Program Details: Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg-ENGINEERING
Is this program for me?
In partnership with the Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg – Lörrach, the School of Engineering offers an opportunity for students to complete their third 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. This program fulfills the General Education Global Perspectives requirement, and may fulfill the general education Issues requirement upon submission of the required reflection paper and form. The co-op is a paid internship which requires students to obtain a work permit prior to arriving in Germany. Past industry placements have included: Conductix, Wampfler, Araymond France, Frauenhofer Institute, Kaltenbach, and Vibracoustic.
DHBW Lörrach is located in the tri-national boarder region with Switzerland and France just a short distance away. You are certain to have a multi-cultural experience!
ELIGIBILITY: Open to students accepted into the School of Engineering, secondary admission required. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7.
It is required that students meet with one of the following academic advisors PRIOR to applying for this program:
Electrical and Computer: Dr. Bogdan Adamczyk
Mechanical, Product Design Manufacturing (PDM) or Interdisciplinary: Dr. Wendy Reffeor
Cost
Estimated Budget (Engineering)
Co-op placements are paid. German companies pay students approximately 700 Euros per month for internship placements that average 36 hours per week. Pay is typically not negotiable.
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Visa Information
US citizens studying in Germany for more than 90 days must apply for a visa prior to entering Germany. Additionally, students will be required to apply for a work permit. For additional information, students can view the German Visa Guidelines. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Housing and Meals
Students typically live in an off-campus apartment. Students will be required to make their own housing arrangements and prepare their own meals. Some companies may assist students with finding an apartment, but it depends on the support available through the student's work placement.
Courses
Students will initially sign up for 6 credits of IS 380. Upon completion of the program, students will receive credit for the following:
EGR 490 (3 credits) Engineering Co-op 3* AND either an approved engineering or business course* (3 credits). *Students will not receive a grade for these courses, and instead will receive either credit (CR) or no credit (NC).
Both GVSU and DHBW faculty will facilitate your co-op abroad. 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 necessary 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 employer.
Global Perspectives: Participants who successfully complete the program will automatically receive credit for their world perspectives general education requirement.
Issues: Students may also submit a proposal to request the two courses completed abroad be used to fulfill the general education Issues requirement. Instructions
Students must receive approval from their academic advisor PRIOR to applying for this program.
Electrical and Computer Engineering: Dr. Bogdan Adamczyk
Mechanical, Product Design Manufacturing (PDM) or Interdisciplinary Engineering: Dr. Wendy Reffeor
Pre-approved Course Offerings:
DHBW Numerical Simulation Techniques = EGR 329 Introduction to FEA (Approved by Dr. Wendy Reffeor) *Maybe be used to fulfill one issues requirement (see instructions) and world perspectives requirement
DHBW Introduction to Economics = ECO 210 Intro to Macroeconomics (Approved by Dr. Aaron Lowen) May be used to fulfill Social and Behavioral Sciences Foundations Gen Ed requirement OR one Issues requirement and world perspectives Gen Ed requirement.
DHBW Macroeconomics = ECO 280 "Macroeconomics" (Approved by Dr. Aaron Lowen). May be used to fulfill Social and Behavioral Sciences Foundations Gen Ed requirement OR one Issues requirement and the world perspectives Gen Ed requirement.
Working Abroad Necessities
The following arrangements must be worked out between the STUDENT and the EMPLOYER:
(1) assignment duration; (2) project duties; (3) hours worked (per week); (4) pay schedule and date of first paycheck (Germany 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.
Application Process
STEP 1- Meet with a PCEC Professional Advisor: (616) 331-6025.
STEP 2 - Notify Michelle Lindale ([email protected]) Assistant Dean, Padnos College of Engineering and Computing of your interest in applying for this program.
STEP 3 - Meet with a faculty advisor to review your academic plan and ensure your eligibility to participate.
EE and CE students meet with Dr. Bogdan Adamczyk
ME, PDM and Interdisciplinary students meet with Dr. Wendy Reffeor.
STEP 4 - Explore scholarships and grants.
STEP 5 - Complete an OASIS application to officially apply for the program through GVSU. DEADLINE: February 1
STEP 6 - Apply for your passport.
STEP 7 - Connect with DHBW Lorrach: Dr. Stefan Hess ([email protected]) will serve as one of your primary contacts at DHBW. As the Program Chair of the Tri-national Mechatronics Program at DHBW, he will be working with you to acquire a co-op placement. Send a PDF of your resume, along with a formal letter stating your background and interest areas for co-op placement to Dr. Stefan Hess and CC Michelle Lindale ([email protected]). DEADLINE: No later than February 1.
STEP 8 - Britta Goertz ([email protected]) is the Head of the International Office at DHBW Lorrach. She will be working with you on visa and work permit advising, assisting you in acquiring housing, your DHBW application materials.
Note: DHBW Enrollment Form will need to be signed and stamped by Becca Hambleton ([email protected]) in the Padnos International Center prior to being sent to DHBW.
STEP 9 - Contact Robin Burris ([email protected]) to request a letter on GVSU letterhead from the Director of Engineering that verifies EGR 490 is a required academic course for GVSU students. This letter should be sent directly from the Director of Engineering to Britta Goertz ([email protected]), Head of the International Office at DHBW.
STEP 10 - Attend a Padnos International Center pre-departure orientation and register for IS 380 for 6 credits.
STEP 11 - VERY IMPORTANT!!! You must notify Diane LaFreniere that you will need to be manually added to the EGR 490 Blackboard session for the term you will be abroad. Failure to complete the online components in this course may result in DELAYED GRADUATION.
STEP 12 - Complete all remaining pre-departure necessities. Schedule your flight to arrive at DHBW in time for the DHBW orientation. Complete all necessary registration procedures at DHBW.
STEP 13 - Upon your return to the U.S, complete your Issues written reflection paper within 60 days of your return.
Travel Information
Arrival information and other helpful advice can be found on the DHBW Lorrach website.