With the more than 400 partner institutions of the University of Mannheim, it is easy to overlook hidden treasures: Countries, cities, and universities that you maybe have not thought about, but where your fellow students found a second home. So, why not study abroad in Malta or Slovenia, for example? Or have you ever thought about spending your time abroad in Lithuania or Croatia? Get to know amazing hidden treasures on this page – perhaps you will find exactly the right place for your international adventure. Please note, this website will periodically be updated with new treasures, so please check back in the future!
Make sure to check in our Database whether your program of study allows for a stay at the partner institution. There, you will find further information on the requirements for a semester abroad, experience reports, and the respective website link. You will also find information about options that have not been highlighted here.
Lithuania
About Lithuania
According to Lonely Planet, Lithuania is a land of castle ruins, towering dunes, enchanting forests, and magical lakes. From the Curonian Spit to the Hill of the Crosses, and the historic center of Vilnius (UNESCO World Heritage site), the country is full of surprises. In summer, the picturesque rivers and lakes invite you to swim, sail,and kayak, while the winters offer beautiful snowy landscapes, numerous opportunities for skiing, ice skating, and tobogganing, as well as cozy Christmas markets. In Lithuania, the longest day lasts over 17 hours from sunrise to sunset. To celebrate the shortest night. you can join the traditional Lithuanian Midsummer Day festival (also known as Joninės). A typical dish you may want to try is the Lithuanian Pink Soup. With a charming landscape and a lively cultural scene, Lithuania is a great destination for anyone who wants to discover the beauty of a small country on the Baltic Sea while studying abroad. Source: Lonely Planet
Swipe to learn more about your exchange opportunities in Lithuania.
Vilnius University
The following school has a partnership with this institution:
– Social Sciences
Vilnius University (VU) is the oldest and largest university in Lithuania, with an academic tradition of more than 430 years. VU comprises 14 schools covering a wide range of disciplines, including humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, medicine, law, economics, and information technology. As a traditional university, it combines study and research, offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs that are taught in both Lithuanian and English, and also engages in international academic activities. The main campus of Vilnius University is located in the historic center of the capital city Vilnius. It is known for its impressive architecture and historic buildings. VU plays an important role in Lithuania's cultural life: The university organizes numerous cultural events, academic conferences, and public lectures.
Mykolas Romeris University
The following schools have a partnership with this institution:
-Department of Law
-Social Sciences
-Philosophy
Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) is a public university in Vilnius comprising four schools and specializing in the field of social sciences. Internationalization is a top priority at MRU with 21 degree programs being taught in English. MRU was founded in 1990 and is named after the renowned Lithuanian lawyer and statesman Mykolas Romeris. The MRU campus is located in a modern complex, including student resident halls providing direct access to the lecture halls. The approximately 7,500 students at MRU enjoy access to free sports activities and a relaxation room. There is also a large green area on campus. Living and studying only 20 minutes outside the old town of Vilnius, you will have the opportunity to experience everything that the capital of Lithuania has to offer.
ISM University of Management and Economics
The following school has a partnership with this institution:
– Business Administration
ISM University of Management and Economics was founded in 1999 as the first private university in Lithuania. Today, it is one of the leading universities in the field of business administration and economics in the Baltic States and has about 2,200 students. Every year, ISM welcomes around 150 exchange students coming from partner universities from all around the world. This means that you will study in an international environment. The campus of ISM University is located in the heart of the capital city of Vilnius and has many modern facilities including a library, computer labs, and student lounges. The university creates a supportive learning environment that is tailored to the needs of students. Networking is a top priority here – not only with students from all over the world, but also with numerous business partners.
Vytautas Magnus University
The following schools have a partnership with this institution:
-Business Informatics and Mathematics in Business and Economics
-Philosophy
Vytautas Magnus University (Vytauto Didžiojo Universitetas, VDU) is a public university in Kaunas, about 100km from the capital Vilnius and with about 10,000 students. It was founded in 1922 and named after the famous Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas the Great. VDU offers a wide range of degree programs in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, economics, computer science, music, and art. At VDU, the students’ well-being of the students also plays an important role: For example, a meditation room is available for students to use for personal spiritual or psychological needs. Each year, VDU also hosts important cultural events and festivals from the city of Kaunas as well as various cultural, educational, and social activities.
