AMBEX | Organization

Q: How many college units do I need to have completed to apply?
A: College units are used to measure potential academic success at AMBEX. Students having fewer than 15 semester units must request an exception to policy, explaining why they lack units and why they believe they are capable of studying at the collegiate level.

Q: When may I submit my application?
A: Anytime. Registration is open. Register early to reserve a space.

Q: What are the application deadlines?
A: Fall Semester – July 1st
Spring Semester – November 1st

Application/Registration is open year around but is limited to 20 students per semester.

Q: What is required as part of the application?
A: Applicants may complete the on-line application or mail-in forms which include an essay, reference from a Christian Leader and signature from your academic/faculty advisor if applicable.

Q: How does AMBEX make acceptance decisions?
A: By committee. If you are applying the first semester of your freshman year, SAT/ACT scores are evaluated as well as your high school GPA, along with the application materials (above). If you have completed a semester of college coursework, you will be evaluated on the basis of your application packet.

Q: When will I know whether or not I am accepted?
A: Usually within a couple of weeks.

Q: I'm on a wait list. What are my chances and when will I know if I get to go?
A: It is impossible to predict how quickly space(s) may become available in the program. If a position becomes available, only the student(s) on the waiting list who have been accepted will be notified. It is important that the Study Abroad office has your current contact information at all times. If the information from your application changes (most importantly, your address, phone number or language 151 status), please contact the Study Abroad Office with the new information. If your plans change, let the SAO know you are no longer be interested, so that any place that opens can be offered to a fellow student.

Q: What other options do I have if I've been placed on a wait list?
A: If you are on the wait list and want to go abroad, you can also apply for a summer program. Summer programs are generally less competitive than the academic year programs.

Selection Process

Q: What happens after I am accepted?
A: After acceptances are sent, accepted students should begin working down the AMBEX Checklist, preparing for their study/travel abroad i.e. passports, tickets, course registration, etc. Students must complete and turn in their acceptance paperwork to confirm their space in the program.

Academics & Language

Q: Are there any language course pre-requisites?
A: No. However it is a distinct advantage to have some German language aptitude or ability. Students are encouraged to take an introductory course, classroom or self taught/paced courses prior to arriving in Germany. Rosetta Stone has an excellent German Language software course--$199 for a six month on-line download.

Q: Who teaches the courses at AMBEX?
A: Highly qualified visiting professors from the U.S. and/or adjunct faculty living in Germany who bring a European, Bibliocentric view to the classroom.

Q: Are computers available overseas?
A: Students are required to bring a notebook computer with wireless internet capability.

Q: Can I do directed studies?
A: Yes. However any directed studies must be approved by your faculty advisor at your home campus.

Q: Does AMBEX have five-day classes?
A: Classes are normally conducted Monday – Friday except during the “Preparation/Reading Week” prior to each three week course. During the reading week students may travel but are expected to be back two days prior to course lectures starting the following week.

Q: Is there pre and post course/program ‘home work’?
A: Yes. Students are expected to complete the AMBEX Orientation before arriving to include reading: “Germany, Unraveling an Enigma”. Students will have assignments to complete and turn in within two weeks after they return to the USA.

Accommodations

Q: Can my friends and parents stay with me at the AMBEX residence?
A: Yes, but they must make reservations and arrangements on their own.

Students should consider SKYPE or something similar.
US cell phones even with a SIM card have limited coverage and are usually limited to large German cities--Amberg may not be included.
Students may find it less expensive to purchase a German cell phone and prepaid service.
Students may purchase a prepaid phone card that can be used in a public telephone at the post office and/or T-Mobile phone booth.

Q: I was just making my final packing list and we had a few questions for you. Our first question is that we have been talking with a couple of different people who have been with AMBEX before and they all said to make sure to bring your own towels and washcloths, how many would you recommend us bringing?
A: Yes, you can bring your own or buy them soon after you arrive. The Regensburg Youth Hostel/Student Inn has towels as well but probably not what you are use to. The RYH has a washer/dryer.

Q: Also, I personally am always freezing cold, is it ok if I bring my one blanket with me?
A: Yes. The RYH as extra blankets as well. To save room in your suitcase(s), one can also purchase an inexpensively blanket at the Shopping Mall next to the RYH.

