DIA/Bauhaus Germany Exchange Program

Contact People

Cal Poly Exchange Program Coordinator: Ansgar Killing and Arlene Gomez
Address:
California Polytechnic State University, Cal Poly
Architecture Department
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
One Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-02824
Email: Killing akilling@calpoly.edu
Email: Gomez agomez25@calpoly.edu
Phone: 001 (805) 756-1316
Web page: https://architecture.calpoly.edu/

DIA Exchange Program Coordinator: Mrs. Ulrike Jost
DIA/Bauhaus Director: Prof. Alfred Jacoby
Address:
Dessau Institute of Architecture (DIA), Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
Bauhausstrasse 5, Gebaude 08, 06846 Dessau, Germany
Email: Ulrike Jost u.jost@afg.hs-anhalt.de
Email: Alfred Jacoby a001jacoby@bluewin.ch
Phone: 011 (49) 340 5107-1531
Fax: 011 (49) 340 5197-1599
webpage: www.dia-architecture.de and http://www.afg.hs-anhalt.de/architektur/studiengaenge/dia/

Mrs. Ulrike Jost will take care of this organisation.
(u.jost@afg.hs-anhalt.de).

Question and Answers

As particular questions are sent to the Department, we will post them on DIA/Question and Answers

DIA/Bauhaus Gallery

A selection of image showcasing the facilities and student work. Go to the DIA/Bauhaus Gallery.

Facebook page

A facebook page has been set up to help spread the information about the Architecture Exchange program being set up between California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo, California, USA) and the DIA Masters Program (Dessau, Germany). To join, please visit Facebook and look for DIA/Cal Poly -- Architecture Exchange

DIA/Cal Poly -- Architecture Exchange

1. Overview for Inbound Students

DIA students wishing to attend the Architecture program at Cal Poly (3-6 (tentative) Inbound students)

For any student enrolled at the DIA/Bauhaus and in good standing and wishing to attend the Architecture Department, College of Architecture and Environemental Design (CAED), at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, please go to dia-Bauhaus students fee.pdf and follow the appropriate links. Please contact DIA Exchange Program Coordinator Mrs Ulrike Jost at your institution.

For additional information for incoming exchange students, please visit Cal Poly's International Center web page under International Exchange Programs.

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING DATES: Students from DIA will be enrolled for Fall 2014 and Winter 2015 quarters at Cal Poly, which will be equivalent to the Winter semester at DIA. Attending both quarters at Cal Poly will permit students to receive a full suite of classes equal to the DIA Winter Semester. There is ample time for DIA students to return to Dessau and resume their studies for the Summer Semester which starts around April 1st, 2015.

DIA Winter semester required classes per DIA catalog are:

Studio 1: 8 Hrs./Week, 10 units (credits)
Arch. Theory + History 1: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)
Urbanism: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)
CAD Logic: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)
Elective 1: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)
Elective 2: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)

Students will need to register for the following Cal Poly classes that are compatible to DIA required classes.

Coursework

Cal Poly Fall quarter	Cal Poly Winter quarter	Cal Poly Course Description	EqUIVALENT DIA CourseS Winter Semester
ARCH 451		Architecture Design 4.1 (5 units)	Studio 1
ARCH 420		Seminar in Architecture History/Theory/Criticism (4 units). Topic vary per faculty interest	Arch. Theory + History 1
CRP 211*		Cities: Form, Cutlure and Evolution (4 units)	Urbanism
CRP 212*		Introduction to Urban Planning (4 units)	Urbanism
CRP 402*		Contemporary Urban Design in the Americas (4 units)	Urbanism
EDES 406		Sustainable Environments	Elective 1
	ARCH 452	Architecture Design 4.2 (5 units)	Studio 1
	ARCH 460	Advanced Computer Graphics in Architecture (4 units)	CAD Logic
	ARCH 420**	Seminar in Architecture History/Theory/Criticism (4 units). Topic vary per faculty interest	Elective 2
	EDES 408**	Implementing Sustainable Principles (4 units)	Elective 2

There is no English for Foreign Studens requested classes
* Students may choose from one of these Fall courses as a substitute for DIA's Urbanism course
** Students may choose from one of these Winter courses as a substitute for DIA's two Elective courses

2. Overview for Outbound Students

Cal Poly students wishing to attend the DIA/Bauhaus under the Exchange Student Agreement between DIA/Cal Poly (3-6 (tentative) Outbound students for AY 2014-15)

The Bauhaus’ reputation is deeply anchored with the emergence of a culture of modernity during the early 20th century, but perhaps as important is its pedagogical approach to teaching architecture, design, visual and performing arts in an interdisciplinary manner. From its foundation in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius to its demise in 1933, the school still has resonance today throughout the design world.

