistance with formalities (visa, registration, health insurance)
Support as you deal and interact with the authorities
Interesting excursions and fun events for visiting researchers
International Relations Office
(IRO) at the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
Birgit Bruns (IRO Director)
Building A5, Room 0-072
Telephone: +49 (0) 441 / 798 2468
E-Mail: [email protected]
Imke Brumund (Secretary‘s Office)
Building A5, Room 0-072a
Telephone: +49 (0) 441 / 798 4628
Internet: www.iro.uni-oldenburg.de
Our website features regular updates, with links to information which will help you make the
most out of your stay and take care of everyday tasks. You will also receive mailings from us
about the latest events and offers. Please do not hesitate to turn to the team at the International Relations Office if you have any questions, problems, wishes or suggestions. We can
be reached by e-mail or phone, or simply drop by to see us.
Postal Address:
Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118
26 111 Oldenburg
Germany
7
1
1.1
Welcome to Oldenburg
Übermorgenstadt Oldenburg
Oldenburg is situated in the northwest of Germany in the state of Lower Saxony. Lying on the Hunte
River, it has over 160,000 inhabitants, and serves as an administrative, economic, and cultural hub of
northwest Lower Saxony.
Oldenburg’s economy is characterized by a dynamic middle class and a strong service sector including
banking and insurance services. Production is also found here in automotive supply, the food industry,
photographic development, and printing.
You’ll find all kinds of shopping in Oldenburg. Its large pedestrian zone is known and loved throughout
the region. Thousands and thousands of tourists enjoy coming to Oldenburg each year for its attractive,
exciting city life that includes cultural events and sightseeing. The Oldenburg State Theater, built in the
style of the Italian Renaissance, offers theatre, plays, and dance. The wide variety of culture in Oldenburg
is complemented by a wonderful selection of museums, the Residential Palace, and Palace Garden. The
Oldenburg Kultursommer, the International Film Festival, and the “KIBUM” children and youth book fair
are popular annual events in the city.
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QUICK INFO
City of Oldenburg: www.oldenburg.de
Tourist Information Oldenburg: www.oldenburg-tourist.de
You’ll also see plenty of bicycles in Oldenburg. The city has 270 kilometers
of bicycle paths. Everything can be reached quickly and comfortably on two
wheels.
In 2009, Oldenburg was awarded the prestigious honor of “City of Science.”
Science and academics in Oldenburg strive to achieve a better future and a
brighter tomorrow, which is why the city is referred to as the Übermorgenstadt, a word meaning “city of the day after tomorrow,” and which makes clear
how strongly Oldenburg is focused on the future. And it’s not just research
and science that make Oldenburg an Übermorgenstadt. There’s also the increasing number of people who are moving to the city, and the outstanding
prospects for the future that make Oldenburg simply the place to be.
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10
1.2
Culture and Leisure
Oldenburg‘s cultural program features something for everyone - provocative
drawings, a Grand Ducal painting collection, the Culture Summer, Christmas
market, grand operas and magical puppet theatres - the choice is huge! It
is something that makes the city a veritable magnet for culture enthusiasts.
What sets Oldenburg apart is its wide cultural spectrum, ranging from the
lively independent scene to tradition-steeped institutions all the way to
contemporary culture. Theater here enjoys numerous venues, and is very dynamic. The museum landscape has a unique variety, with the Horst Janssen
Museum and the Edith Russ Haus, as well as the Municipal Museum and the
two state museums (Art and Cultural History and Nature and Mankind). The
city combines a splendid, Grand Ducal tradition and classicist architecture
with a contemporary, urban spirit. You´ll find a can-do, energetic spirit here
and forward-looking cultural policies that get everyone involved to ensure
that Oldenburg‘s reputation as a cultural hub continues to grow.
QUICK INFO
www.staatstheater.de
www.filmfest-oldenburg.de/en
www.kulturetage.de
www.casablanca-oldenburg.de
www.horst-janssen-museum.de
www.stadtmuseum-oldenburg.de
www.oldenburg.de/?id=6788
Experience it for yourself!
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12
2
Carl von Ossietzky Universität:
2.1 Open for new ideas
Welcome to the Carl von Ossietzky
Universität Oldenburg
Promoting talent, inspiring ideas, and being open towards others –
these are the University of Oldenburg’s guiding principles. Founded
in 1973, it is one of Germany’s newer universities, and takes its name
from the pacifist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Carl von Ossietzky
(1889-1938), a well-known, prolific journalist during the Weimar Republic.
A major task during the coming years will be the continued establishment, development, and achievement of top scientific performance,
as well as outstanding teaching and academia. The foundation to do
this has already been laid with internationally visible, interdisciplinary research, strong Ph.D. programs, and the complete conversion
of the university to a Bachelor’s/Master’s track of study.
The University of Oldenburg considers itself a campus university –
something that not every German university can boast of – ensuring
a close, accessible interaction between students and professors, and
seminars that have an optimal number of students attending them.
The University of Oldenburg is an institution providing the northwest region of Germany with economic and cultural impulses. It
goes without saying that the university is also networked on both a
national and international scale beyond the academic realm with its
co-operations and achievements in the fields of research, education,
culture, and economics. And with more than 200 partner universities
around the world, its activities without question encompass a global
spectrum.
There are more than 80 majors at the University of Oldenburg, including teacher training, social sciences, IT, business and economics,
law, linguistics, cultural studies, human sciences, mathematics, and
the natural sciences. The university currently has 12,000 students,
180 professors, and 2,000 staff members.
Further Information
www.uni-oldenburg.de/uni/international/25792.html
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2.2
Research
at the Carl von Ossietzky Universität
The University of Oldenburg is a research center of outstanding national and international reputation. Emphasis on interdisciplinary work and social responsibility
are identity-forming hallmarks of research in Oldenburg,
which influences the advancement of methods and
quality factors found here. All academic fields have developed concise criteria for excellence, organized according to quality, effectiveness, efficiency and originality
and in compliance with international standards. The university creates space for scientific networking within the
university and beyond.
Through the University’s concept for research-oriented
teaching and learning, the students in Oldenburg are systematically introduced to research processes and methods at an early stage in their academic career, and are
instructed in and taught according to the latest findings
in their respective fields.
14
Focal points of top-level research are found in all faculties.
Currently, nine large research foci have been established
in Oldenburg, and enjoy a high degree of international
reputation: neuro-sensory science, hearing and audiology, computing science, marine science, energy research,
environmental science, women and gender studies, education, and biodiversity.
The excellent research performance of Oldenburg has
started to attract both the Max-Planck- and Fraunhofer
Societies, which have established research groups and
junior research groups in Oldenburg, particularly in the
last few years. This development is accompanied by the
settlement of larger industry-financed research centers
that strengthen a permanently growing network between fundamental researchers and applied scientists.
Graduate Academy
of the University of Oldenburg
The training and improvement of the professional prospects of
young academics and researchers are essential for the University of
Oldenburg. For this reason, the graduate school “Science and Technology” was founded in 2009. Among other things, it involves a study
program to obtain a European doctorate. This graduate school hosts
structured PhD programs in the fields of natural sciences and works
in conjunction with a currently developing graduate school for
education, social sciences and the humanities. These two graduate
schools are organized under the graduate academy. The program
enables a structured education for doctoral students as well as the
opportunity for post-doctoral students to prepare themselves for
their individual career paths.
The Graduate Academy of the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg was established in December 2011 to support a research environment of the highest international standards for doctoral candidates, postdocs, and junior professors of all disciplines. The program
olwin (Oldenburger Wissenschaftliche Nachwuchsförderung) is
being developed by the academic staff development unit in cooperation with the faculties.
www.pe-oe.uni-oldenburg.de/31067.html
Further Information
www.forschung.uni-oldenburg.de
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The Hanse Wissenschaftskolleg (HWK)
Institute for Advanced Study
Max Planck Junior Research Groups
The HWK is a non-profit foundation in the form of a cooperation
between the state of Lower Saxony, and the cities of Bremen and
Delmenhorst. Founded in 1995, it focuses on the fields of energy research, marine and climate research, neuro- and cognitive sciences,
and social sciences. The HWK is also involved in the “Art in Progress”
project. The HWK promotes outstanding scientists in their areas of
research, in interdisciplinary activity, and in cooperation with neighboring universities and research institutions. Its goal is to strengthen
the northwest region of Germany as one of the top places for science
and research.
Junior research groups are an initiative of the Max Planck Institute
for Marine Microbiology (MPI) in Bremen and the Carl von Ossietzky
Universität. The research focus is on marine biogeochemistry, anorganic biochemistry, and their analysis techniques. Research groups
involved do their work at the University of Oldenburg’s Institute for
Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM), which is
also a research institution of the Max Planck Society.
www.h-w-k.de
The Fraunhofer Institute
for Digital Media Technology (IDMT)
www.mpi-bremen.de/en/Home.html
With its headquarters in Tübingen, the IDMT is currently active in Oldenburg as part of a project group working on the topics of hearing,
speech, and audio technology. The research here concentrates on
the field of audio system technology with a focus on health services,
traffic, multimedia, and telecommunications.
www.idmt.fraunhofer.de/en.html
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2.3
The University at a Glance:
Facts and Figures
Figures
Faculties
• opened in 1973
• approximately 12,000 students
• of whom about 900 are international
students
• from around 90 countries
• a network of nearly 200 partner universities
worldwide
• almost 2,000 staff members including
• approximately 180 professors
• more than 100 visiting scientists every year
Faculty I
School of Educational and Social Sciences
Faculty II
School of Computing Science, Business
Administration, Economics and Law
Faculty III
School of Linguistics and Cultural Studies
Faculty IV
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Research
Research focus areas:
• Neurosensory Research
• Audiology and Hearing Science
• Computer Science
• Marine Research
• Energy Research
• Environmental Sciences
• Teaching and Learning Research
• Women and Gender Studies
• Five international graduate schools for
junior researchers from all over the world
Awards received
• Family-friendly University
• EXIT-Initiative of the Federal Ministry of
Economics and Technology to support the
culture of entrepreneurship
• ERASMUS-Mundus University
Faculty V
School of Mathematics and Science
Faculty VI
School of Medicine
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18
3
Daily Life at the University
Once an institution has invited you to teach and/or do research, you will become
a university member for the entirety of your stay. This will entitle you to the facilities, programs, and opportunities offered at the university, and will obligate
you to the university’s terms and conditions as well. This guide will give you a
first close look at the different facilities and institutions that might be of interest
to you.
