Study & WORK Abroad

Studying or working abroad is an excellent way to gain life experiences that will forever change you. When you are fully immersed in a different culture and language, your perspective changes and you realize what it means to be a world citizen. Your foreign language skills get stronger and, to your amazement, you even find yourself dreaming in that language! As you navigate the foreign country and acquire a deeper cultural literacy, you also learn a lot about yourself: how to be adaptable, deal with the unfamiliar, and think outside the box. All of these life skills are valuable assets on the job market and in your career. In your time overseas, you are likely to forge friendships and connections that last a lifetime. As a student abroad, you are an ambassador of sorts who helps shape the reputation of our university and country abroad.

Here are a number of terrific programs:

Study Abroad Programs affliated with the University of Michigan

These programs are affiliated with the University of Michigan's Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS). Participating in such a program has the following benefits: students can receive in-residence credit, most financial aid will transfer, LSA students who receive need-based aid can apply for more funding, and there is advice and support before, during, and after the study-abroad experience. For more info about any of these U-M affiliated programs, check out the CGIS website:

https://lsa.umich.edu/cgis/undergraduate-students/programs0/europe.html

Freiburg Universität (academic year)

The year-long Freiburg program is open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors who have completed at least four semesters (or the equivalent) of college-level German. The program begins in early September with a month-long orientation before the German academic year begins in October. The winter semester runs from mid-October to mid-February and includes a two-week break during the Christmas holiday. After a two-month winter break, the summer semester begins in mid-April and runs for 12 to 13 weeks, including a one-week break. Most AYF students study German as either a major or minor and complete many of their requirements in Germany. All approved courses taken in Freiburg with AYF transfer back as American partner university credits. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but to be considered for a scholarship, students must apply by December 10 for study begining the following September.

https://lsa.umich.edu/cgis/undergraduate-students/programs0/europe/academic-year-in-freiburg-germany.html

Tübingen (winter)

The Tübingen program takes place in the Winter term and it is intended for students who have completed at least three semesters of college-level German. It is strongly recommended that students attend one or two four-week sessions at the Goethe Institut beforehand (which is not part of the CGIS program itself). The Tübingen program starts early in March with a mandatory "Kompaktkurs" (6 credits) or a "Startkurs" (3 credits). While enrolled for the Winter term at the University of Michigan, students take classes during the "Sommersemester" at the Universität Tübingen (mid April - late July). Students can earn 15-18 credits for the Winter term which include language courses for international students or regular university courses. Various university courses outside the English Department are taught in English. Tübingen credits can be used to satisfy degree requirements for a German major or minor. Application deadline: September 15

https://mcompass.umich.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=10248

European Union in Freiburg (spring, fall, or winter)

This program (with courses taught in English) exposes students to the principles of the European Union, its institutions, and the position of member states. Students explore issues ranging from Brexit to immigration to current tensions in South Eastern and Eastern Europe. The challenges that result from different degrees of integration into the European Union will be a focus throughout, supplemented by relevant excursions. Spring-term students enroll in two concurrent classes, while semester students have access to a full slate of courses in a variety of subjects.

https://lsa.umich.edu/cgis/undergraduate-students/programs0/europe/european-union-in-freiburg--germany.html

Metropolitan Studies in Berlin (fall, winter)

This program (with courses taught in English) is designed for Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors without a German language background who are looking for an in-depth look at the culture and context of the metropolis of Berlin. Students must take 12-15 credit hours per semester. One German language course (4 credits) is required for beginning and intermediate students. All other courses are taught in English and worth 3 credits unless otherwise stated. Two week-long field trips are included in the program, as well as day excursions that complement learning in the classroom and contribute to a general knowledge of German culture and society. Application deadline: September 15.

https://lsa.umich.edu/cgis/undergraduate-students/programs0/europe/metropolitan-studies-in-berlin-germany.html

2. Study Abroad Programs not affiliated with the University of Michigan

Junior Year in Munich (one semester or academic year)

This program is run through Wayne State University. Juniors, seniors, and qualified second-semester sophomores from all accredited US colleges and universities are welcome to apply. The JYM Academic Year program begins with an On-Site Orientation in late September, followed by enrollment at LMU Munich where the semester begins mid-October. Some JYM Program features are only available to full-year students because they take place during the first semester and between semesters. Application deadline: May 1.

For more information: http://www.jym.wayne.edu/

3. Other Study Abroad Options in Germany

Die Neue Schule Berlin

https://www.neueschule.de/german-courses.html

Goethe Institut

https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/spr/kur.html

4. German Language Programs in the United States

Middlebury Language School

https://www.middlebury.edu/language-schools/languages/german/immersion

Deutsche Sommerschule von New Mexico

https://germansummerschool.unm.edu/about/index.html

5. Internship Abroad