Three centers are key to maintaining this heritage: Berlin, Weimar, and Dessau. In 2010 the College of Architecture and Environemental Design (CAED), and the Anhalt University of Applied Sciences and the Dessau Institute of Architecture (DIA) signed an exchange agreement to cooperate in the area of educational research in order to strengthen ties between the universities and to promote academic and cultural exchange.

The CAED offers an exchange program for three students interested in studying for two quarters (Fall/Winter = Winter Semester) at the DIA. Established ten years ago as the only Architecture Master program in Germany, CAED fourth year students will be enrolled in the 1st Year Fall Semester of the Master course level of Architecture at the DIA.

As all classes are offered in English, there is no language proficiency requirement for admission. However, in an effort to integrate in German society, the DIA has a compulsory class of 4hrs of German for Foreigners/week that is inclusive within the curriculum during the semester.

For any additional information, go to calpoly-SLO student fees.pdf and DIA-Bauhaus

Application process

To apply for this program, seek assistance at the College of Architecture Advising Center or James Doerfler. Be sure to plan wisely for the appropriate course credit you need. Application form may be found on the home page of the Exchange Programs web page.

Once you are accepted, visit the CP International Center web site for a list of steps to prepare for your departure.

Coursework

Students will take the following required DIA classes for a semester which equals 2 quarters course work at Cal Poly (Fall and Winter) and get credit units that count towards their major at Cal Poly:

Studio 1: 8 Hrs./Week, 10 units (credits)
Arch. Theory + History 1: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)
Urbanism: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)
CAD Logic: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)
Elective 1: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)
Elective 2: 2 Hrs./Week, 4 units (credits)

The classes that Cal Poly students can receive upon completion of the DIA classes are as following - please work closely with Arlene to understand how the articulation between DIA and Cal Poly works:

ARCH 451: 5 units. 4th year design studio
ARCH 452: 5 units. 4th year design studio
ARCH 420: 4 units. Arch History/Contemporary
ARCH 420: 4 units. Arch History/Modern
ARCH 480-02: 4 units. Special Studies in Arch
ARCH 480-03: 4 units. Special Studies in Arch

Note 1: Students attending the Summer semester will receive Fall and Winter credit.

Note 2: DIA will require Cal Poly students to take required core courses as well as elective subjects.

Note 3: At the completion of the program of study, each exchange students will request from the host university an official transcript of completed work to be sent to their home institution.

Course substitution

Prior to your studies at DIA, Cal Poly's Program Coordinator will review each student's classes that they wish to take at DIA, and recommend appropriate Course Substitutions in order for your class units to count toward your full-time enrollment each quarter.

Course Credit requirements

The following registration and course credit requirements are set to help ensure that students receive credit for the course work completed during their two quarters at Ahmedabad as an exchange student with DIA.

1. You are required to officially enroll in classes at DIA. These courses will be confirmed on an official transcript. If you do not enroll in classes, you will not receive credit when you return to campus.
   Note: Students on financial aid should confirm with the Financial Aid Office the number of units they are required to complete before going off-campus.
2. You must pass their course at DIA in order to receive credit at Cal Poly. If you receive a failing grade on design work, you cannot request your work to be re-evaluated by Cal Poly faculty. You will have to re-take the course at Cal Poly when you return
   Note: This could hold you back from entering 5th year.
3. You can NOT pre-arrange to do extra projects, with a Cal Poly faculty while studying in DIA and receive course credit for the following year by special arrangement. Credit can only be given the quarter that a course is offered.