QUICK INFO
Where applicable, we strongly recommend clarifying issues such as the use of equipment and laboratories at the earliest possible opportunity.
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3.1
Further Information
www.uni-oldenburg.de/uni/lageplan
www.uni-oldenburg.de/campus-haarentor
www.uni-oldenburg.de/campus-wechloy
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The Haarentor and
Wechloy Campuses
The Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg is divided between two locations. The
Haarentor campus is home to all courses of study except the natural sciences. You will
also find the university library, the International Relations Office (IRO), a Mensa (cafeteria), sports halls, and pool facilities here. The natural sciences are located on the
Wechloy campus about a kilometer away. You will also find outdoor sports facilities and
a small cafeteria here.
3.2
The International Relations Office (IRO)
Registering with the IRO’s Visiting Researchers
Database
Registering you and your family at the International Relations Office
will allow you to take full advantage of the services and events
offered by the IRO:
As soon as you have registered online, you and your family members
can take advantage of the services, information and opportunities
offered by the International Relations Office.
• Before you arrive in Oldenburg you will receive an online package
containing all the important information you need for your re search stay (practical information, a checklist of formalities, impor tant addresses and contacts).
• We can answer questions about your time in Oldenburg before you
arrive.
• If you need assistance in finding accommodation, we will be happy
to help. And if you need a hand dealing with formalities or would
like someone to accompany you to the various authorities, our
team of student tutors is here to help you.
• We will put you in contact with other visiting scientists.
Please register at
http://dominozef1.zef.uni-oldenburg.de/oldenburg/iroguests.nsf
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Events
REception
The international Lunch
Welcome receptions for new guests, infor- The International Relations Office, together The International Relations Office offers a
mation evenings, and many other events for with the University President host a recep- monthly international lunch in the Haarentor
visiting researchers and their families are reg- tion every semester for all international visit- Campus Mensa (cafeteria) with other visiting
scientists. Visit the IRO’s website for upcoularly organized by the team at the Interna- ing researchers and their hosts.
ming dates.
tional Relations Office.
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3.3
University Dining Facilities
The Haarentor Campus Mensa
The “Cafete” (Haarentor Campus)
The Student Service Oldenburg runs a num- The Mensa (cafeteria) is the university’s pri- The Cafete on the Haarentor Campus is one of
ber of cafeterias and dining facilities in the mary dining facility, and allows you to freely the best places to get together with friends
cities of Oldenburg, Emden, and Wilhelms- combine a selection of different main cours- and colleagues at the university. Snacks,
haven. Students, professors, and visiting es and side dishes: fish, meat, casserole, sandwiches, salads, sweets, and warm meals
researchers always have the chance to en- stews, vegetables, salad, soups, and desserts. are available to satisfy your hunger, however
joy great-tasting, affordable meals, snacks, In the same facility, the Culinarium has a dai- big or small. There’s also freshly squeezed
and beverages. Just about everything here ly menu of different steaks, gratins, and fish. fruit and vegetable juices, milk and yoghurt
is made fresh daily, and many products are You can watch as your meal is prepared. The products, soft drinks, and fair trade organic
produced in organic quality by regional sup- pasta and pizza bar provides for even more tea and coffee.
pliers. The cafeterias and dining facilities are dining variety. At least one vegetarian meal
organically certified and holders of the of- is available every day, and even vegan reficial government seal for organic food qual- quirements can be met by choosing selected
meals and side dishes.
ity.
QUICK INFO
The weekly menu of the both Mensas and cafeteria are posted on the Internet at:
www.studentenwerk-oldenburg.de/gastronomie/speiseplaene.html
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Opening hours
Mensa Haarentor Campus
Meals served
Mon - Fri
11:30 AM to 2:15 PM
During semester breaks
Mon - Fri
11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Cafete Haarentor Campus
Mon - Thurs
8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Fri
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sat
11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Mon - Fri
8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
CaféBar Haarentor Campus
Mon - Thurs
8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Fri
8:00 AM to 2:15 PM
Mon - Thurs 10:00 AM to 4:15 PM
Fri
10:00 AM to 2:15 PM
Meals Served at Wechloy Mensa
Mon - Fri
11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Cafeteria Hours at Wechloy Mensa
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Mon - Thurs
8:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Fri
8:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Mon - Thurs
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fri
9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
3.4
University Library
The university library has two locations: the central facility on the Haarentor campus, and the natural sciences collections on the Wechloy campus. Just about all
of the 1.4 million titles are available for loan or on-premises reading. A large portion of information that is of academic interest or value can be found in electronic
form as e-books (nearly 20,000) or digital journals and publications in our database (nearly 4,000). Highly specialized databases are also available for professional
research. Since its founding, the university library has accumulated a wide array of
media types that you will have access to in the media library. And outside of the
library, professors, visiting researchers and students are welcome to use the media
technology available in the lecture halls and seminar rooms.
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Library card
Good to know
You can use the media at the university library during opening hours
without a library card. To borrow books or other media, you will need a library card. You can fill out the application form on the Internet, and your
card can be picked up directly at the service desk on the first floor of the
central library location. To do this, you will need to show your passport
and registration certificate from the Oldenburg Citizens‘ Office. A fee of
5 € will be charged for issuing your library card.
Library tours are provided free of charge every Wednesday from 2:00 to
3:00 PM. Registration is not required.
Borrowing books and other media
You will have to show your library card whenever you take out books,
upon which you will receive a receipt of your transaction and return due
date. You will also find a self-checkout for books and media at the library
entrance. You will need a library card and password to use this service.
The basic borrowing period is 14 days. You can extend your loan if noone else has requested the item you have borrowed. Books and media
that are not available in Oldenburg can be borrowed for a fee from other
libraries via interlibrary loan.
Library and Information Service
Opening Hours
Central Library
Mon - Fri
Sat/Sun
8:00 AM to midnight
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Book Loan/User Service
Mon - Fri
Sat
8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Contact
Ute Hermannsen
Telephone: 0441 / 798 4439
Internet: www.bis.uni-oldenburg.de
www.bis.uni-oldenburg.de/44007.html
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Language Center
Contact
3.5
Language COurses
Learning German or improving the German ability you already have will be
a key element in meeting the requirements of daily life in Germany. To help
you with this, the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg Language Center offers German courses during the semester for visiting researchers and
exchange students. From beginner to more advanced abilities, all levels are
available. These courses take place six hours per week from October to January and from April to July. Sign-up is at the start of each semester, and your
level will be determined by a placement test.
In addition to this, Oldenburg has a number of private language schools offering courses to help you learn or improve your German. Prices for these
courses vary. Another effective way to learn or improve a foreign language is
the Tandem program also offered by the university´s language center. Here,
a native speaker will teach you his language, while you teach him yours.
The IRO will be happy to help you find the best opportunity to make your
German as fluent as possible. You will find further information on German
courses as well as other languages on the language center’s web site.
Dr. Maike Engelhardt (Center Director)
Telephone: 0441 / 798 4546
Office Hours: Tues 3:00 to 4:00 PM
Barbara Henning (German Courses)
Telephone: 0441 / 798 2322
Office Hours: Thurs Noon to 1:00 PM
Internet: www.sprachenzentrum.uni-oldenburg.de
Tandem language learning
Contact
Daniela Rommel
Office Hours: Mon 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Consultation: Fri from 1:00 PM onwards
Internet: www.sprachenzentrum.uni-oldenburg.de/en/25607.html
QUICK INFO
Winter semester: October 1st to March 31st
Summer semester: April 1st to September 30th
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3.6
Technical Services
IT services at the University of Oldenburg ensure that students, professors, and university staff have access to an optimally running computer and information infrastructure. In order to access many of the
electronic services you will need a personal user identity (loginID).
Your address is based on the pattern: [email protected].
You can use the web mailer at http://webmail.uni-oldenburg.de to
sign into your university user account whenever and wherever you
want. IT services are also responsible for maintaining the LAN and
WLAN services that allow intra- and internet access across the entire
campus.
You can register at IT services for your personal login/password for
the University of Oldenburg’s computer network, along with your
personal e-mail address. You will find the registration form for a guest
login on the IT services website. It must be filled out and submitted
in written form to user services. You can also obtain Internet access
directly from the IT services of your home institution.
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The IT Services help desk is the first place to go if you have any problems using the university´s IT facilities.
