Study abroad
The German Section offers unique opportunities for Study Abroad for German students. Since it is now a requirement for teacher candidates as well as all majors in German, it is distinctive that students have so many options available to them:
- Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
Beginning in 2006 EMU students have the opportunity to study at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, Germany either for an intensive six week summer program, a semester, or a full academic year. It was decided that the six week intensive summer language program in Graz, Austria in which EMU participated for years, was too limiting for our students in light of the new state and national standards for language teachers. Six students participated in summer 2007 and five students participated in summer 2008.
Summer 2009 intensive program dates:
July 6-August 14
For more information contact Professor Margrit Zinggeler <margrit.zinggeler@emich.edu>
In addition, EMU German students have the opportunity to study for one or two semesters at two of EMU’s Exchange Partner universities:
- University of Reutlingen and University of Karlsruhe
These Exchange Programs are long-standing programs that were established between EMU and their international partners. Of nine such partnerships, two are in Germany.
- Alternative Program – Die Deutsche Sommerschule am Pazifik, (through Portland State University, Portland, OR)
While not a study “abroad” program for our students, this intensive five-week German summer program provides an excellent environment which simulates the study abroad experience, offering total immersion in German language, culture and literature at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Furthermore, it provides a cost-effective alternative for students who need additional immersion practice in order to meet departmental requirements for graduation.
Five EMU students attended this program in summer 2007 and three students attended in summer
2008. One EMU student won the Baden Württemberg scholarship to study abroad for the academic year 2009-2010.
- Additional Study Abroad Experiences:
- In Spring 2006 ten students participated in an additional study abroad trip organized by Professor Margrit Zinggeler to travel the Märchenstraße of the Brother’s Grimm in Germany. Though such trips are not part of the regularly offerings for study abroad, it is conceivable that more such trips will be organized by faculty in the future.
- Internships Abroad. EMU German students also have the opportunity to do a three-month internship abroad during the summer months. In summer 2007 two students found three-month internships with German banks.
The Study Abroad and Total-Immersion opportunities available to German students are truly distinctive, thereby contributing uniquely to the international priorities of the university, the college and our department.