Important information/procedures for the Winter semester (Oct -Jan)

• DIA Semester Calendar IMPORTANT
  The winter semester starts Monday, October 1st, 2012 with an oppening event Thursday, October 4th, and runs until Thursday, January 31st, 2013. There is a holiday break between Friday, December 14th and Monday, January 7th, 2013 at which time classes resume and end Thursday, January 31st, 2013.
• Offically the semester ends on March 30th, 2013. However, and this might seem counter intuitive, classes end earlier than the official end date. This derives from the traditional way universities were organized in Germany; students follow classes for approximately 3-4 months and write their essays and exams during the time that are free of any classes. The DIA does not exactly follow this model, thus the last weeks of each semester are purely free time, which most students use for working, private projects, traveling, finalizing class projects (submitted by email), etc. This "additional" time allows Cal Poly Students an ample amount of time to return to Cal Poly to prepare and attend spring quarter classes Tuesday, April - Monday, June 7th, 2013. (ie. students who attended in 2011-12 were back to San Luis Obispo by February 15th.)
  Note: DIA recommends that foreign students arrive in Dessau at least one to two weeks before classes start. This will allow them time for registration and general setup. This means that students might want to arrive around September 17th, 2012 in Dessau!
  Please be mindful that at Dessau the semester is called a winter semester which emcompasses Cal Poly's Fall and Winter quarter.
• DIA Application process
  Students interested in applying to the DIA should follow the process established by the Architecture Department and download the information provided on the home page of the exchange programs.  Complete the Architecture Department online Off-Campus Application and download the  Faculty Letter of Recommendation (pdf). In addition, DIA requires that all accepted students download an application form, fill it out and return it to Beeke with a copy to Director Alfred Jacoby no later than by June 15, 2014!
• What to expect!
  Studying abroad may offer challenges and in particular how faculty and students interact with each other. The following points have been shared by a student who just returned from a two quarter DIA experience during the prior academic year.
  - Teachers present the studio project topic at the beginning of the semester, and based on the students' interest, they select a faculty and proceed to choose the elective courses a couple of days later,
  - DIA offers a workshop during the selection process, which consists of a "mini project, "
  - Once enrolled in a design studio, faculty will organize an "excursion week" and travel to a site/place that is relevant to the class topic,
  - Classes meet once a week for approximately two (2) hours,
  - It is important that students are self motivated as faculty will look at students' individual progress, and offer constructive feedback based on your progress. Typically European educators will not hold your hand!
  - All classes are overall very manageable, especially given the context of Cal Poly's work ethic. You will find that the school appears more casual -not starting classes on time, and/or even meet regularly. Do not be astonished if you do not receive a schedule during the first weeks; you will receive on through email,
  - And finally, be prepared to be somewhat confused; be a sponge and learn as much as you can and take advantage
• How is Dessau?
  - Dessau is a very small town and is very different than the vibrancy of the State of California. While the school is populated by international students who speak English, the natives of Dessau tend to not speak English. It is recommended that you learn basic German, because you will need it during your stay outside of the University campus.
  - Dessau, because of its remoteness, is inexpensive -from rent, groceries to eating out!
  - However, major cities are within a few hours reach (Berlin is two hours away from Dessau) from the nearby train station,
  - Weather wise, it will be cold, very cold if you are a native of California,
  - While there will not be much to do in Dessau, beyond studying the important buildings Gropius and his students built, there are a number of industrial sites that deserve your attention,
  - You may also want to venture beyond Berlin and visit other major German cities and/or take advantage that typically the classes offered on Friday's are every other week, thus you have a longer week-end to enjoy a longer field trip,
  - Cal Poly students will be enrolled in the Master Program at DIA which is an international program and the only architecture master program in Germany. Students attend DIA from all over the world, thus the common language will be English and you will be making life long international friends in a very short time.
• German Entry Visa
  After receiving your letter of acceptance letter from Anhalt University, students should immediately secure their visa with the nearest German Embassy or Consulate. Students can enter Germany with a valid US, Canadian, Australian, and EU passport, and depending on the length of their stay, request their visa at the Auslanderamt in Dessau. Mrs. Beeke Bartelt will assist you with your request. Please comply with the rules below as they are essential for obtaining a student visa.
  If a student is NOT a U.S. resident, Canadian, Australian, and/or holding a EU passport, they will need to contact the closest German Consulate either in Los Angeles or San Francisco. The consulate will need an admission letter from the Bauhaus (necessary document to apply for your visa) and a valid passport. Please contact Beeke to receive the letter of admission if you have not received it by July 15, 2012. Please be mindful that the application process might take some time as several governmental agencies will be involved!
  
  To facilitate the visa application process, please note the following:
  1. Send the original letter of application only. If this is still under way and you want to initiate the Visa Process, use the digital copy you received as a first confirmation notice.
  2. All official requested documents must be submitted in German, you may ask Prof. Ansgar Killing or James Doerfler for assistance.
  3. Please include in your Visa Application, a German translation of your US health insurance certificate (policy), which must show that you will be covered in Germany for at least the first month after your arrival (see Insurance).
  Note: It is recommended that you fly into Berlin and take a direct train from the airport to Dessau. Of course, Frankfurt is a major European gateway and you can take the train to travel to Dessau.