University IT Services
Central Library, Entrance Area, Level 1, Hall 2
Telephone: 0441 / 798 5555
Internet: www.itdienste.uni-oldenburg.de
Registration for Guest Login: www.itdienste.uni-oldenburg.de/54617.html
Office Hours
Mon-Thurs 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Fri 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
QUICK INFO
Stud.IP
The Stud.IP platform offers visiting researchers the opportunity to provide online access to seminar teaching material. Web services such as email and discussion forums on university courses are also available. The
material from the courses that visiting researchers are offering can be
accessed by students via the Stud.IP platform.
Stud.IP gives visiting scientists an easy way to present their seminar material to as wide an audience as possible. Students can check important
seminar deadlines and visiting researchers’ office hours, and are provided with extensive, flexible support. Furthermore, you will find a listing
of the courses offered for the semester at the University including the
contact information of all professors, facilities, and institutions.
A university online user account is needed to access Stud.IP. Contact the
University of Oldenburg’s IT services for more information.
https://elearning.uni-oldenburg.de
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3.7
University Sports Program
Are you looking for some physical activity and the chance to keep in
shape? Or, maybe you’re just looking to have some fun and meet new
people. If that’s the case, the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg sports program is the right place for you. It offers an extensive
range of all kinds of sports and activities: aerobics, horseback riding,
yoga, football, dance, capoeira, belly dancing, table tennis, gymnastics, and autogenic training are just a small sample of the more than
100 kinds of sports and activities offered here. Some of them are even
free of charge.
The catalogue of sports being offered during the semester can be
viewed online as a PDF file. For those activities requiring registration,
stop by the university sports office to sign up.
Contact
University Sports Office - In the foyer of the Haarentor campus university
swimming facilities
Telephone: 0441 / 798 2085
Internet: www.uni-oldenburg.de/hochschulsport
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QUICK INFO
You´ll also find a number of additional clubs, dancing classes, and fitness centers in Oldenburg. Schools and associations also offer sports
activities.
The Dobbenwiese is a large park near the town center. Weather permitting there are always people playing soccer or even cricket here.
The OLantis Huntebad offers swimming and sauna.
www.olantis-bad.de
The Flötenteich is an outdoor swimming facility.
You can sign up for tango classes at the Kulturetage.
www.studiolibertango.de
3.8
Culture and Arts on Campus
THe University Choir
University Orchestra
The “uniChor” is open to everyone. From
those with decades of experience to the
very beginner, anyone who is interested in
singing is welcome. Choir members come
from the university, as well as from the city of
Oldenburg itself and the surrounding region.
The Carl von Ossietzky Universität Olden- Contact
burg orchestra is a symphony orchestra with
around 50 performers. It arranges and per- E-Mail: [email protected]
forms pieces ranging from Bach to contem- Internet: www.uni-orchester.uni-oldenburg.de
porary artists. The orchestra is comprised of
students and university staff from all of the Rehearsals
faculties, as well as ambitious laypeople and
music teachers from outside of the university Thurs 7:30 to 10:00 PM in the Aula (Auditorium)
who come together to perform.
+ 1-2 orchestra weekends per semester
The choir forms for the start of each winter
semester, at which point it begins rehearsals
for its two or three annual concerts that are
performed between February and July.
Contact
Regular rehearsals of a season’s concert program generally last an entire semester, at the
end of which the final concert takes place.
Manfred Klinkebiel (Choir Director)
Internet: www.unichor-oldenburg.de
31
32
The Student Union Unikum Stage
Oldenburg University Theater (OUT)
The Unikum stage offers regular music and
cabaret shows during the semester. One of
the annual highlights includes the Oldenburg Cabaret Events in January and February featuring newcomers and veterans of the
German comedy scene.
OUT is a project bringing together different The International Summer Festival is one
student theater groups and the student un- of the annual highlights at the university.
ion to form a one-of-a-kind campus cultural Students from around the world present
experience. With its stage productions, OUT their home countries at stands displaying
offers all students the opportunity to venture traditional dress, music, and informative
into the world of theater either behind the material. You’ll also have a chance to take a
scenes or as on-stage talent.
culinary trip around the world as you taste
the homemade food and drink from the
different countries on display. The Summer
Contact
Festival has a panel of judges that presents
the award for the best looking stand. The
Internet: www.studentenwerk-oldenburg.de/
event is accompanied by a full musical and
kultur/oldenburger-uni-theater-out.html
performance program, and offers fun for all
ages.
Contact
Internet: www.studentenwerk-oldenburg.de/
kultur/studentenwerksbuehne-qunikumq.html
Gegenlicht Cinema
The International Summer Festival
Botanical garden
The student Gegenlicht cinema offers entertaining, often unique films every Wednesday You will find a beautiful assortment of native
during the semester. All showings are in the and exotic plants at the botanical garden. As
Aula (Building A11), and admission normally opposed to customary parks and gardens,
costs 3 €. You can find a listing of the films aesthetics here do not play the primary role.
being shown during the current semester at Instead, the focus is on the uniqueness and
www.gegenlicht.net.
value of the rich variety of the plants found
here, showing just how important even the
so-called “less interesting” plants and vegetation in the natural world truly are. Further information at www.botgarten.uni-oldenburg.de.
33
3.9
Shopping, Travel Agency,
Medical Treatment,
and Insurance On Campus
You will find an organic foods store (complete with its own bakery) directly
on the Haarentor campus. Supermarkets and other bakeries are also within
walking distance. The Mensa foyer is the location of a bookstore, which has
an extensive selection of all genres of books, eBooks, books on CD, DVDs,
and music. If all this shopping happens to put a strain on your wallet, there is
a Volksbank cash machine on campus. Copy shops are also nearby, and can
be reached within a short walk.
The Haarentor campus also has medical offices, with practices for chiropractic and natural healing; a family practitioner offering homeopathic medicine
and natural healing; and a dentist. Prescription medicine can be picked up
directly at the pharmacy right next to these medical practices.
Some medical insurance companies have branches directly on campus.
34
4
Checklist of Important Documents
4.1
Getting ready for Your Stay
-Passport or document of equal validity for yourself and any
members of your family accompanying you. The documents must
be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Germany.
-A visa for yourself and any family members who are coming to
Germany with you. Apply for your visa(s) at the earliest opportunity
possible (see chapter 4.2).
-Invitation letter from the University of Oldenburg (faculty/ institution)
where you will be researching and/or teaching.
- Proof of your health insurance (see chapter 8.1)
- Biometric passport photos for different ID cards.
In many cases you might also need the following documents:
- Birth certificates for yourself and any accompanying family members
(preferably translated into German)
- Marriage certificate (preferably translated into German)
-Certified copies of your academic degrees (preferably translated
into German)
- Proof of your financial support in order to obtain a residence permit
(proof of salary, letter of award for your fellowship or scholarship etc.)
-If you will be signing an employment contract, find out which
additional documents are necessary
-Vaccination record: Be sure to get all of your checkups (physical
examination, dentist, etc.) before leaving for Germany
-Driver´s license (see chapter 11.4).
35
4.2
Visa and Entry
You do not need a visa to enter Germany. However, for visits lasting
more than three months you will require a residence permit (see
chapter 5.3).
Entry regulations differ depending on your country of origin and the
length of your stay:
Nationals of all other non-EU states
Nationals of EU states, the European Economic
Area, and Switzerland
You will not normally need a visa. You may enter Germany with your
national identity card. If you intend to stay in Oldenburg for more
than three months you must register at the Oldenburg Citizens‘
Office (see chapter 5.1) and obtain a Freedom of Movement Certificate or a residence permit if you are of Swiss nationality.
36
Nationals of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan,
New Zealand, South Korea, and the United States
In order to enter Germany you usually need a visa and, for a longer
stay, a residence permit. You should apply at the German embassy
or a German consulate in your home country (or current country of
residence) for your visa as soon as possible. While there, also find out
as much as you can about entry regulations and how long the visa
application process will take.
Visit up to three months:
If your stay will last up to three months, you should apply for a Schengen Visa (C-Visa). Please note that a Schengen Visa cannot be extended beyond the three month period. To obtain the Schengen Visa
you will have to provide evidence of financial support and adequate
health insurance coverage. The Schengen Visa entitles you to travel
freely between and stay in any countries of the Schengen agreement.
QUICK INFO
Online application form
If you only need a Schengen Visa you can complete the application form
on the Internet (http://visa.diplo.de).
Visa exemptions for short visit: Nationals of some countries are allowed to enter Germany for visits of up to three months without a visa.
You can find a list of these states on www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN
> Entry&Residence > Visa regulations > Visa requirements – list of countries
Visit lasting more than three months:
If your stay will last longer than three months you must apply for a
national visa (D-Visa) while you are still in your home country or current country of residence. To obtain a national visa you will have to
provide evidence of financial support (employment contract, fellowship, proof of own resources), of adequate health insurance coverage,
details of accommodation, proof of your intended activity, marriage
and birth certificates of family members, and your passport. National
visas are usually issued for a period of three months. Once you have
entered Germany you must present this visa to the Oldenburg Citizens‘ Office (see chapters 5.1 and 5.2). Please note that if you intend
to stay more than three months under no circumstances should you
enter Germany on a Schengen Visa as you will not be able to change
this type of visa into a national visa.
Traveling to other Schengen countries with your national visa: If you intend to travel to other Schengen countries during the first three months
of your stay, you should state this in your visa application so that you
may be issued a so-called hybrid visa (C+D Visa).
More information on visa and entry requirements
EURAXESS: www.euraxess.de/en > Services > Incoming > Visa and entry
Federal Foreign Office: www.auswaertiges-amt.de
QUICK INFO
Free remission
If you are the recipient of a publicly-funded fellowship from a German
funding organization (AvH, DAAD), you are exempt from paying the fees
for both your visa and residence permit.