Q: Another question is that we are both bringing a carry on bag, and checking a bigger suitcase as well as our backpack and our purse type item that is allowed on our flights do we still need another type of bag to use to travel around or will or carry on suitcase's work?
A: We recommend you check two medium/large size suitcases instead of one 'oversized' suitcase, and then bring a carry-on i.e. backpack and your purse. Traveling in/around Europe is easy enough with a backpack and/or single suitcase. Keep valuables close at hand -- not in checked baggage.

Q: Another one of our questions is how much cash would you recommend for us to bring, we are bring our credit cards (visas) to use most of the time.
A: Bring a major ATM card that allows you to draw cash i.e. Euro's out of an ATM machine. Insure your ATM card is capable of withdrawing $3,000 (in case of an emergency). Virtually every USA ATM card works in Europe. For security purposes we recommend you not carry much cash on you. e.g. $100 or 100.-Euros is usually enough.

Q: Our other question is would you really recommend getting an International Student Identification Card? Or would just my College ID card work?
A: Both might come in handy but your College ID is sufficient.

Q: Our second question is about curling irons/straighteners/hair dryers? If I bring a converter will I be ok to use them?
A: Yes, but .... we recommend you use our AMBEX European 220V hair dryers or purchase one at the Mall nearby. They are many varieties and not too expensive.

**Don't forget to bring along one or two 110-220 Volt adapter plug(s) - for your computer, battery chargers, etc.. Shouldn't cost more than a few dollars at Amazon or ??? Don't purchase a transformer--expensive waste of money.

Costs

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: Tuition, Room & Board rates are equivalent to Corban. See current tuition here.
Note: Tuition, Room and Board costs are less than most private Christian Colleges.
Note: The Academic tour is included in tuition, student airfare and independent travel are additional expenses to the student.

Q: What is included in the AMBEX costs?
A: The cost includes room, meals, academic tours/trips and other curricular group activities.

Q: Are there any external costs associated with the program that are not included in the AMBEX tuition, room & board charge?
A: AMBEX requires proof of internation health insurance (minimum coverage $50,000) to be submitted with admission forms.

Q: Does financial aid apply to AMBEX?
A: Government Financial Aid—yes. Institutional Aid (maybe): Check with your home campus Financial Aid office.

Q: How much spending money should I take with me?
A: How much money you will need depends entirely on personal spending preferences. Some of the factors to take into consideration are how much you think you'll be traveling, how much you normally spend while independently traveling for meals, lodging, etc., and how many souvenirs you think you want to buy. Former Study Abroad students in Germany say on average they spend $1,500 per semester.

Q: How do I get money when I'm overseas?
A: ATMs accepting Visa and Master Card are easily accessible in most cities. It is important to check with your bank to make sure you have an international pin number. Traveler's Checks can be used as well, but steep conversion fees may apply if it is not exchanged at the agency that issued the checks. Using credit cards for purchases in Germany is not so common. Most students use cash for purchase (obtained from an ATM machine or traveler's checks) in Europe.

Passports & Visas

Q: How do I get a passport?
A: You should begin applying for a passport as soon as possible. A list of the addresses, phone numbers, passport requirements and business hours of locations in the area that process passports is available on-line. You may also visit the U.S. Department of State's Passport Services web site for more information such as passport offices nationwide, passport applications, and passport renewals at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

If you do not have a current passport, apply now. This will require a certified copy of the birth certificate. Depending upon the region, these can take a few weeks to receive. Start now--please.

If you have a passport that was obtained before you turned 16, you will need a renewal since passports issued before 16 expire in 5 years (as opposed to10). As students apply a year in advance, the passport must be also be valid the year of study abroad as well as 6-12 months after the return to the States, depending upon the airline used and/or the consulate requirements for your student visa. Renew now.

Q: Do I need a visa to participate in my program?
A: No. Students are staying less than 90 days therefore Visa's are not required.

Q: What can I do now?
A:
1) If you do not have a current passport, apply now. This will require a certified copy of the birth certificate. Depending upon the region, these can take a few weeks to receive. Start now.