The Municipal Foreigners Department will issue to the student a permit to stay in Germany for your period of stay, which gives you a privileged status, allowing you, for instance, to work in Germany for a period of four months per year without a special work permit. Please talk to your resident faculty member to secure a co-op experience that can count towards studio credit or professional electives at Cal Poly.

Students should check the required minimum sum needed with the German Embassy or Consulate as they might change from year to year.

• German Health Insurance
  All Cal Poly students, regardless of nationality, should have a US insurance policy that covers them during their studies abroad for about one month after arrival in Germany (i.e. October 15th). DIA requires that students have a German Health Insurance (approximate. 100€/month) or proof of exemption from this rule to the Foreigners' Affairs Office. Students will need to sign up upon arrival, and Beeke guide students with the application process. For additional information, go to Deutsche Insurance.
• US Health Insurance
  The exchange student shall show that during his/her participation in an exchange program that he/she has health insurance coverage and that it be valid in the host country or countries. Travel assistance coverage shall be in accordance with the minimum requirements required by California State University International Programs. (CSU Executive Order 998).
  IMPORTANT NOTE: Outbound Cal Poly students participating on exchange are no longer required to purchase ACE USA health and travel insurance. They may purchase the Wells Fargo Outbound plan OR they may purchase any similar plan that meets the CSU requirements.
• Students attending DIA must complete the following documents that will be provided by the faculty coordinator:
  The following documents will be prepared by the Cal Poly Exchange Program Coordinator:
  a. Student Participant Agreement
  b. Medical Information & Authorization Form (The Department will not evaluate any health insurance plan.  Cal Poly's Risk Management has agreed that the burden is set on the student to be sure their plan provides sufficient coverage for them while they are abroad).
  c. Assumption of Risk and Release Form
• Submission Requirements
  Cal Poly
  Exchange students will enroll at the host institution as full-time, non-degree status students as a fourth year student in good standing.
  a. An official university transcript from Cal Poly.
  b. A confidential letter of recommendation from the academic advisor at the student's home institution.
  c. A completed application form.
  d. Additional information as may be required.
  DIA
  At the time of your registration at DIA/Bauhaus, students shall have the following documents:
  a. Proof of health insurance
  b. A photocopy of your passport and of the entry visa for non-European citizens
  c. Proof of Liability Insurance
  d. Three (3) ID photos.
• Finances and Services
  All exchange students must pay tuition and other required fees at their home institutions. They will not be required to pay those fees to the host institution.
  Students are responsible for securing the necessary visa documents for their participation in the exchange program. Each university will assist the participating students in finding suitable housing on their respective campuses or in each community and in otherwise ensuring the exchange students' successful integration into university and community life.
  The participating exchange students shall be responsible for the following:
  a. All travel, accommodation, and meal expenses
  b. Medical insurance and any other medical associated expenses
  c. Textbooks, lab fees, clothing, and personal expenses
  d. Passport and visa costs
  e. All other debt incurred during the course of the year.
• Dessau Cost of living and bank information
  All students will need to show that they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses before they enter the country. Typically while studying at the Bauhaus a monthly amount of 700€ is considered to cover the students' expenses. This amount is considered a minimum to obtain a student visa for the period between September and the end of January. Students shall provide proof that they will have sufficient funds for five months (700€ x five months). Students may open a bank account upon their arrival or open an account in the US with Deutsche Bank or Dresdner Bank (for this students will need to show your passport and have a copy of it). If you open an account in Dessau, students should be able to make a minimum deposit of at least 700€, and have you or your parents transfer the balance sum once you have opened the account. The amounts shown should conform with the length of your visa application.
  
