STUDY ABROAD IN GERMANY

WHY GERMANY?

Arguably, one of the most influential countries in the world – thriving on hard work and industriousness, this is one of the best places to start off your journey abroad as an equally hard-working student. Right?

From the rich and hearty cuisine (try Bratwurst, you won’t regret it) to indulging in the tremendous artistic achievements – your perspective on life is bound to shift after you experience life in Germany.

US TO YOU

EPA works to ensure the high quality of our program and the day-to-day safety of our participants. This is why we take special care to have a low student to staff ratio which allows our staff to answer questions, stay updated with our student’s acclimation process, and provide guidance at all turns.

The German Programs Director, Hartwig Prüßmann , is dedicated to ensuring the safety and academic progress of our students as they prepare and triumph in their abroad travels.

Please visit our ‘Key People’ page to learn about the backgrounds and commitment of all of our dedicated staff members.

BERLIN

The wind of the old yet the air of the new is how to describe the capital of Germany and one of Europe’s greatest and resilient cities. With new businesses, construction, and attitudes filling the streets of Berlin, it’s no wonder that students rave about their time here. To understand the true beauty of this fresh societal ambiance, one has the opportunity to travel back to the past and unpack the soul of Germany through historical places like the Käthe Kollwitz Museum or the Reichstag building.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

In your free time, there are a ton of different things to explore during your time in Berlin.

  • ◦ Spend the evening admiring the artifacts found in the Neues Museum (like the bust of Egyptian Queen Nerfertiti!)
  • ◦ Enjoy an evening out with friends at the Berghain & Panorama Bar
  • ◦ Take a trip to the past in the Museum of Design, specifically walking down Bauhaus Archives

BONN & COLOGNE

A magnificent area with deep historical value spanning the Rhine River, Bonn and Cologne are hubs for culture and the arts. To go between the two cities, it’ll only take you five songs! (or simply put a 30-minute car ride) Both cities are steep in culture and history with vast green areas - the amount of picturesque moments is unmatched. The natives here are extremely open to newcomers and liberal toward different lifestyles, it’s no wonder why these cities make our interns feel at home.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

In your free time, there are a ton of different things to explore during your time in Bonn/Cologne. The number of things to do are endless, but here are a few to get you started on your Google search!

  • ◦ Snap a picture at the Botanische Gärten der Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn!
  • ◦ Visit the magnificent Cologne Cathedral - or Beethoven’s birthplace in Bonn.

QUICK FACTS

Language German, B2 Intermediate Level
Internship Areas Politics, International Relations, Business, Marketing, Communications, Health Science, Arts & More
Academics 2 Classes Taught by Local Professor
Housing Home-Stays or Flats
Terms Fall, Spring, Summer (Bonn/Cologne Only)
Application Deadlines
  • Fall - March 1
  • Spring - October 1
  • Summer - February 1
Dates and Fees Click Here

LANGUAGE

You can gain international work experience while using your German skills. Our German programs require at least two years of college-level German or the equivalent. Students take classes in German and are placed in professional work environments where they speak, read, and write in the language.

ACCOMMODATION

Most students in Bonn live with host families, although short-term apartments and student dormitories are sometimes available. The program has a long-standing relationship with a number of families who enjoy having American students live with them and seek to maximize the students' cross-cultural experience. In Berlin, students live in apartments. No matter which you choose, the accommodation will be arranged before your arrival..

CONTACT WITH LOCAL STUDENTS

Bonn, Cologne, and Berlin are all in major German university cities so even though the programs are small, the EPA German Programs Director helps students connect with the local university population as well as community clubs and activities.

The Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD), or German Academic Exchange Service, offers several scholarships and grants for US college students studying abroad in Germany. https://www.daad.org/undergrad Other funding resources can be found at NAFSA.org.

PASSPORTS

A passport is an official identity and travel document issued by the U.S federal government allowing you the opportunity to travel internationally. (It’s a must-have!) You can apply for your passport at any time, but it must be valid for 6 months after your time abroad.

To apply, go to local US Post Office or County Clerk's Office in your area. Call ahead to find out if there are any regulations or fees specific to your area. The processing of a passport application can take 12 weeks or more. If you don't already have one, apply now!

VISAS

No visa is needed for US students to study in Germany for less than 90 days. International students should check with the German Consulate.

Internships and Classes

Orientation | Academics | Internships |

ORIENTATION

Who would we be if we didn’t offer you some guidance before you started exploring? Within the first few days of your arrival, there will be a main orientation for students detailing all aspects of your life overseas.

We’ll provide details on cultural and social activities, need-to-knows about academics and internships, guide you to your housing/lodging situations, prepare you for local transportation and health/safety precautions, and allow you to connect with the other students!

ACADEMICS

INTERNSHIPS (Academic Work Placements)

View this student’s discoveries about Berlin. (Deutsche Welle, DW English, 2014)

COST OF ATTENDING

The price of the program includes tuition and housing, internship placement and oversight, pre-departure and visa application materials, comprehensive on-site orientation, welcome and farewell dinners, on-site student support, and on-site program management.

Grade reports and supervisor evaluations are also sent to schools upon completion of the term.

You'll want to budget for the cost of academic credit, air travel ($1000+), visa fees (Semester $500+), meals, and commuting. These costs are NOT INCLUDED in the program fees. Most students budget $200-$300 per week for expenses depending on their lifestyle and the value of the US Dollar.

For more information on the exact fees for individuals paying directly, click here.

TERMS

EPA offers both German programs during the fall and spring terms and a summer program in Bonn/Cologne as well.

  • Fall (September until Mid-December)
  • Spring (January until April)
  • Summer (Early June until Late July) Cologne/Bonn Only

For more information on the exact dates, click here.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Some students finance portions of their semester abroad through scholarships and grants. Check with your university for specific opportunities. You might even want to consider a GoFundMe campaign.

We listed a few opportunities below to help you get started!

EPA-Directed Courses

Due to the differences in the German and American academic calendar, students participated in EPA-directed courses. Students take one courses German Politics and German Arts and Culture. Both courses are taught in German. Read more in the Courses & Internships section.