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.

Host University Website

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.

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Partnership

2.7 GPA Required

No Language
Requirement

Issue Friendly

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

Cost Breakdown

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

Additional Scholarships

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

http://www.dhbw-loerrach.de/

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.