37
38
4.3
Traveling to Oldenburg
The closest international airport is the City Airport Bremen, 50 kilometers to the east of Oldenburg. Contact your host (your faculty or
the university colleague who will be helping you upon arrival) to let
them know your flight schedule and/or when you will be arriving in
Oldenburg.
The number 6 streetcar will take you from the Bremen airport directly to the Bremen train station. The trip takes about 20 minutes, and
tickets can be purchased from the driver or the machine in the streetcar.
Trains travel every hour between Bremen and Oldenburg (purchase
your tickets at the counter or at the machines in the train station).
You will find train schedules at www.bahn.de.
Information
City Airport Bremen:
www.airport-bremen.de
BSAG Bremen Streetcar Network:
www.bsag.de/eng/index.php
Deutsche Bahn AG:
www.bahn.de
Luftibus Airport Shuttle: www.luftibus.de
Directions to the University of Oldenburg:
www.uni-oldenburg.de/en/contact
A private shuttle service is also available between the Bremen airport
and Oldenburg. Visit http://www.luftibus.de for more information.
The University of Oldenburg’s website also has directions on how to
get here.
39
5
5.1
Getting started
in Oldenburg
Registration
Everyone who moves to Germany or changes her/his address within
Germany has one week to register this information at the Citizens‘ Office.
If you live directly in Oldenburg, contact the Oldenburg Citizens‘ Office
Mitte or Citizens‘ Office Nord. If you live in the surrounding region of
Oldenburg, simply contact your local registration authorities. You will
also be required to register all family members who are traveling with
you. If you move during your stay, you will have to inform your local
Residents´ Registration Office about your new address. At the end of
your research visit you must cancel your registration. You will need your
passport and a registration form to deregister.
Contact
Oldenburg Citizens‘ Office Nord
Oldenburg Citizens‘ Office Mitte
(Bürgerbüro Nord)
(Bürgerbüro Mitte)
Stiller Weg 10
Pferdemarkt 14
26 121 Oldenburg
26 121 Oldenburg
Telephone: 0441 / 235 4444
Telephone: 0441 / 235 4444
E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]
40
5.2
Extending your Visa and Obtaining
a Residence Permit
Before your entry visa runs out you must apply for a residence permit at Oldenburg‘s Foreign
Residents‘ Office. If you are a national of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South
Korea, or the United States and intend to stay longer than three months you will also have
to apply for a residence permit.
Your local Foreign Residents‘ Office is your contact partner for all questions you may have
about residency in Germany. Although the documents you require for a residence permit
will vary depending on your circumstances, you will definitely need:
• The application form
• Your passport
• A current passport photo
• Proof that you will be able to financially support yourself and, if applicable, your family
members (proof of earnings)
• Proof of health insurance
• Confirmation of registration in Oldenburg or the local town you are living in
• For marital partners/children: certified marriage and birth certificates.
Contact
Foreign Residents‘ Office
Pferdemarkt 14
26121 Oldenburg
Telephone: 0441 / 235 2400 or 235 2846
or 235 2731 or 235 2548
You can also get in touch with your contact person at the Foreign Residents‘ Office for more
information on what documentation you will require.
41
5.3
Bank Account
We recommend opening a bank account if you will be staying for a longer period of time in
Oldenburg. Set up a Girokonto (checking account) at a bank or at the post office. Your salary
or fellowship funding can be paid directly into it. Your monthly rent, health insurance payments, etc. can be deducted directly from this account.
Upon opening an account, you will receive an EC card which will allow you to withdraw
cash at any ATM machine (withdrawal fees may apply). This card will also permit you to pay
directly for your purchases in most supermarkets and shops. To open an account, you will
need your passport or personal ID and confirmation from the Oldenburg Citizens‘ Office
that you are registered. Bank fees vary depending on the institution where you have your
account, so shopping around for the right bank can help save you some money.
If you plan to make transactions to and from an account in your home country, it’s a good
idea to check with your home bank to see whether it has a co-operation with one of the
German banks. This can help shorten the time needed for international transactions, and in
some cases reduce or even eliminate transaction fees.
You will be able to use cash, traveler’s cheques, and credit cards for payments. Even though
credit cards are becoming more common in Germany, everyday purchases and payments in
small amounts are still typically done using cash or an EC card.
42
6
Work and Research at the University
6.1
Employment Regulations
Will your research stay at the University Oldenburg be done on the
basis of an employment contract?
Visiting researchers who wish to pursue gainful employment in Germany usually require a residence permit authorizing gainful employment. Applications should be made to the Foreign Residents‘ Office,
together with your visa formalities (for contact information see chapter 5.1). As a citizen of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, you enjoy
freedom of movement for workers. You do not require permission
from any authority to work. Citizens of new member states such as
Romania and Bulgaria still require work permits or a residence title
until December 21st, 2013.
Residence permit for the purpose of research
Visiting researchers may be granted a residence permit for the purpose of research if they have concluded an effective hosting agreement with a recognized research institution to pursue a research
project.
43
Employee secondment
Regulations for fellows
Visiting researchers who are sent from a research institution in another EU member state to work at the University of Oldenburg are not
issued a residence permit for the purpose of research. In this case you
must apply for a residence permit for the purpose of pursuing gainful
employment.
If you want to spend time in Germany as part of a research fellowship, you may in some cases be eligible for a residence permit for the
purpose of either research or studying, provided that the fellowship
covers all of your living expenses.
Third-country nationals require a residence title to take up employment – applications can be filed with the representatives of the
Federal Republic of Germany abroad or within Germany with the
local Foreign Residents‘ Office. These usually need approval by the
Federal Employment Agency.
Information
Regulations for academics from new EU member states
(currently Bulgaria and Romania) as well as non-EU
countries
As of January 1st, 2009, the German labor market has been made
more attractive for academics (holders of university degrees) from
new EU member states by waiving the so-called “Vorrangprüfung”
(labor market test), which assesses whether a German national or an
equally qualified foreign worker can be given priority in filling a position. The labor market has also been opened to academics from nonEU countries. For this group, the labor market test remains in effect
with the exception of physicians, as well as engineers in the fields of
mechanical/electrical engineering and vehicle manufacturing.
44
Foreign Residents‘ Office: [email protected]
Federal Foreign Office, Education and Work in Germany: www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN
> Entry & Residence > Studying & Working
Federal Employment Agency, Work Permits: www.arbeitsagentur.de/EN
> Working and Job-seeking > Working in Germany
European Commission, Working in another EU Country: www.europa.
eu/index_en.htm
> Your life in the EU > Work and retirement
6.2
Employment Contract or Appointment
In case you do not come on the basis of a fellowship but as part of an employment
contract, you will have to sign your employment contract before you officially start
working. The personnel department of the University of Oldenburg will inform you
about what forms and documents you will need to complete.
In Germany, many professors and university staff are civil servants, and appointed
to their positions. Salaries for civil servants are set by the Bundesbesoldungsgesetz
(the law which regulates the salaries of civil servants) and the regulations of the respective German state in which you work. The salary scale for professors is called “W”
whereas academic staff are paid according to the “TV-L” collective pay agreement.
QUICK INFO
The personnel department at the University of Oldenburg (Dezernat 1) is located in the administrative building in the Ammerländer Heerstraße 114-118.
For information on collective pay agreements and salary scales visit:
www.academics.com
www.oeffentlicher-dienst.info
www.hochschulverband.de/cms1/english.html
Contact the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
Personnel and Organization
Britta Logemann, Petra Möhlenbrock
Room: V01-0-012/V01-2-223
Telephone: 0441 / 798 2780 or 2442
E-Mail:[email protected]
[email protected]
Internet: www.uni-oldenburg.de/dezernat1/43593.html
The human resources and organizational development
unit at Oldenburg University (PE/OE) offers a wide range
of courses addressing topics as diverse as management
issues in academia, career planning for junior researchers, language courses and computer training. For the
PE/OE program visit:
www.pe-oe.uni-oldenburg.de/
45
6.3
Intellectual Property
Where applicable, you should ask your host or employer as early
as possible about all aspects regarding the handling of intellectual
property, patents, and inventions. Since 2002, the Arbeitnehmererfindungsgesetz (employee inventions law) has changed significantly and requires members of higher education institutions to report
their inventions to their employers.
46
Almost all universities and research institutions have an office that
is responsible for research and technology transfer. Go there first for
advice on how to handle intellectual property and to register patents
and licenses. At the University of Oldenburg, this is taken care of by
the d i a l o g Center for Transfer of Information and Technology.
Contact
d i a l o g Center for Transfer of Information and Technology
Telephone: 0441 / 798 2914
Internet: www.dialog.uni-oldenburg.de
Information on Intellectual Property Rights
German Patent and Trademark Office: www.dpma.de/english
European Patent Office: www.epo.org
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): www.wipo.int
German Research Foundation: www.dfg.de/en
IP Rights in EU Projects: www.ipr-helpdesk.org
7
Accommodation in Oldenburg
47
7.1
Finding an Apartment
The IRO will be happy to assist you in your search for an apartment in Oldenburg.
Have a look at the apartment search database on our web site to select apartments
that may be of interest to you. There is a shortage of furnished housing in Oldenburg,
and accommodation is expensive and requires time to arrange. So please contact
the team at the IRO as early as possible. Please also keep in mind that the IRO can offer you a maximum of three potential apartments and is not responsible for making
final rental agreements. The negotiation and acceptance of an apartment will be a
matter between you and your university host and/or landlord.
The services of real estate agents can also be used at a fee to help you find the right
apartment.
