Arrival day for a study tour will usually take place on the weekend, so that you have time to get accustomed to the time zone and start your programme well-rested on Monday morning. Departures are handled the same way. The itineraries are created so that you will head home on the weekend. This ensures that, on the following Monday, you are fit to get back to business at home.

You will arrive as a closed group, embarking on your tour from your airport of arrival. When accommodated at a hotel, you will share a room with another student in a twin room. When accommodated in a homestay, you will live with a host family as a group of two or three.

All programmes in the ASTUR portfolio are created in a modular fashion, meaning that programmes can be combined or adapted in size to create the perfect service package. If you are particularly interested in combining different programmes with your study tour, you will find more details on this page about the four pillars of ASTUR. For example, it is always possible to integrate a language course into your study tour or to spend some time at one our our international summer camps.

When on a study tour you will go on excursions every day. ASTUR takes care of planning and preparing your itinerary, discussing and keeping in mind your individual ideas. When you arrive in Europe, you (and your group leaders) will be welcomed by an ASTUR tour guide. Our guides know every detail about your tour and accompany you on the entire trip. That way we assure you reaching all planned activities on time, that nobody gets lost and that any occurring problem will be solved as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, you may always book an additional ASTUR culture guide. These guides provide additional background information to all cities and sights you visit and all tours you attend. They are also in charge of Flying Classroom tuition. This method comprises educational videos and quizzes which help you pass the time during transfer.

When you stay at the home of a host family, they will look after you and integrate you in their everyday life. You might cook together with the family or play a typical board game.

Naturally, in order to take part in a study tour across Europe, you first of all need permission to enter the European Union. Depending on your home country this may require a visa. This link will lead you to the homepage of Germany's Federal Foreign Office (or foreign ministry).  On its web pages you will find details about which visa requirements have to be met to enter the country. The Foreign Office has such information for every country.

Before the beginning of your stay you will receive a detailed information pack from us with everything you need to know about arrival, what you should pack and the activity programme.

It is most likely that your regular health insurance will not cover all treatment costs incurred in Germany. We, therefore, generally recommend purchasing foreign health insurance as well as accident and liability insurance. ASTUR offers a complete pack, including all necessary insurances, at a small fee for your convenience.

If you do not book your insurance through ASTUR, we will need to see proof of your existing insurance before your arrival. If you need a visa to enter Germany, the visa application process will require you to show proof of existing insurances for the duration of your stay. It’s best to discuss those issues with your agency or with us directly. We’re always happy to help.