Germany

  1. Office & Department Directory
  2. Center for International and Intercultural Studies
  3. Germany

The International Undergraduate Study Program at University of Marburg provides students with first-hand experience of German culture, enrolling into a German university while connecting with international students from around the world. With opportunities for students who've never studied German up to students who have advanced German knowledge, this program offers a range of courses in many departments while studying in a scenic and historic city.

  • Based in Marburg, Germany
  • Fall or Spring semester
  • Enrollment caps may be limited to less than 15 per semester based on space limitations.
  • Pre-requisites: 3.0 GPA and one semester of college-level German 
  • All students enroll in German language.
  • Live in a university residence hall
  • Up to four courses from this semester can count toward the German Studies minor

Apply to study in Germany

Location     Academics     Co-Curricular     Housing   Calendar     Orientation      Program Contacts

Location

Germany is located in the center of the European continent, and represents a major economic, industrial, historical, and cultural center of Europe.  Marburg is a smaller university-city in Germany, filled with Gothic and Renaissance architecture, medieval churches, and its iconic castle, the Marburger Schloss. Centrally located within the state of Hessen, students can easily travel from Marburg to other regions of Germany including Munich, Berlin, and more. This program is based at University of Marburg,  founded in 1527 and one of Germany's oldest universities. With over 20,000 students and 14% international students, it is also one of Germany's most international campuses.

Academics

The program begins with a six-week intensive German Language course. During weeks 2-4, students will also take a German Culture Class. These courses are designed to familiarize students with German language and give historical and political context to the area in which students are living. Knowledge of German language and culture will also facilitate making connections with other local community members. Concurrently, a German Conversation Class will be offered alongside the language course to allow students  to practice what they learn in class.

The German Culture Class is divided into four subject areas:

  • Week 1: German Culture and Politics in Germany and the EU
  • Week 2: German History and the German Education System
  • Week 3: Religions in Germany
  • Week 4: Integration and Inclusion in Germany

This course will also include guided tours and excursions within and around Marburg.

Following the completion of the six-week German Language and Culture courses, students will enroll in two English- or German-taught elective courses through the University of Marburg Course catalog for the following eight weeks. 

Courses are available in the following subject areas:

  • American Studies (taught in English)
  • Business Administration and Economics (taught in English)
  • English Studies (taught in English)
  • German Studies (taught in German)
  • History (taught in English/German)
  • Computer Science and Informatics (taught in English)
  • Data Science (taught in English)
  • Mathematics (taught in English)
  • Media Studies (taught in English)
  • Peace and Conflict Studies (taught in English)
  • Physics (taught in English)
  • Government (taught in English)
  • Psychology (taught in English)
  • Religious Studies (taught in English/German)

The full list of courses available for each semester is available on the IUSP Website. Note: some departments may only offer English-taught courses in specific semesters. Be sure to review the program catalog and contact CIIS with questions.

The German university system tends to be more independent than American university teaching styles. Courses have less defined "homework" and expects students will conduct their own independent research to supplement course material. With this in mind, an obligatory tutorial (or smaller course meeting) will be offered with each course to help students understand expectations and content of their courses. Tutorials are held in English.

Co-Curricular

German universities have fewer organized teams and organizations; however, this is supplemented by widespread and easily accessible community-based clubs, organizations, and sport leagues. Students can join fitness classes, yoga, Zumba, climbing, dance groups, and team sports as well as participate in hiking excursions or ski trips through the Zentrum for Hochschulsport. Students are also able to join or attend university choirs, orchestras, and bands and should explore the range of student clubs focusing on a variety of topics--from gaming to environmental sustainability.

Housing

All students studying on the International Undergraduate Study Program live in a single room in a  co-ed university dormitories located throughout Marburg. Public transportation is widely accessible throughout Germany and it is common for students to take a short bus ride or walk from their residence hall to campus. Students will have access to common shared bathrooms and kitchens. Bed linens are provided, but students should bring their own towels.

Students will be responsible for preparing their own meals in university kitchens; there are also cafeterias called "Mensas" where students can purchase meals for 2.50 - 5.00 Euros. Students will receive a small food stipend from the IUSP to support meals in the Mensa. 

Calendar

The fall semester typically begins in late August and continues until mid-December. The spring semester typically begins in late February and ends in late June. See the University of Marburg website for the most up-to-date calendars.

Orientation

Pre-departure: The CIIS office organizes in depth orientation sessions on-campus prior to the students participation in the program. This includes a program specific session(s) in which the students will learn more about the program, local culture, academic expectations, and any other important information. There is also an orientation session led by the CIIS office on culture shock, pre-departure preparations, as well as safety and security while abroad. Three orientation sessions in the fall prior to departure help to prepare students for their experience at a German university. 

On-site: Orientation in Germany is conducted in the days immediately following arrival and throughout the German Language and German Culture courses, including the "Red Tape Session" to review important logistical details such as visa and city registration, activating the university e-mail account, and navigating Marburg.

Contact Information

If you are interested in learning more about the Germany program please contact one of the following people.

CIIS Office: Kim Longfellow, Assistant Director of Off-Campus Programs - Questions about applications, eligibility, program logistics, and other off-campus opportunities.

Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Brook Henkel- Questions about program academics.