2) If you have a passport that was obtained before you turned 16, you will need a renewal since passports issued before 16 expire in5 years (as opposed to10). As students apply a year in advance, the passport must be also be valid the year of study abroad as well as 6-12 months after the return to the States, depending upon the airline used and/or the consulate requirements for your student visa. Renew now.

3) Verify coverage for your current health insurance policy. Ask for a list of all international locations. Specific requirements will differ according to the program you apply for and are accepted to; however, as all students are required to have current health insurance coverage, you can determine the scope now and evaluate whether or not you will want or need to purchase different coverage for the time that you will be abroad.

Travel

Q: From where do the students depart and arrive?
A: Students itineraries should be routed to Munich International Airport (MUC).

Students will be greeted at the airport and escourted/transported to Regensburg. Otherwise, students will find it easy to purchase a train ticket, take the train from MUC to the main train station "Hauptbahnhof" in Munich then catch the train to Regensburg. Students having unexpected difficulties or delays may call AMBEX and make arrangements to be picked-up in Munich for 100.- Euros.

Q: What opportunities are there for travel?
A: Traveling to selected destinations will definitely be a part of your educational experience. However, these are serious academic programs and your studies must come first. Also, don't overlook exploring and learning about the city and country in which your program is located by visiting only distant places. There is an educational field trip in both the fall and spring terms of each academic year program. Class schedules vary for the summer programs.

Q: Do I need insurance?
A: Yes! Students are required to show proof of health insurance before arriving in Germany. Liability insurance is also highly recommended in case a student causes injury or damage while in Germany. For the entire duration of time you are away from home i.e. in route and in Europe. Check first with your current insurance company as it's possible to receive a discount as a current customer. Otherwise, a few recommended companies are www.travelinsured.com and www.travelguard.com.

Q: May friends or alumni visit AMBEX ?
A: Yes!

Q: Is their a special or preferred time for Family and Friends to visit AMBEX?
A: Yes. Family and Friends are invited to accompany the Semester Academic Tour on a space available basis but requested to make their own travel arrangements. Please plan ahead and coordinate with AMBEX officials. A coordination fee will be applied if travel assistance is requested i.e. lodging, meals, transportation and special tours.

Q: How many students enroll at AMBEX?
A: Students are organized into a Cohort that may reach as many as 20 students.

Q: Do I need any vaccinations?
A: During your orientation and/or in your orientation book, the Health Center will give information about vaccines. Once you get that information it is your responsibility to get the vaccinations that are specific to your program. If you have any other questions call the home campus Health Center or visit your physician. You can also find helpful information at the CDC web site.

Q: Do I need to complete a medical examination evaluation?
A: Yes, we recommend all students complete a medical exam by a certified physician 90 to 45 days prior to program departure.

Q: Will I graduate on time if I study off campus for a semester?
A: It is important to review how a semester off-campus will fit with your academic program. Summer or Interterm courses may be necessary to meet graduation requirements and to graduate on time.

Q: How will I be billed?
A: Through the Business Office at Corban College. Non Corban College students will be billed directly or through their home college/university.

Q: When do I pay for the semester?
A: Payment in full is due 40 days prior to the first class.

Q: How is credit granted?
A: The semester hours of credit for AMBEX are approved by Corban College and/or the sending college. Grades are sent from AMBEX to the Corban College Registrar’s Office at the end of each semester. The CC Registrar in turn transcripts the credit and mails to the student or sending college Registrar at no additional cost. Non Corban College students may but need not enroll at Corban College. Students from other colleges and universities should be able to stay enrolled at their home/sending school.

Q: How is health care handled?
A: Students are responsible for obtaining insurance that covers them in Germany. Students must prove they have health insurance as part of their Registration Package. Most German Health Care providers and insurance policies require the student to pay out of pocket and later claim reimbursement.

Q: How does health care differ in Germany?
A: There is little difference. Regensburg has a ‘state of the art’ university hospital and emergency room. Nearly every specialty of health care is provided. Physicians and their staff are proficient in English.

Q: What about pharmaceutical matters?
A: If you are on medication be sure to bring along your prescriptions. For additional information visit the U.S. State Department http://www.state.gov/travelandbusiness.