48
Information
IRO Apartment Database: www.iro.uni-oldenburg.de/
en > Service > Housing database
Real Estate Agencies
Home Company: www.oldenburg.homecompany.de/en
www.wg-gesucht.de
7.2
University
Guest House / Hotel
Guest house
The University of Oldenburg has a guest house with six one-room apartments, and three two-room apartments. All apartments are equipped with a
bathroom and shower, kitchenette with refrigerator, a phone, Internet connection, a TV, dishes, bedding, and towels. Space is very limited, so it is important to contact us well in advance if you would like to obtain a reservation
for the guest house. In some rare cases, rooms are available on short notice.
Information
University of Oldenburg Guest House:
www.uni-oldenburg.de/praesidium/38728.html
Bookings Horst Scholz: [email protected]
Telephone: 0441 / 798 5454
Hotel
A hotel is the best place to stay for short visits. You can make a reservation at
the Tourist Information Oldenburg’s web site. The IRO will also be happy to
reserve a hotel room for you.
Information
Tourist Information Oldenburg: www.oldenburg-tourist.de/EN
49
7.3
List of Abbreviations for
the Apartment Search
50
2-Zi-Whg
2-Zimmer-Wohnung
2ZKBB
2 Zimmer mit Küche, Bad, Balkon
Blk/Balk.Balkon
DG
Dachgeschoss
DHH
Doppelhaushälfte
DUDusche
EB
Erstbezug
EBK
Einbauküche
EFH
Einfamilienhaus
EG
Erdgeschoss
ELW
Einliegerwohnung
GWC
Gäste-WC
HK
Heizkosten
Kaution
KDB
Küche, Diele, Bad
Keine zusätzl. Prov.
KM
Kaltmiete
MM
Monatsmiete
mtl.monatlich
NB
Neubau
NK/NBK
Nebenkosten
NRNichtraucher
OG
Obergeschoss
Stellpl.
Stellplatz
TG
Tiefgarage
warm/WM
Warmmiete
Wfl.
Wohnfläche
WG
Wohngemeinschaft
ZH
Zentralheizung
2-room apartment
2 rooms, kitchen, bath, balcony
balcony
room directly under roof/attic
half of a two-house structure
shower
first occupancy
installed kitchen
single family house
ground floor
apartment in house with landlord
guest toilet
heating costs
deposit
kitchen, hall, bath
No additional commission
rent excluding all utilities
monthly rent
monthly
newly constructed building
utilities and additional costs
non-smoking
top floor
parking space
underground parking
rent including all utilities
(sometimes this does
not include electricity)
total floor area (in m2)
shared apartment
central heating
8
Social Security
in Germany
The German Sozialversicherung (social insurance) is a state system
that plays a key role in providing coverage for potential risks such as
e.g. illness or unemployment. It comprises five areas:
• Health insurance
• Pension
• Unemployment insurance
• Accident insurance
• Nursing care insurance
Research visit based on an employment contract
If your research stay in Germany is part of an employment contract,
you will be required to make payments into the social insurance system. The employer and visiting scientist each pay half of the contributions. Accident insurance is paid in full by the employer.
Once you have begun your work at the university, your host institution will take care of the necessary paperwork to register you for the
social insurance system. You will be registered with the Krankenkasse
(health insurance company) of your choice, which in turn will automatically inform all the other social insurance providers in the German system. Upon registration, you will receive a Versicherungsnummer (social insurance number) and a Versicherungsnachweisheft
(insurance information booklet) from your provider. Your employer
is responsible for insurance payments, which will automatically be
deducted from your pay.
Research visit based on a fellowship
Fellowships are usually exempt from payment into the statutory social security system. You will however still require health insurance,
which everyone in Germany is required to have. Keep in mind that
you will not be insured through the university, which means that
you will be responsible for handling all of your insurance matters
yourself. Along with mandatory health insurance, we also strongly
recommend that you take out insurance against accidents and thirdparty claims. There are many insurance companies in Germany that
are able to meet all of your needs.
Information on German Social Insurance
www.deutsche-sozialversicherung.de/en
Transfer of rights
As a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland you are covered by an EU regulation stipulating the rights and transferability of social insurances
within the EU. These regulations contain two basic principles:
1. You are insured in the country you work in.
2.A person is subject only to the laws and regulations of one state.
51
8.1
Health Insurance
In Germany, Krankenversicherung (health insurance) is mandatory
for all visiting researchers and family members accompanying them
unless your insurance at home covers medical and hospital costs incurred during your stay in Oldenburg. Please note that visiting researchers are not insured by the university. You are obliged to take
out health insurance coverage yourself and show proof of it to receive a residence permit from the Foreign Residents‘ Office and to finalize your work contract. Your insurance will have to be able to provide
unlimited coverage for illnesses or accidents, as well as dental care.
Germany has two health insurance systems: state and private.
For pre-existing conditions or illnesses, be sure to stock up on all necessary medication in your home country before coming to Germany.
Pre-existing conditions or illnesses will generally not be covered by
your German insurance company, and you will be expected to pay
for these expenses yourself. We strongly recommend making contact
with the insurance company of your choice prior to your arrival in
Germany to clarify in advance all questions and issues you may have.
This will also give you the chance to finalize your insurance plan before arrival, ensuring coverage from the very first day of your stay in
Germany.
52
Please note that you are required by law to possess health insurance
coverage from a licensed insurance provider in Germany if your stay
is scheduled to last long enough for you to have a residence permit
in Oldenburg.
Research visit based on a fellowship
If you are in Germany privately or as part of a fellowship, your only
option will be private insurance. At www.euraxess.de/portal/health_
insurance_in.html you can find a list of insurance companies with
insurance plans for international scientists, scholarship holders etc.
Research stay based on an employment contract
If your stay in Germany is based on an employment contract, you
will automatically be entered into the German state health insurance
system. If there is a Social Security Agreement in place between your
home country and Germany, you will be issued form E 101 by your local health insurance provider and will continue to be subject to your
national health insurance regulations. If you do not possess form
E101, you will be subject to compulsory German health insurance.
In this case, your annual income will determine whether you can be
insured by the state or a private insurance company.
As of 2013, with a gross annual income of no more than 52,200 €, you
are eligible only for state insurance. If you have a regular gross annual
income of more than 52,200 €, you will be able to choose between
state or private insurance. It will be your employer’s job to sign you
up at the insurance company you choose, so let this person know
of your decision as soon as you have made it. Your health insurance
company will then notify all of the other social insurance providers in
the German system of your registration.
Information
Euraxess Germany, Health Insurance: www.euraxess.de/portal/health_
insurance_in.html
Some examples of State Health Insurance Providers in Oldenburg
AOK: www.aok.de
Barmer GEK: www.barmer-gek.de
DAK: www.dak.de
Techniker Krankenkasse: www.tk.de
State health insurance
State health insurance payments are standardized, and your contributions are deducted directly from your gross salary by your employer. The standard rate is 15.50% (as of 2013), of which the employer
pays 7.30% and the visiting scientist 8.20%. What the state insurance
schemes cover is also, for the most part, standardized. There are however differences in customer service, additional benefits, and optional extras. You are free to choose your insurance company, and it’s a
good idea to compare the providers before making your choice. If
your spouse or children are coming with you to Germany, in some
cases you may be able to include them in your coverage at no additional cost (family insurance). In order to benefit from this offer, these
family members must be registered in Germany as their primary residence.
As opposed to private health insurance, your state health insurance
company will receive your medical bills directly from your doctor.
You will simply have to show your insurance card before treatment.
53
Private health insurance
As opposed to state health insurance, the price for private health insurance is not based upon your income, but on other criteria such
as age, gender, profession, current health condition, and the extent
of coverage desired by the customer. The more coverage you would
like, the higher your premium will be. Private patients receive their
medical bills directly from their doctor which they pay directly. This
amount is then reimbursed by the insurance company after the
doctor’s bill has been submitted to them.
Information
List of private health insurance companies: www.pkv.de > Verband >
Mitgliedsunternehmen
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
To help simplify the treatment process for temporary visits abroad
in Europe during your stay in Germany, every statutory health insurance company is required to provide its members with a European
Health Insurance Card. Present this card in case you become sick
or injured. You will be eligible for medical treatment in another EU
country, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
You are entitled to the same medical treatment in the host country as
the residents of that country themselves. The costs will be paid at the
same rate as they would if incurred at home; any excess costs must
be paid by you. It may be advisable to take out additional, private
travel insurance.
54
EU, EEA citizens and citizens of Switzerland
Short visits (conference attendance, holiday,
business trip)
Extended visits
If you need to consult a doctor or use other medical treatment within
the European Union, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and
Switzerland, you will initially have to pay the costs of the treatment in
your host country. After having submitted the receipts to your insurance provider, whether private or state, the costs will be reimbursed
at the same level they would if they had been incurred for treatment
at home; any excess costs must be paid by you. It may be advisable
to take out additional, private travel insurance. To facilitate treatment
during temporary visits abroad, every health insurance provider is
obliged to issue its members with a European Health Insurance Card
(EHIC).
An extended visit abroad means a research visit of a semester or entire year. For extended stays within the EU as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, the following applies instead of the
European Health Insurance Card:
If you have statutory health insurance in your home country, your
insurance company there will provide you with Form E106 upon request. This document will entitle you and your family members to register with a Germany health insurance provider. The German health
insurance will then provide you with all of the services that a German
customer would be entitled to. The German health insurance provider will then invoice your home insurance company for costs incurred
while in Germany.