Kaunas University of Technology
The following school has a partnership with this institution:
- Business Informatics and Mathematics in Business and Economics
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) was founded in 1922. Today about 7,400 students are enrolled at the higher education institution. In Kaunas, Lithuania's second largest city, you will have the opportunity to experience a lot without having to pay prices as high as in the capital. At KTU, you will receive wide-ranging academic support through individual consultations by teachers in guided mentoring or when setting up a company in the “startup space”. Use your time abroad to build an international network. Thanks to the more than 350 international partnerships of KTU, you will not be alone abroad. Kaunas is also only about 100 km away from the capital city of Vilnius, giving you the opportunity to discover Lithuania and its capital comfortably.
My semester abroad in Lithuania was an exciting and unforgettable time, and I would always choose this country again. In addition to impressive nature with deep forests and wide beaches on the Baltic Sea, Lithuania with its capital city of Vilnius, offers a perfect environment for quickly meeting people from all over the world and making long-lasting friendships. I highly recommend traveling to the surrounding countries such as Poland, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Sweden as it is very easy to organize! Studying at Vilnius University was an interesting change from Mannheim. I therefore recommend all students to choose smaller, perhaps less well-known countries for a stay abroad, in order to gain new perspectives and to have a truly unique experience.
When I chose Lithuania as my host country to study abroad, many people in my surroundings were uncertain about whether I was going to like it. In the end, however, I had an overall positive experience thanks to the people that I met there. I felt very comfortable at MRU. The exchange of cultures and ways of life was exciting and educational at the same time. You do not only learn the language and culture of your host country, which was Lithuanian for me, but also get to know other fellow students from abroad. From Lithuania, it was very easy to get out and discover the world. My best experience was visiting Lappland with a group of new friends.
Bulgaria
About Bulgaria
About Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a fascinating country and a multifaceted destination for exchange students: You can spend your free time relaxing at the well-known sandy beaches by the Black Sea, exploring the historic towns and villages, discovering the Orthodox churches and monasteries, or admiring the charming landscapes. Hikers will also find dreamlike routes for hiking in the mountains and culture vultures can explore ancient traces of Thracian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine life. In Bulgaria, you can either go skiing in the mountains (Bansko even hosts an annual Ski World Cup) or enjoy a beach vacation by the Black Sea (e.g., at the Golden Sands). You should also try Bob Chorba, a vegetarian bean soup that is often referred to as the national dish of Bulgaria. Bulgaria also stands out due to its low cost of living, which in 2022 was only 55% of the EU average. Sources: visitmybulgaria.com; de.statista.com/themen/1718/bulgarien/
Swipe to learn more about your exchange opportunities in Bulgaria.
American University in Bulgaria
The following school has a partnership with this institution:
-Social Sciences
The American University in Bulgaria (AUBG) in Blagoevgrad is a unique partner university providing an educational program based on the U.S. model, which is recognized in both the USA and the EU. This private university, founded in 1991, has 1000 students from all over the world. With an average course size of 23 people, you will be part of a close community. For years, AUBG has been ranked first in Bulgaria in business administration, European studies, journalism, and mass communication, as well as political science and international relations. The campus offers a variety of opportunities for leisure activities, including access to aerobics rooms, music practice rooms, multi-purpose rooms, billiards and table tennis rooms, several television rooms, outdoor terraces, kitchens, and cafés. Blagoevgrad is a charming town nestled at the foot of the majestic Rila Mountains.
University of National and World Economy
The following school has a partnership with this institution:
-Social Sciences
The University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia is the largest and oldest higher education institution for economics and management in Bulgaria, comprising 8 schools and more than 20,000 students. It was founded in 1920. UNWE, like the University of Mannheim, is part of the Engage program. Here, you can enjoy life in a capital city much more cost-effectively than in other European countries. You will find everything from historic museums, large churches, natural wonders to a exciting nightlife. At UNWE, sustainability plays an important role: It houses two photovoltaic systems as part of the Smart Home Resource Management System. In the foyers of the UNWE buildings, you will find energy-saving charging stations for mobile phones and tablets, which are available to all UNWE students, teachers, and staff. University members also have free access to charging stations for electric vehicles.
