Attend a play at the famed Burg theatre or a classical concert at the Hofburg in Vienna, visit with German friends, read a book at a café in Lüneburg’s 1000 year old Altstadt, or go hiking in the Black Forest near Tübingen. Make progress toward your degree by completing major and General Education requirements while spending a summer, semester or year abroad. 

German Study Abroad Programs

The study of a foreign language sets you apart from other college graduates. Take advantage of your newly honed language skills and seize the opportunity to do an internship at a German company or with a cultural organization at the end of your time abroad.

Students interested in combining their study abroad experience with an internship, or those looking to focus solely on an internship, have many options. Customized internships are available in a few locations through GVSU internships, as well as other programs such as ELAP and World Endeavors

Academic Advice

• German students can study abroad at almost any time during their undergraduate education. Education majors need to spend time in Germany in order to perfect their language skills. Language tests required by the state of Michigan set the bar very high.
• Do students need to speak perfect German? No! Students may pursue language courses for beginners or literature and culture courses for more advanced students. Some programs offer courses in English.
• The opportunity to speak and hear a second language daily and in its native context will strengthen students' language abilities exponentially and allow them to gain a level of confidence that is difficult to achieve in an American classroom.
• Comparative perspectives and experiences allow students to place literature and language in a much larger and more diverse context.
• Employers and professional schools today seek applicants with significant cross-cultural experience.
• Students should look for programs that offer significant cultural integration. Deep involvement in the host culture leads to personal growth and instills cross-cultural skills.
• Students are encouraged to consider programs that get them into classes with host-country students at a host university and programs that get them out of the classroom and into the community.
• Plan your German course sequence carefully so that you can continue with your language program upon your return.
• Ideally, complete two years of German at GVSU prior to studying abroad in order to maximize your language skills overseas.
• Consider fulfilling your Issues General Education requirement abroad. Find out how!

Restrictions

• No restrictions have been identified by the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures. 
• Courses will be reviewed on a case by case basis through the course equivalency process.

Keep in Mind

• Once you have selected a program, be sure to meet with your adviser at least three months prior to departing for your program.
• Be sure to explore both GVSU and external options by browsing the Program Suggestions below. Students are not limited to GVSU study abroad programs.
• There are several opportunities to intern and or volunteer while abroad. Learn more HERE.
• Students are also able to fulfill General Education requirements abroad, including their General Education Issues requirement.

To determine the GVSU course equivalencies for courses taken abroad, please view the “How to Request Course Equivalencies” page. For more information email Department Contact below.

Donovan Anderson

(616) 331-2452

[email protected]

B-2-251 Mackinac Hall