  The "showing" of these funds can be fulfilled in two ways:
  1. For VISA applicants (NON U.S. resident, Canadian, Australian, and/or holding a EU passport)
     a. Parents of the student sign a declaration which is usually available at the Embassy or Consulate and that indicates that they will provide you with sufficient funds for the length of your stay in Germany.
     b. Student opens a Trust Account in their name at the nearest Deutsche Bank Branch in the US and deposit the necessary funds (700€ x five months). These funds will be available for your disposal on your arrival.
     c. Proof of a student's financial situation is important to show when enrolling as a student with the Municipal Foreigners Department in Dessau on arrival.
  2. For Non VISA applicants:
     a. Student opens a Trust Account in their name at the nearest Deutsche Bank Branch in the US and deposit the necessary funds (700€ x five months). These funds will be available for your disposal on your arrival.
     b. Student brings with them the appropriate sum either as checks, cash (if less than 10,000€), or Travelers Checks and open a bank account at a bank of their choice upon arrival in Dessau.
     c. Student arrives with a small deposit of 700€ and opens a bank account at a bank of their choice upon arrival in Dessau. The student will wire or ask his/her parents to wire the remaining balance so that they can show sufficient funds at the Municipal Foreigners Department on registration.
• Dessau Housing
  Students interested to secure housing prior to their arrival, should fill out and sign the application form available at www.dia-architecture.de and return it to Beeke. Students who have received confirmation from Beeke, will need a valid passport, 2 head shots, confirmation of admission from Hochschule Anhalt and the amount of the first month or rent and deposit, usually around 500€ depending on the room. There are a number of housing opportunities and please contact Beeke.
  For additional information, go to DIA's web page under housing: http://www.afg.hs-anhalt.de/architektur/studiengaenge/dia/administration/student-housing-forms/
• Dessau Meals
  There is a Mensa on campus which serves lunch and dinner at a very reduced price (a three course meal will cost about 5€). The foundation building of the Bauhaus has a bistro which serves meals until 11:00pm. Also, there are cooking facilities in your dorms.
• Arrival
  If you fly into Frankfurt or Berlin Tegel, we suggest that you take a train from the airport to Dessau Hauptbahnhof. Upon your arrival in Dessau, proceed to the Bauhaus which is located at Bauhausstrasse 5, room 08/174 (a five minute walk from the station). You will be able to leave your luggage with Beeke who will provide you with a secure locker compartment.
• Dessau Registration
  Upon your arrival at DIA, students will need to register at the Town Hall in Dessau/Foreign Office. Students will be ask to have the following documents:
  1. Confirmation of health insurance
  2. Proof of the availability of 700€ living expenses/month
  3. Confirmation of admission from Hochschule Anhalt
  4. 50€ to cover processing fee
  5. Housing contract
  6. For additional information, please contact Arlene Gomez and/or Beeke Bartelt
     NOTE: Students attending CEPT at least 2 weeks into the Cal Poly quarter, he/she is responsible to pay full-time Cal Poly fees for that quarter.

Estimated Program Costs

Basic Program Costs to attend the DIA/Bauhaus (2011/12 fees provided only as an example)

Note 1: A length of a semester at the DIA is consider to be five (5) months.
Note 2: Cal Poly tuition and fees are subject to University increases.
Note 3: Please consult with your host institution to get an updated room & board, transportation, and books/supplies expenses.

Item Description	EXAMPLE Cost (Dollars)	EXAMPLE Cost (Euro)
Cal Poly Tuition & Fees	Full-time fees x 2 quarters
Travel Documents (Passport and passport photos)	$225
DIA Tuition Fee of 500€ (exchange students do not pay this fee)		€0.00/Semester
DIA Student Fee		€46/Semester
DIA Inscription Fee		€50/Semester
Municipal Foreigners Fee (paid to Dessau Town Hall office when registering with them)		€50/Semester
Required German Health Insurance (€100/Month)		€500/Semester
Housing -inclusive of utilities (€200-300/Month)		€1,000-1,500/Semester
Travel Health Insurance (Required)	$11.75/week (Wells Fargo)
Dorms -inclusive of utilities (€100-200/Month)		€500-1,000/Semester
Meals (3meals/day = €10min)		€1,500/semester
Airfare (from SLO to Germany)	$1,200
Books an supplies		€ 300
Personal Expenses including additional travel expenses (per students personal habits)		€ 520
Total without Cal Poly's Tuition and Fees (this program is not run through CE)	$ 1,425 without Wells Fargo insurance!	€ 3,966 - € 4,466/Semester

Fees

As an exchange student with the DIA, students will be required to pay their Cal Poly tuition. However, to attend the DIA, one additional fee is in effect.

1. Student Union Fee of €50/Semester is to be paid by students attending the DIA. Payment shall be completed as soon as the student has opened a German bank account. After payment of this fee, students will get their student documents from the Hochschule Anhalt. Beeke will contact you regarding the payment of this fee.