Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frequently Asked Questions

Changes due to Corona virus

As it stands now, all study abroad programs included in the degree progression model will be able to proceed as planned.

Study Abroad

Is the stay at the partner universities guaranteed?

All TEACH students are enrolled simultaneously at the partner universities and are thus entitled to study there within the agreed curriculum. However, there is a separate application process for this, but the TEACH Committee will prepare it for you.

Bonn Application

Is it possible to apply for TEACH only as a student of Bonn University?

No, the application is open to everyone – no matter where you have studied before. Provided your application is successful with us, you will be enrolled for TEACH at the University of Bonn and at the University of Tsukuba and Korea University at the same time.

What to submit for application to Bonn?

Please submit

  1. Your most recent university transcript,
  2. A study status report (listing your achievements to date),
  3. proof of your language level in Japanese or Korean (e.g. JLPT, Topik) and English and of the courses (with SWS) you have taken in Asian Studies so far (if this is not evident from the study status report),
  4. a letter of motivation stating which partner university (Tsukuba or Korea) you wish to enroll in,
  5. a brief description in Japanese or Korean of your plans for the Master's thesis.

The latter should help us to organize supervision according to your interests. Since you will not have much time during your studies to familiarize yourself with a completely new topic, it is important that you give at least a rough idea of the topic you will be working on when you apply. Adjustments are of course possible during the study.

How do I prove 60 credit points of language practice in Japanese or Korean?

The requirement for language practice (60 credit points) is primarily aimed at students from Bonn, who can come to the required 60 LP in the Bachelor's program in Asian Studies. Due to different calculation methods and curricula, this is not possible in some cases for students from other universities. However, there are ways to compensate for this. For example, courses outside of language courses held in the required language, longer stays, internships, or language courses in the target country may be recognized under certain circumstances. For this purpose, please submit suitable evidence, e.g. a transcript of records from the Japanese or Korean university or a certificate of participation, with your application.

I am supposed to upload a 'bachelor's or university transcript' for the application at the sub-item 'Upload'. Since I will receive my bachelor's certificate later, I do not have it yet. What should I do?

To do this, upload this attachment. It confirms that you will submit the missing certificate later. But please remember to actually do this!

How will your application be decided?

After the end of the application phase, an assessment will first take place your application by the University of Bonn. If you are shortlisted as a „TEACH candidate“, you will be invited to present yourself to the TEACH committee, which consists of representatives from the three universities. We have to enroll you in the partner universities practically at the same time as you are admitted to study in Bonn. Therefore, depending on whether you are seeking a German-Korean or German-Japanese double degree, you will be reviewed (if you are in Germany: via video conference) by a selection committee from either Korea University or the University of Tsukuba. If all goes well, nothing stands in the way of your successful studies in TEACH!

Bonn Selection Process

What to submit for Korea University?

After being notified that you have been shortlisted, please indicate which of the eligible fields of study at Korea University you are interested in. Korea University expects the following documents from you before making a decision on your admission to TEACH:

  1. Application form (with color photo) (we will send you the form).
  2. Certificate of achievement (undergraduate) in English
  3. curriculum vitae
  4. Language certificate (TOPIK or similar)
  5. Research plan (freely formulated, approx. 1 page)

About the research plan: You probably have not decided on the topic of your Master's thesis at the time of your application. Therefore, consider this part as an opportunity to state your substantive motivation for TEACH, your particular interests and ideas for your studies.

What is required to submit for the University of Tsukuba?

Each year, Tsukuba University creates a form that TEACH candidates must complete and submit. In it are personal information, but also a free-form statement of your proposed studies. At the time of your application, you probably have not yet decided on the topic of your master's thesis. Therefore, consider this part as an opportunity to present your substantive motivation for TEACH, your special interests and ideas for your studies. Based on your presentation, the University of Tsukuba will decide which, if any, of their selectable fields of study you will be accepted into. Please also include proof of your Japanese language proficiency, such as a JLPT certificate.

Languages

In which languages are classes held?

In principle, in the language commonly used at the respective university: in Bonn in German, in Tsukuba in Japanese, in Seoul in Korean. The joint research seminars of the core curriculum, however, are held in all three languages, because lecturers from all universities are involved. For your stays abroad, it will be ensured that you can also attend English-language courses if you do not yet have a sufficient command of the local language.

Do you have an advantage in the application process if you have already learned Japanese and Korean both?

No, this does not play a role in the selection of applicants. For the study itself, it is certainly an advantage, but in no case a must.

Do I need to know Japanese and Korean both to apply for TEACH?

No. It is sufficient if you have learned one of the two languages so far. You will then learn the other in the TEACH curriculum.

How do I demonstrate 60 credit hours of language practice in Japanese or Korean?

The requirement for language practice (60 credit points) is primarily aimed at students from Bonn, Germany, who are able to come up with the required 60 LP in the Bachelor's program in Asian Studies. Due to different calculation methods and curricula, this is not possible in some cases for students from other universities. However, there are ways to compensate for this. For example, courses outside of language courses held in the required language, longer stays, internships, or language courses in the target country may be recognized under certain circumstances. For this purpose, please submit suitable evidence, e.g. a transcript of records from the Japanese or Korean university or a certificate of participation, with your application.

Master's Theses

Is it always necessary to write two master's theses?

Yes.

What is the required length of the theses?

This depends on the regulations of the universities. For Bonn (as of 2024), the following applies:

The textual part of the master's thesis must contain at least 120,000 characters (including spaces and footnotes, equivalent to 60 DIN-A4 pages) and must not exceed 200,000 characters (including spaces and footnotes, equivalent to 100 DIN-A4 pages).

Make sure to discuss the formal requirements with your supervisors!

Are our supervisors for the master's thesis always the ones assigned by the partner university?

Yes. The theses at the partner universities are supervised exclusively there.

Can one master's thesis be a translation of the other?

A direct translation is not allowed. However, parts of one thesis may be incorporated into the other. The topics can also be related.

Is it possible to submit the thesis as a cumulative work?

No, the thesis cannot be written cumulatively (i.e., by combining individual works, essays, etc.).

Do I need to be physically present for the thesis defense, or can it take place online?

This depends on the regulations of the partner universities. In Bonn and Tsukuba, there is no thesis defense. At Korea University, physical presence may be required. Please clarify this in advance with your supervisors.

Guidelines for the requirements of each university can be found here:

Korea University University of Bonn University of Tsukuba