If you have state health insurance in Germany, and members of your
family have remained in your home country, your German health insurance provider will issue Form E109 upon request, which will allow
those members of your family who are still in your home country to
use the services of the state insurance system at no additional charge.
Your home health insurance provider will then invoice the German
insurance company for their costs.
55
8.2
Pension Scheme
The German pension scheme is part of the statutory social security
scheme. It protects those insured and their families in the case where
their ability to work is endangered or reduced, and when it ends due
to age or death. It covers retirement payments, medical rehabilitation, professional rehabilitation, disability payments, and payments
to dependents. Your state pension scheme is deducted directly from
your gross pay. Your employer generally pays for half of it, while you
have to pay for the other half. Enrollment is done automatically by
your employer via the health insurance company that you selected.
56
Recognition of Pension rights
When examining the pension entitlement of someone who has
made contributions into the system, EU member states or countries
having a social insurance agreement with Germany are required to
recognize periods during which pension rights and payments have
accrued in Germany. If you have worked in different countries and
paid into their pension schemes, it is a very good idea to obtain as
much information as possible on exactly what your entitlements will
be from these countries’ respective pension schemes. Keep in mind
that the minimum amount of time that a person is required to work
to be eligible at all for a pension can vary from country to country. In
general, most countries do not consider themselves obliged to pay
a pension that includes the time spent by a person in another country or countries. There are only a few exceptions to this that aim to
avoid pensions that only pay minimal amounts. In every country where you have paid into the pension scheme, this money will
remain with the state until you have reached the official retirement
age of the respective country. This is then paid out according to the
regulations of each nation.
Pension payment refunds
Contact
If you are returning to a country that Germany does not have a social
insurance agreement with, you can apply for a refund of the money
you paid into the pension scheme while working in Germany. You
may do this following a two-year waiting period. Visit the web site
of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung to find out more about which
payments are eligible for a refund.
Deutsche Rentenversicherung Oldenburg-Bremen
Huntestraße 11
26 135 Oldenburg
Telephone: 0800 / 100 048 028
Internet: www.deutsche-rentenversicherung-oldenburg-bremen.de
Occupational pensions
Additional Information
If you are classified as a civil servant by your employment contract
in Germany, you will be included in the state Versorgungsanstalt des
Bundes und der Länder (Pension Institution of the Federal Republic
and the Länder, VBL). The VBL is a provider of occupational pensions,
and the contributions paid by visiting researchers under this state
scheme are fixed at a certain percentage.
Deutsche Rentenversicherung: www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de
Occupational Pensions: Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder
(VBL): www.vbl.de/en
QUICK INFO
Advice for EU citizens: www.ec.europa.eu/citizensrights
If you are employed at the university as part of a short-term academic
contract, you can be exempted from the VBL pension scheme. In this
instance, your employer will be required to sign you up for the VBL’s
voluntary insurance scheme. Here, only your employer pays into the
scheme at a reduced premium. You can apply for an exemption at the
university’s personnel department within two months of starting work.
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8.3
Unemployment
Insurance
Arbeitslosenversicherung (unemployment insurance) is another part
of German statutory social security. It provides benefits to the unemployed so that they can have a secure income while looking for
new work. You are eligible for unemployment benefit if you worked
in Germany before becoming unemployed, paid into the German
statutory social insurance system for 360 days during the past three
years, and are available for recruitment into new employment. Employment periods in other EU countries, EEA member states, and
Switzerland cannot be credited towards this time period. Unemployment insurance is deducted directly from your pay. Fellowships are
usually exempt from compulsory social security payments. Whether
and to what degree unemployment payments made in Germany can
be recognized by other countries depends on whether these countries have a Social Security Agreement with Germany.
The Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) is the
administrator of unemployment insurance in Germany.
Information
Federal Employment Agency: www.arbeitsagentur.de >
Englisch>Benefits > Unemployment Benefit
www.euraxess.de/portal/unemployment_insurance_in.html
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8.4
Accident
Insurance
Another part of the German statutory social security is Berufsunfallversicherung (work accident insurance). It covers accidents that happen in the workplace or on the way to and from work. Occupational
illness is also covered by accident insurance. It does not cover private
accidents. If you have an accident but are not covered by accident
insurance, your treatment will be covered by your health insurance. If
your accident should require particularly expensive treatment, health
insurance providers often refuse to pay for it, or only cover part of the
costs. Contracted visiting researchers are entitled to this insurance
which is provided by the respective occupational insurance association. The payments are made to it in full by the employer.
8.5
Nursing CarE
Insurance
Pflegeversicherung (nursing care insurance) is directly integrated
into your health insurance. You are automatically registered for
it when you sign up for health insurance. Nursing care insurance
comes into effect for care-dependent people requiring the assistance
of another person. It provides coverage for domestic and in-patient
care. Nursing care payments are deducted directly from your gross
salary.
8.6
Additional Private
InsuranceS
It is also possible to purchase supplemental insurance in addition to
the mandatory insurance that Germany requires. There are a number
of private insurances that will cover you against all kinds of possible
risks. Common in Germany is Haftpflichtversicherung (personal liability insurance). Anyone in Germany can be held liable for damages done to a third party. Parents are always liable for any damage
caused by their children under the age of 18. We therefore strongly
recommend signing up for private personal liability insurance for the
entire family to cover payment for any unintentional damage you
may cause.
Information on Health Insurance, Personal Liability,
and Accident Insurance:
www.humboldt-foundation.de/web/insurance.html
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9
9.1
Taxation in Germany
Research Visit based
on a Fellowship
If your research visit to Germany is being done as part of a fellowship,
you may be exempt from paying German income tax. You should definitely contact the institution that is providing your fellowship for
more information. Also check to see whether the fellowship being
awarded to you for work in Germany is taxable in your home country.
9.2
Research Visit Based on
an Employment Contract
If your research visit is part of an employment contract in Germany that will
last more than six months, you will be subject to taxation in Germany of your
globally-earned income and assets.
Income tax
Income tax is deducted directly from your gross income. The amount of tax
you pay depends on your income, family status, and tax bracket. Every registered visiting scientist in Germany receives an electronic tax identification
number which automatically stores your tax information such as whether
you are married and/or have children. This is a lifelong number, which you
will receive in the mail a few days after you have registered with the Oldenburg Citizens‘ Office. Once a fiscal year has ended, you will receive an electronic record of the taxes you have paid for the year.
60
9.3
9.4
9.5
In order to avoid situations where visiting
scientists would have to pay tax both in
Germany and their home country, Germany
has signed Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen
(double taxation agreements) with many
countries. These agreements determine in
which country you are required to pay taxes.
At the end of a calendar year, you have the opportunity to submit a tax return to your local Finanzamt
(tax office). Doing this may allow you a refund of
some of your tax paid.
An unusual feature of the German tax system
is the state-collected Kirchensteuer (church
tax). In some instances, churches can have
their tax collected for them by the tax office.
With major churches, church tax (about 9%
of income tax) is collected together with income tax and automatically deducted from
your monthly salary. If you do not belong to
a church, you can apply to be exempt from
this tax.
Double Taxation
Agreements
Tax Return
You will find the documents for a Steuererklärung
(tax return) at your local tax office or at the town hall.
Your tax return in most instances must be submitted
If you are in Germany for less than six months by May of the following year to your local tax office.
(183 days), your income will be taxed in your Once the tax office has received and processed your
home country, provided that you work for a return, you will receive a Steuerbescheid (tax stateforeign employer and that the double tax- ment) clarifying whether and in what amount you
ation agreement places the taxation rights are eligible for a refund. It may be a good idea to pay
with your home country. If one of these con- a Steuerberater (tax accountant) to complete your
ditions is not met, your income will be taxed tax return for you.
in Germany.
Information and contact
Oldenburg Tax Office
Information
List of countries having double taxation agree- 91er Straße 4
26 121 Oldenburg
ments with Germany:
Telephone: 0441 / 238 1
www.bundesfinanzministerium.de
> Themen > Steuern > Internationales SteuerInternet: www.finanzamt-oldenburg.de
recht > Staatenbezogene Information
Online Database of Tax Accountants:
www.dstv.de/suchservice
Church Tax
61
10
Child Care
10.1
Research Visit with the Family
62
If your children will be coming with you to Germany, you should find
out as early as possible what child care facilities are available. Day
care spots are in high demand, and there are often waiting lists. So
it’s a good idea to apply for and try to get day care spots for your
children prior to arrival in Germany. In most cases, there is a signup
period, often in January, where children can be registered for a spot
in the coming August. In only a few cases is it possible to find a spot
on short notice.
Nannies offer a more individualized, flexible day care. They generally
look after several children during the day in their own home. Nannies
are required to hold valid state certification and a license from the office of child protective services (Jugendamt). You can find nannies in
the classified section of the newspaper or through the office of child
protective services. If you’re looking for a babysitter to watch your
children for a few hours a day or for an evening, the best place to ask
is among your colleagues and neighbors.
Children between the ages of three and six years are eligible for day
care at a kindergarten. Kindergarten is voluntary. Some only offer
day care in the morning without lunch, while others provide all-day
care that includes snacks and lunch. There are also day care centers
for children under the age of three that typically offer all-day care
including lunch.
QUICK INFO
There is generally a fee to have your children enrolled in a day care center
or a kindergarten. The costs vary according to the services provided and
are normally based upon the parents’ income.
