Study Abroad: Germany

• GPA of 2.5+
• 2 completed semesters at Aquinas College
• Completed GER 202 with a grade of C or better, or received a 401+ on the German Placement Test
• Not on academic probation or have recent, serious, or repetitive behavioral citations from the Dean of Students

Students participate during the spring semester and earn 12 - 18 credits that count towards German major/minor requirements. All students are required to take 2 language courses, though students are strongly encouraged to complete an entire language “track.”

Courses

Language Courses (2 required, full track encouraged):

• German Composition I (3 credits, “Track III,” GER 405 Seminar in German Studies/Humanities or Global Perspectives Gen Ed credit)
• German Composition II (3 credits, “Track III,” GER 405 Seminar in German Studies/Humanities or Global Perspective Gen Ed credit)
• Advanced German I (3 credits, “Track III or Track IV,”  GER 405 Seminar in German Studies/Humanities or Global Perspectives Gen Ed credit)
• Advanced German II (3 credits, “Track IV,” GER 405 Seminar in German Studies/Humanities or Global Perspective Gen Ed credit)
• Seminar in German Language (3 credits, “Track IV,” GER 405 Seminar in German Studies/Humanities or Global Perspectives Gen Ed credit)

Elective Courses:

• German Conversation I (3 credits, GER 302 Expressing Identity through Writing/Writing Intensive Gen Ed credit)
• Intercultural Communication (3 credits, GER 396 Special Topics in German/Humanities or Global Perspectives Gen Ed credit)
• Culture, Society and Politics in Nazi Germany (3 credits, GER 398 Readings in German)
• German Conversation II (3 credits, GER 405 Seminar in German Studies/Humanities or Global Perspectives Gen Ed credit)
• Contemporary German Literature (3 credits, GER 405 Seminar in German Studies/Humanities or Global Perspectives Gen Ed credit)
• Myths and Legends (3 credits, GER 405 Seminar in German Studies/Humanities or Global Perspectives Gen Ed credit)
• Tracing Your Family Genealogy (1 credit, GA 100 General Academic Credit)

Included in the program fee are some excursions designed to augment the program's curriculum, taking students to various cities and cultural sites both locally and regionally. In the past students have traveled to Hamburg, Neuengamme Memorial, Bremerhaven, Schwerin, Celle, Lübeck/Travemünde Beach, and Bremen  (locations vary year-to-year). Additionally, USAC offers extra excursions (typically Berlin) and field trips for additional costs or students can construct their own experiences through independent travel.  

Because of the partnership between USAC and Leuphana University, students have access to university dining halls and cafes, the library, language lab, computer lab, student associations (clubs) and sports facilities. Additionally, USAC sponsors various events, social gatherings, and cultural activities to provide opportunities for exchange between German and other international students. The university ID card you’ll be issued upon arrival will also grant you free local transportation within the city and the Lower Saxony area (including to Hamburg, Lübeck and Bremen), as well as provide discounts or free entry to local theatres and museums.

Participants will be placed in home-stays with local families. This setting provides the opportunity to build friendships and gain insight into daily living, as well as an immediate local resource for the individual student. Integration into the daily workings of the host family home allows for regular and practical language application and insight into cultural values and behaviors. 

Additionally host families provide daily breakfast and one additional meal per week. Students will have kitchen access to prepare their own meals. Some families may offer other meals for an additional cost.

Students will not be charged Aquinas tuition or Aquinas housing fees and do not need an Aquinas meal plan if they participate in this program.

Approximate cost Spring 2024: $11,750

Program fee includes:

• Housing (with a host family)
• Daily breakfast and one additional meal per week (provided by host family)
• Field trips and cultural activities
• Residency Permit fee
• Course credits/official transcript
• Health/travel insurance

Additional excursions and field trips, planned by USAC, are available to participate in at an additional varied cost ($55 - $70 for a field trip, $300 - $400 for an excursion).

Please visit the Money Matters page and review the budget worksheet for information on scholarships and other expense considerations.

Additional Application

This program requires an additional application to USAC itself. The deadline to apply for Spring 2024 is October 15, 2023. If you are interested in applying for USAC scholarships, do not wait until the deadline to apply to the program. The scholarship application deadline is also October 15 through the “USAC Student Gateway Account” that is created 3-5 business days after the application is submitted.

Visa

Obtaining a visa prior to arrival is not required for US citizens, but acquiring a residency permit will be required after arrival. USAC program staff will assist with this process during the on-site orientation.

Scholarships

USAC does offer a variety of scholarships for students participating in their program that you can review here. Students are able to apply for the USAC scholarships once they receive access to their “USAC Student Gateway Account” - typically 3-5 business days after submitting their application. The deadline to apply for scholarships for Spring 2024 is October 15, 2023 which is the same day as the application deadline, so be sure to apply early!

Once you have committed to this program, the Office of International Programs will reach out to the Financial Aid Office to confirm your participation and they will determine your eligibility for the Dr. Harry and Mrs. Sheila Knopke Scholarship for International Study and any other internal scholarships.

Additional opportunities are listed under the “External Scholarships” section of the Money Matters page.

More info

Reach out to the Office of International Programs or review the USAC website for additional program information.