Do I have to know German if I want to study abroad in a German
speaking country?
Students with a working knowledge of German are best
able to make use of their time as study abroad students. For
that reason,
Northwestern has affiliated with programs that require either
one or two years of college level German. Students in the School
of Music may study in Austria with the IES Vienna program even
if they have not yet taken German.
While in Vienna, all students enroll in an intensive German
language course.
I haven’t taken any German. Is there
some way that I can still study abroad in Germany, Austria
or Switzerland?
It’s never too late to start learning German.
There are options available, which allow students to complete
a whole
year of German (elementary or intermediate) during the summer.
There are also intensive immersion programs in Germany. Contact
the department to talk with someone about various options.
Is
it possible to satisfy part of the language requirement while
studying abroad?
Students with one year of college level German may
participate in Northwestern's Summer Study Abroad Program in Bayreuth where they enroll in intensive language instruction. Upon returning to Northwestern, students
take the departmental placement exam, which will determine whether or not the language requirement has been satisfied. Students must show a
knowledge of the language corresponding to the end of Intermediate
German (German 102-3) in order to satisfy the WCAS language requirement.
Can I take courses that count towards
my college requirements and major while studying abroad?
In most cases, students may have some of their course
work abroad applied to college and major requirements. Students
speak with their major and college advisers prior to submitting
their study abroad application to determine which course work
abroad will satisfy college and major requirements.
Is it possible
to do courses in engineering or the sciences
while abroad?
German universities offer a complete spectrum of courses
in the humanities, social sciences and hard sciences. Northwestern
students regularly take courses in the hard sciences. Our
exchange program with the prestigious Federal Institute of
Technology in Zurich (ETH) allows for additional opportunities
for our students in engineering and the sciences to focus on
their interests in the sciences during their semester or year
abroad.
When do students typically study aboard?
In most cases, students study abroad during their
junior year. There are some cases when students study abroad
during
the
fall quarter of their senior year or occasionally during their
sophomore year. The summer program in Bayreuth is intended to provide an opportunity for rising sophomores to have a significant language and cultural experience early in their undergraduate careers. Summer study abroad is also open to rising juniors and seniors.
Is financial aid available if I study abroad?
Students studying abroad apply for financial aid in
the same way as the if they
remained on campus.
Are there study abroad opportunities in the summer?
The Summer Study Abroad Program in Bayreuth is the first program that students should consider. There are over 50 other programs offered by universities in Germany and Austria that provide additional opportunities for students to
immerse themselves in German culture while attending
class and participating in extra-curricular activities. Every year, between
10-20 Northwestern students spend 3 weeks to 3 months enrolled in language
and culture courses in Austria and Germany. (See Summer Study
Abroad).
Are there any special scholarships for study abroad?
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers
special grants for study in Germany during the academic year
and
in the summer. (See Scholarships).
