Study Abroad in Baden-Württemberg, Germany

BW

Program Information

Southwestern Germany's "Schwabenland" is as picturesque as travel posters boast: heavily forested mountains capped by castles, towns with narrow streets and gabled rooftops, valleys cut by the Neckar River and its tributaries. Now in its 37th year, this program offers students the opportunity to study at one of several universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg, one of Germany's most prosperous and scenic regions. Students participate for the full academic year in most cases. The University of Mannheim, however, now offers a semester-length option.

Housing and Meals

All students live in single rooms in student dormitories equipped with kitchen facilities. Meals are also available in inexpensive student cafeterias. Your floormates may be German or other international students.

Participating Universities

Freiburg - Freiburg is a picturesque city set in a beautiful valley at the edge of the Black Forest. The university in Freiburg is the second-oldest in Germany, and it is famous for its wide range of courses in the liberal arts, sciences, and its unusual forestry program. Some Master's-level courses are taught in English.

Heidelberg - Set on the Neckar river, the picturesque city of Heidelberg is the home of Germany's oldest university. With an enrollment of 27,000, Heidelberg offers strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Some Master's-level courses are taught in English.

Hohenheim - Beautifully situated in a castle perched on a hill, the University of Hohenheim emphasizes research in agricultural and biological sciences. Business studies, communications, and home economics courses are also excellent at this small university (5400 students). Some Master's-level courses are taught in English.

Karlsruhe - Located near the French border, the University of Karlsruhe (17,000 students) offers courses in 40 disciplines, mainly in the natural and applied sciences, including engineering and computer science. Master's level engineering students may be able to benefit from courses taught in English.

Konstanz - Located on Lake Constance along the German-Swiss border, the University of Konstanz is new and modern university with an excellent library, classrooms, and laboratories in a single complex. This medium-sized university (10,000 students) offers courses in most of the liberal arts and natural sciences.

Mannheim - Housed in a baroque palace, the University of Mannheim offers a variety of academic programs with an emphasis on business administration and related fields.

Stuttgart - Located in the largest city and capital of Baden-Württemberg, the University of Stuttgart is a technical university with strong offerings in science, engineering, business, and architecture, and with good, if limited, offerings in the liberal arts. Several Master's-level courses are taught in English.

Tubingen - The University of Tubingen is well known for its excellence in philosophy, modern languages, natural sciences, theology, law, and medicine, as well as business, economics, and most liberal arts disciplines. The German courses for international students are particularly strong here. Some Master's-level courses are taught in English.

Ulm - Students specializing in the natural and health sciences and some engineering fields can study in Ulm, birthplace of Albert Einstein. Language courses are limited, although tutoring may be available. Some Master's-level courses are taught in English.

Other Universities - Three other participating universities offer more specialized programs of study.

The Pedagogische Hochschule in Ludwigsburg is a teacher education university with a broad range of science and liberal arts courses very well suited for undergraduate students. The Staatliche Akademie der Bildenden Kunste and the StaatlicheHochschule fur Musik und Darstellende Kunst, both located in Stuttgart, specialize in music and art. Application to the schools of music and art require advance planning since a portfolio and/or audition may be required.

Requirements

Minimum GPA : 2.75

Language : Must have completed level 102* college German.

*For students fulfilling the requirements of a language major or minor, or the International Studies major, the completion of 102 or equivalent in the appropriate language is required prior to beginning the program. 

Must have attended Pacific University full-time for at least one semester.

Important Dates

  • Advising Appointment : During Fall Semester
  • Application Deadline : February 1 (Fall and AY applicants), February 10 (Spring applicants)

Program Dates :

  • Fall: mid-October until mid-February
  • Spring: mid-April until mid/late July
  • Exception is the University of Mannheim with Fall running September until December and Spring running February until June

More Information

Baden-Württemberg Program | PDF