Mobility windows

Mobility windows flexibly integrate international study periods into the curriculum without compromising the ability to study. Because of their temporal and technical structure as well as clearly regulated recognition of international academic achievements, the mobility windows are an extremely practical means to enable students to obtain international experience despite the high density of courses of study and the reduced length of courses implemented as part of the Bologna reforms. 

The mobility windows have not been designed with hard and fast rules but in each case they must be adapted to the course requirements specific for each discipline. Differences may arise, for example, in the binding nature of the international phase (facultative/obligatory) and the structuring of the course contents of international study credits.

Additional documents and information:

Resolution of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany from 10.12.2009: key parameters for amending the ‘Common structural guidelines of the Länder for accreditation of bachelor and master’s study degrees’ and the ‘Framework conditions for introducing credit point systems and modularisation’ with the recommendation to set up mobility windows. 

The ‘Mapping “mobility windows” study in European higher education. Examples from selected countries – MOWIN’ (ACA, DZHW, CIMO 2012) provides an overview of the practical implementation of mobility windows.