10.2
Child Care at the University
of Oldenburg‘s Studentenwerk
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Kinderkrippe (Nursery) HuntemannstraSSe
The Studentenwerk (student union) has 34 spots available at the
Huntemannstraße nursery that cares for groups of children from approximately eight months up to three years in the mornings and/or
afternoons from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. You can sign your children up
for a spot in January of each year. Child care then begins in August
after the center’s summer vacation. In some rare cases, a spot may be
available before then.
Kindertagesstätte (Day care center) on the Haarentor campus
The Studentenwerk also has a day care center and kindergarten located directly on the Haarentor campus. There is space available for 45
children aged three or younger, and 25 kindergarten-aged children.
Registration is in January of each year. Spots at the center are given
out until the middle of February.
Flexible afternoon day care
Flexible afternoon day care is an additional service for children aged
one to six from Mondays to Thursdays at the day care center on the
Haarentor campus. Please note that this service is not intended as
a supplement to your regular day care or that done by other institutions. It instead is meant to help parents out, for example when a
babysitter or nanny cancels at the last minute. Registration can be
done directly at the day care center or by phone.
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Information
Kinderkrippe Huntemannstraße
Director: Barbara Wübbens
Huntemannstraße 2
26 131 Oldenburg
Telephone: 0441 / 56 00 783
Kindertagesstätte Uni-Campus
Director: Silke Wolf
Uhlhornsweg 47b
26 129 Oldenburg
Telephone: 0441 / 217 197 72
Additional day care centers/kindergartens close to the
university
Studentenselbsthilfe – Kindertagesstätte e.V.
Küpkersweg 91
26 129 Oldenburg
Telephone: 0441 / 764 34
Internet: www.kindergarten-kuepkersweg.de
Waldorf Kindergarten
Schützenweg 25
26 129 Oldenburg
Telephone: 0441 / 361 810 04
Evangelischer Kindergarten
Schützenweg 40
26 129 Oldenburg
Telephone: 0441 / 729 67
10.3
Schools
In Germany, all children between the ages of six and fifteen are required to go to school. Elementary school lasts from first to fourth
grade. After this, there is a choice between three different tracks of
schooling. The Hauptschule and Realschule last until 9th and 10th
grade. Students here receive a general school / intermediate certificate once their time has been completed. The Gymnasium lasts until 12th grade, and concludes with a senior graduation certificate, or
Abitur which is the entrance qualification for higher education. There
is also the Gesamtschule which combines elements from all three
school tracks, and places its students into classes according to their
performance.
Although the school day in Germany has traditionally been only halfday, there is a clear trend towards all-day schooling lasting at least
until 2 PM each day. When this is the case, the school will generally
have a cafeteria selling lunch.
Information
www.oldenburg.de > English > City Administration > Families > Schools
For further information: www.landesschulbehoerde-niedersachsen.de
Most schools in Germany are public and do not charge tuition. However, you do have to pay for learning material and excursions. Depending on the state the school is located in, the school year begins
between July and September.
School vacation dates in Lower Saxony: www.schulferien.org > Niedersachsen
65
10.4
EU / EEA citizens
Benefits for Families
EU citizens, EEA members, and Swiss citizens may be eligible to
receive Kindergeld regardless of whether they have obtained a
residence or a settlement permit. This is also the case for nationals
of Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Morocco, Serbia, Montenegro, Tunisia, and Turkey on the basis of bilateral agreements, provided
that you are employed in Germany and pay into the state unemployment insurance scheme.
Child allowance
Non-EU citizens
Parents can apply for Kindergeld (child allowance) for their children
up to age 18 and up to age 25 if their children are doing a vocational
training or are studying at a university.
Non-EU citizens who are living permanently in Germany are eligible
for Kindergeld provided they are holding a valid residence or settlement permit for specific purposes.
Kindergeld is typically paid to those applicants who have permanent
residence in Germany. If residence is in another country, an applicant
may still qualify for Kindergeld provided that they pay their full taxes
in Germany, i.e. the vast majority of their income is earned exclusively
in Germany. Kindergeld pays a monthly premium of 184 € for the first
and second child, 190 € for the third child, and 215 € for every child
after that. Applications for Kindergeld are made in writing to the local Familienkasse (family office) of the Federal Employment Agency.
Contact
Familienkasse Oldenburg
Oldenburg Employment Agency
Stau 70
26 122 Oldenburg
Telephone: 01801 / 546 337
Information
Employment Agency, Kindergeld: www.arbeitsagentur.de
> Englisch>Benefits > Child Benefit
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10.5
Employment Opportunities for Partners
As a spouse of a visiting scientist in Oldenburg, if you would like to
work while here, it is important to be informed about work regulations. The Foreign Residents‘ Office will be able to help you find out
whether you are allowed to be employed, and what forms you will
need to fill out for an application. Job offers can be found in the
newspaper (especially on weekends), on the Internet, on notice
boards at the university, or at the Oldenburg Employment Agency.
EURES - The European Job Mobility Portal provides job offers and information for spouses of visiting researchers. Contact the Oldenburg
Employment Agency to speak to a EURES counselor.
Information and Counselors
EURES – The European Job Mobility Portal: www.ec.europa.eu/eures
Federal Employment Agency: www.arbeitsagentur.de
Useful Online Job Portals
www.euraxess.eu > Jobs
www.zeit.de/jobs
www.academics.com
www.academics.de
http://jobsuche.monster.de
QUICK INFO
Insider Info: Job offers at Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg:
www.uni-oldenburg.de/stellen
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11
68
Living
in Germany
11.1
Doctors and Health Care
If you need to see a doctor in Germany, you can first ask friends and
colleagues for a recommendation. You will also find a list of doctors
in the phone book categorized according to the field of medicine
they practice. It is often a good idea to first go to a Hausarzt (family
practitioner) who can then, if necessary, refer you to a specialist.
Make an appointment by phone whenever possible to avoid long
waiting times. You can always see a doctor in the case of emergency.
Otherwise you will receive an appointment a few days or even a few
weeks later. This is especially the case with dentists and specialists, so
be sure to contact these doctors in a timely fashion. Practices have
varying hours of service, and are typically closed on the weekend.
In case of emergencies on weekends or holidays, Oldenburg has a
24-hours doctor’s office next to the Evangelisches Krankenhaus.
There is also always at least one pharmacy open all night and on
Sundays and holidays. Its address can be found in the daily newspaper or on the Internet.
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11.2
Emergency Phone Numbers
Important phone numbers to know
in case of emergency
Police110
Fire112
Emergency/Ambulance112
Poison control
0551 / 19 240
Phone counseling hotline
0800 / 111 01 11
Have the following information
ready when you call
• What is your name?
• Where has the emergency occurred
(address, floor, etc.)?
• What happened?
• How many people are involved?
• Is anyone injured or sick?
• Wait for instructions before hanging up!
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QUICK INFO
Emergency number in life-threatening situations:
Telephone: 112
Central Emergency Medical Service Oldenburg:
0441 / 75053
Other important phone numbers
ADAC (General German Automobile Association) 0180 / 222 22 22
ACE (Auto Club Europa)
0180 / 234 35 36
Car insurance central hotline
0180 / 250 26
Lost or stolen bank and credit cards
Block your card
116 116
Visa (International)
0800 / 811 8440
MasterCard (International) 0800 / 819 1040
American Express
069 / 97 97 20 00
EC cards
01805 / 021 021
Eurocard (International)
069 / 79 33 19 10
Diners Club (International) 01805 / 07 07 04
Hospitals in Oldenburg
Evangelisches Krankenhaus
Telephone: 0441 / 236 0
Internet: www.evangelischeskrankenhaus.de
Address: Steinweg 13-17
26122 Oldenburg
Klinikum Oldenburg
Telephone: 0441 / 403 0
Internet: www.klinikum-oldenburg.de
Address: Rahel-Straus-Str.10
26133 Oldenburg
Pius-Hospital Oldenburg
Telephone: 0441 / 229 0
Internet: www.pius-hospital.de
Address: Georgstr.12
26121 Oldenburg
11.3
Public
Transport
Germany has an excellent public transport system. Most destinations
can be reached comfortably via train, bus, streetcar, or subway. You
will find a well-run bus system in Oldenburg. But perhaps the best
way to get around is by bike. It’s a practical, environmentally friendly
alternative to public transportation, and Oldenburg has a system of
bike paths that are second to none.
The Deutsche Bahn (German Railways) connects you to cities both
great and small at local and far-away destinations. Tickets can be
purchased at the machines or service point in the station, or online at
www.bahn.de/en. There are some ways to save money, such as Sparpreis (Savings fare) if you know your schedule very early, different
Bahn Cards if you like to travel around, Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket
(Happy Weekend - ticket) or Niedersachsen-Ticket (regional offer for
Lower Saxony). You can find them at www.bahn.de/en > Offers >
Travel Offers within Germany.
The Oldenburg bus system serves the city and surrounding region
and is run by the VWG. The service office is centrally located at the
Lappan station in the middle of the city. You will find an additional
sales point at the ZOB central station on the north side of the main
train station. Bus tickets can be purchased directly on the bus or at
the machines at the bus station.
Taxis are relatively expensive in Germany, which is why most people
only use them in certain situations. The price is based upon a base
rate in addition to the kilometers traveled. Round up the amount
when giving a tip.
Car sharing
If you prefer not to use public transportation, the Mitfahrzentrale (car
sharing agency) may be an option for you. Here, drivers taking (longer) trips register at the car sharing agency to offer to take other passengers with them who are travelling to the same destination or at
least somewhere along the way. You can find out about these offers
online or by calling the agency. The trip is paid directly to the person
doing the driving, and the amount is based on the distance traveled.