Croatia
About Croatia
Croatia is a popular holiday destination for a reason. With scenic coast lines and diverse landscapes, you have the perfect recipe for a wonderful time abroad, having the opportunity to discover historical sights and enjoy the beauty of nature. Experience the Mediterranean charm in the country of the 1000 islands. Croatia is a country known for its colorful folklore, traditional fishing festivals, wonderful concerts, and more than 200 sunny days a year. Let yourself be inspired by the delicious Mediterranean cuisine, bearing influences from surrounding countries and cultures, and comprising various regional specialties. Source: https://www.kroati.de/kroatien-infos/kroatien.html.
Swipe to learn more about your exchange opportunities in Croatia.
Zagreb School of Economics and Management
The following school has a partnership with this institution:
– Business Administration
The Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM) is a renowned business school providing first-class education in economics, management, and related fields of study. Founded in 2002, ZSEM has become a leading higher education institution in Croatia and around the world. Since 2013, it ranks among the top 5% business schools worldwide. The institution emphasizes the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and a global perspective in order to prepare students for a successful career in an increasingly globalized economic environment. It is easy for students to quickly feel at home Zagreb. For example, there are 17 student restaurants where they can have an affordable meal for 1–2 euros.
University of Zadar
The following school has a partnership with this institution:
-School of Humanities
The University of Zadar is a prestigious educational institution in Croatia offering a wide range of degree programs in 25 fields in the humanities and natural sciences. Founded in 1396, the university can look back on a long tradition and history. Moreover, the picturesque town of Zadar on the Adriatic coast with about 75,000 inhabitants offers a charming setting for studying and also a rich culture and historical atmosphere. The University of Zadar emphasizes academic excellence, research, and intercultural exchange, attracting students from all over the world who are looking for high-quality education.
University of Zagreb
The following school has a partnership with this institution:
-Department of Law
With 29 schools, 3 academies of art, and the center for Croatian studies, the University of Zagreb is a place where more than 7,900 teachers and 70,000 students research and learn to expand their knowledge and skills. The University of Zagreb was founded in 1669. As the central and leading higher education institution in Croatia, the university places particular emphasis on the implementation of programs that have been designed for developing regional and local communities. All of the university’s activities are dedicated to support personal growth and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. As for Zagreb, it is the cultural center of Croatia: The city has 15 theaters, a dozen concert halls, and numerous cinemas as well as many cafés, pubs, and nightclubs waiting to be explored.
My semester abroad in Zadar was an unforgettable experience. Classes were a lot of fun and some courses were even taught in German, which made learning even more comfortable. Zadar is a beautiful city that delighted me with its Mediterranean flair and picturesque alleys. During my stay, I made friends with whom I am still in contact today. Thanks to the ESN program, I also had the opportunity to take part in many excursions and get to explore the breathtaking surroundings and the diverse countryside of Croatia.
Overall, my time in Zadar was very formative for me. The Croatians maintain a very open and relaxed culture and although it is not tourist season in Dalmatia during winter, there is always something going on somewhere. The Croatian students were very open-minded towards us Erasmi and, above all, very interested. The lecturers always made an effort to include us well and were always accommodating. During my semester in Zadar, I got to know so many wonderful people, both Erasmi and Croatian students, with whom I am still in contact today. Croatia as a country is breathtakingly beautiful and there is a lot to discover. I would definitely recommend a semester abroad in Zadar to anyone, probably more during the spring semester, as the city literally buzzes during the summer months, which I was lucky enough to experience during my first weeks there. Zadar will somehow always be my second home and every time I go back there, it feels like coming home.
Malta
About Malta
Malta may be tiny, but offers almost everything: From steep coasts and beautiful beaches to bustling towns and quiet villages. Discover stunning churches influenced by the architectural style of the Catholic Church and immerse yourself in Malta’s culture that is characterized by festas, religious celebrations honoring the island’s patron saints that are held every year between April and October in each parish. The official languages of the country are Maltese and English and Maltese people are generally known for their great hospitality towards visitors. More than 300 sunny days a year will put you in a good mood all year around. Source: Lonely Planet
Swipe to learn more about our partner university in Malta.
University of Malta
The following school has a partnership with this institution:
-Social Sciences
The origins of the University of Malta go back to the founding of the Collegium Melitense in 1592, which was run by the Jesuits for non-Jesuit students. Today, the university comprises fourteen schools, sixteen institutes, thirteen centers and three academies as well as about 11,500 students, including about 1,700 international students from more than 100 different countries. The University of Malta focuses on lifelong learning and offers learning opportunities for students in all stages of their lives.