Germany: Fall Engineering Co-Op with DHBW
In partnership with the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg – Lörrach, the School of Engineering offers an opportunity for students to complete their 3rd co-op experience during the fall term in Germany. DHBW offers more than 25 industry partners in a variety of industries. In addition to the co-op experience, students will also be required to take an approved engineering or business course.
Lorrach is located in the tri-national border region with Switzerland, and France being just a short distance away. Past industry placements have included: Conductix Wampfler, ARaymond France, Frauenhofer Institute, Kaltenbach, and Vibracoustic.
Students interested in this opportunity should discuss this interest with potential employers before making a co-op commitment since this program does require that you complete your last co-op through a company placement made by DHBW. If these discussions happen after you have already started a co-op placement in Michigan, it is advised that you proceed with caution.
GVSU's partner universities are largely independent programs; prospective participants should carefully consider if this form of study abroad suits their needs before registering. These partnerships allow students to experience a more independent international study abroad, but also require students to have a high level of flexibility and the ability to navigate much of the program independently. Those who prefer additional support may wish to consider other study abroad options such as external study abroad providers and our faculty-led options.
Requirement
Program Dates and Application Deadline
Fall 2023
Estimated Program Dates: September 2023 - December 2023
Application Deadline: February 1, 2023
(Closed)
Courses

CO-OP COURSE REQUIRED:
DHBW — Engineering Co-op
Equivalent to EGR 490 Engineering Co-op 3
Both GVSU faculty and DHBW faculty will facilitate your co-op abroad course. You will be required to complete the GVSU online components of the co-op course, which will be facilitated by GVSU faculty/staff. DHBW will also have course requirements for your co-op experience, which will be facilitated by a DHBW faculty advisor. The requirements may include a written report and oral presentation to be delivered to the DHBW academic supervisor and the employer.
It is important that you understand that credits from the co-op and academic courses will be transferred back on a Credit/No Credit basis. Therefore, you will NOT receive a letter grade. This is the normal process for study abroad experiences.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT WORKING ABROAD:
The
following arrangements must be worked out between the STUDENT and the EMPLOYER:
Assignment Duration (including start and end dates)
Project
Duties
Hours Worked (per week)
Pay Schedule and Date of First
Paycheck (German companies often pay only once per month)
NOTICE ABOUT WAGES: German companies pay
approximately 700 Euros per month for internships, which are
approximately 36 hours per week. Pay is typically non-negotiable.
APPROVED ACADEMIC COURSES:
DHBW — Numerical Simulation Techniques: Approved by Dr. Wendy Reffeor
Equivalent to EGR 329 Introduction to FEA
Prerequisite: EGR 309
Machine Design I
DHBW – Introduction to Economics: Approved by Dr. Aaron Lowen and Dr. C. “Griff” Griffin
Equivalent to ECO 210 Intro to Macroeconomics
As
approved by Dr. Wael Mokhtar, also satisfies the School of Engineering
requirement for ECO 210/211
Meets Social and Behavioral Sciences
Foundations requirement (note: courses cannot count for both Issues
and Foundation credit)
DHBW – Macroeconomics: Approved by Dr. Aaron Lowen and Dr. C. “Griff” Griffen
Equivalent to ECO 280 General Economics
As approved by Dr. Wael
Mokhtar, also satisfies the School of Engineering requirement for ECO
210/211
Meets Social and Behavioral Sciences Foundations
requirement (note: courses cannot count for both Issues and Foundation credit)
Students interested in satisfying general education courses abroad can find more information on our General Education page.
Housing
Off-campus in a local apartment
Cost and Scholarships

NOTE: "Other Expenses" listed in the cost breakdown are general cost estimates. Due to COVID-19, costs may increase for basic goods and housing. These estimates are provided as a guide to help students in their planning, but they are subject to change.
Co-op placements are paid. German companies pay students approximately 700 Euros per month for internship placements that average 36 hours per week.
Questions? Contact [email protected] or 616-331-3898
Eligibility
Open to students accepted into the School of Engineering - Student
must meet with the Program Chair for their major PRIOR to applying for
this program.
Secondary admission required
Students must have
a minimum 2.70 GPA
Students participating in this program must
register for 6 credits of IS 380 (3 credits of co-op plus 3 credits of
an approved engineering or business course)
No current Covid Requirements
Additional Information
Host University Website
Culture
When studying abroad, it is important to learn about the culture of your host country.
For information on music, food, language, news & more, view Cultural Information
Already Applied
Visa Requirements
US citizens studying in Germany for more than 90 days have two options regarding the residence permit application process. Specific information can be found in our student visa guide. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Arrival Information
Arrival information and other helpful advice can be found on the DHBW Lorrach website.
CDC Report
US State Department Information
US State Department Country Information (Germany)
US State Department - Students Abroad
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) - Crime and Safety Report
Guides
Contact PCEC for application and acceptance timeline.
Resources for Emergency Situations
Reporting an Incident
Contact Information
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