Car sharing is done entirely at your own risk. The agency is not able
to guarantee the quality or reliability of the trips arranged, nor does
it accept liability for any problems that occur.
Information
Deutsche Bahn: www.bahn.de/en
VWG: www.vwg.de
Mitfahrzentrale: www.mitfahrzentrale.de
Mitfahrgelegenheit: www.mitfahrgelegenheit.de
Taxis in Oldenburg: www.taxiring-oldenburg.de
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11.4
Your own Vehicle
Many visiting researchers come to Germany with their own car, or
buy one once they are here. This is typically no problem for stays of
six months: Your home driver’s license, license plates, vehicle documentation, vehicle tax, and insurance will all be valid in Germany during this period of time.
However, if you are staying longer than six months, you should take
some time to consider whether you will truly need a car, as this will
involve time-consuming, somewhat expensive bureaucratic hurdles
to be overcome when obtaining a German driver’s license and vehicle documentation. You will also have to pay vehicle tax and buy
German car insurance.
QUICK INFO
Don’t forget to bring the following documents if you are coming to Germany with your own vehicle:
- An international driver’s license or
- A valid license issued in your home country. In this case, you will need a
German translation of your license. Driver´s licenses that have not
been issued by the EU are no longer valid six months after your arrival.
After this point, you will need to apply for a German driver’s license.
- Green insurance card (this confirms your German insurance coverage).
- Confirmation from your home third-party liability insurance provider
that you have not had any accidents (having this may also entitle you
to a discount on your German car insurance).
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11.5
Bicycle
Most people get around town by bike. In Oldenburg everything is
in close range and luckily northern Germany is pretty flat. Usually
taking the bike is even faster than taking the bus, often you can use
extra lanes for bikes on the street or the sidewalk.
If you are lucky, your host can provide you with a bike. You can
also rent bikes at the self-help workshop “Fahrradselbsthilfewerkstatt” at the University (6 € per week, 20 € per month, check online
http://asta-oldenburg.de/fahrradselbsthilfe/#fahrradverleih). There
you can also repair your bike for free, and buy spare parts at reasonable prices. There is always someone present to give you a helping
hand. You will find more information at http://asta-oldenburg.de/
fahrradselbsthilfe.
If you want to buy a used bike, you may check the local newspaper’s
Kleinanzeiger (Nordwestzeitung, NWZ) on Tuesdays and Saturdays,
the weekly AbisZ or Ebay Kleinanzeigen online (http://kleinanzeigen.
ebay.de). Besides, some cycling shops sell used bikes and you can ask
at the Fahrradselbsthilfewerkstatt.
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11.6
Radio, TV, Phone, and Internet
Radio and TV license fees
There is a license fee in Germany for the use of TV and radio devices
which pays for the public broadcast TV and radio stations. This fee
is collected and administered by the GEZ. Households with TVs and
radios are required to sign up. You can find out more on the GEZ web
site or at your local post office.
Information
GEZ: www.gez.de
Telephone and Internet
The Deutsche Telekom operates the German telephone service and
network. There are also a number of additional providers who may
be less expensive. Most providers offer different options and prices
for phone and Internet. Charges for phone calls vary depending on
the provider, time of day, and distance to the person you are calling. Call-by-call pre-dial numbers are available which can save you
money on your phone bill.
74
There are also many different cell phone providers with different prices and packages. It’s worth it to shop around. Keep in mind before
signing that the minimum contract length for these kinds of services
is often 24 months.
Comparing Prices
www.billiger-telefonieren.de
www.billiger-surfen.de
Online Phone Books
Phone Books: www.dastelefonbuch.de
www.das-örtliche.de
Yellow Pages: www.gelbeseiten.de
Directory Information (fees required)
For phone numbers in Germany: 11 8 33
In English: 11 8 37
For phone numbers outside of Germany: 11 8 34
11.7
Religion
Freedom of belief is guaranteed by Article 4 of the German Constitution. There are more than 160 different religious communities in
Germany which all contribute to the country’s religious diversity. Oldenburg itself has a rich variety of churches and houses of worship.
There are Protestant and Roman Catholic churches; free churches;
Islamic, Jewish, and New Apostolic congregations; as well as other
beliefs. Almost half of Oldenburg (48%) is Lutheran, and 15% Catholic. Around 40% are of another religion or are not affiliated with any
religious group.
Information on Churches in Oldenburg
www.oldenburg.de > Kultur & Freizeit > Kirche und Glaube
11.8
Public Holidays
The following public holidays are observed throughout Germany:
New Year
January 1st
Good FridayFriday before Easter
Easter Sunday/Easter MondayEnd of March/beginning of April
International Labor Day
May 1st
Ascension Day
May/June (40 days after Easter)
Pentecost
May/June (50 days after Easter)
German Reunification DayOctober 3rd
Christmas EveDecember 24th
(starting in the afternoon)
ChristmasDecember 25th and 26th
New Year’s EveDecember 31st
(starting in the afternoon)
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11.9
Good to know – Useful Information
Business hours
Electricity
Shops in Germany are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9:00
AM to 8:00 PM. Supermarkets and large shopping centers have even
longer hours. Smaller shops close between 6:00 or 7:00 PM, and in
the afternoon on Saturdays. Gas stations and kiosks are open on Sundays and holidays, and offer a small selection of groceries and other
articles. Bakeries are open for about four hours in the morning on
Sundays and holidays.
Germany has 220 V, 50 Hz alternating current. Euronorm plugs fit all
electrical sockets. Depending on where you are coming from, you
may require an adapter or transformer. The best solution for electrical
devices may simply be to purchase them once you arrive in Germany.
Cinema
Unless otherwise indicated, foreign films and TV series in Germany
are dubbed into German. There are some smaller independent cinemas that show films in their original language (this is referred to as
“OV”) or in the original language with German subtitles (“OmU”).
76
No smoking
German law prohibits smoking in all public buildings, businesses,
train and bus stations, airports, as well as at cultural, leisure, and
sports facilities. Whether smoking is allowed in restaurants and bars
depends on the federal state you are in. Here, separate areas are designated if smoking is allowed.
Tipping
Weather
Tipping is common in Germany in restaurants, cafés, hair salons, taxis,
and for other things as a way of showing thanks for quality service.
10% is typical, and you normally round up to the full euro. Paying separately is also common when eating out with friends or colleagues at
a restaurant or café.
Oldenburg weather is variable, and it rains here often. Cold spells
and rain are not uncommon, even in the summer. Be sure to bring
some warm clothing and rain gear to stay comfortable. Oldenburg
has plenty of beautiful, sunny weather as well, so don’t forget your
shorts and t-shirts for the long summer days.
Rubbish/garbage separation/Recycling
Germany is very environmentally conscious. Rubbish is separated
and recycled. Most cities have a system of different colored receptacles for general waste, compost, paper, and packaging/plastics. There
are also public containers for glass, batteries, and old electronics.
A deposit is paid on most carbonated beverages. This means that
these bottles and cans are returned to the supermarket for a deposit
refund.
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12
Checklist
12.1
Before You
leave Germany
Before leaving Germany, you will be required to take care of and finalize a number of organizational odds and ends. It’s a good idea not to
wait until the last minute to start taking care of them.
78
Three months before leaving Oldenburg
• Terminate your rental contract, and check with your landlord to see
if you will need to do any renovations or repairs to your apartment
before moving out.
• Terminate your contracts with the electricity, gas, and water
companies.
• Complete your tax return (if necessary, use the services of a tax
accountant).
• Make an appointment with a counselor at the German State
Pension office to find out what your pension rights will be in terms of
a refund or payments once you retire. You will only need to do this
if you have worked under contract with the university (i.e. not as
part of a fellowship) and have paid into the state pension fund
system.
• Check with the personnel department at the university/your
fellowship provider to see whether your last salary payment will be
received in time before you leave.
• Cancel your newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
• Cancel all club and association memberships.
One month before leaving Oldenburg
Impressum
• Deregister at the Oldenburg Citizens‘ Office.
• If your children have been attending school here, deregister them
at their school or kindergarten.
• Contact your insurance companies to let them know you are
leaving Oldenburg.
• Contact your phone company to cancel your service.
• Organize with your landlord how your apartment deposit will be
refunded.
• If needed, set up a change of address order with the post office to
have your mail forwarded.
• Deregister with the GEZ.
• If you will be shipping anything back home, make an appointment
with a delivery company for pickup.
• If you have a bank account in Germany, wait until a few days before
your departure to close it.
Publisher:
26111 Oldenburg
Concept, text, translation and editing: International Relations Office
Passages of text from the Guide for International Researchers of the University of Bonn are reprinted here in a partially revised version by kind
permission of the Welcome Centre of the University of Bonn. The publisher is solely responsible for the contents.
Passages of text in chapter 1 are contributed by the city of Oldenburg
and are reprinted here in a partially revised version.
Design:
eskalade werbeagentur GmbH
Print:
digitalgut GmbH
On the day you leave Oldenburg
• Write down the current counts from your electrical, gas, and water
meters. Have your landlord sign off on them.
• Check the apartment and staircases for damage that may have
occurred while moving.
• Clean your apartment as agreed upon with your landlord.
• Take care of any remaining loose ends with the apartment, and
return the key to your landlord.
Photo credits:Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg,
Stadt Oldenburg, shutterstock
79
Contact
Telephone: +49 (0)441-798 2468 or 4628
Internet: www.iro.uni-oldenburg.de
Postal Address:
26 111 Oldenburg
Germany

Guide - Universität Oldenburg

Transcription

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