Upcoming Events
Study Abroad & Internships
- Penn's Study Abroad Programs
- Wayne State University's Junior Year Abroad — Munich
- Berlin Consortium Study Abroad Program
- Study Abroad Scholarships
- Internships
Penn's Study Abroad Programs
In conjunction with the Office of International Programs, the Department offers undergraduates three possibilities for study abroad during the academic year (Munich and Berlin, and Frankfurt for Wharton students).
Wayne State University's Junior Year Abroad — Munich
The year or semester at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet in Munich is a part of Wayne State University's Junior Year Abroad Program (JYM) in Germany. This program is open to juniors from any field of study. Basic requirements for admission are completion of language study through the intermediate level, or the equivalent, a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better, and the approval of the student's major advisor. Since the program is officially recognized by, and affiliated with, the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet, participants may register for University of Munich courses in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The JYM staff provides supervision and tutorials for most courses at the University of Munich. In addition, students enroll in language, literature, and culture courses taught by the JYM staff. Ample extracurricular activities, including group travel, theater, and opera visits.
JYM courses automatically qualify for academic credit at Penn. However, before leaving for Munich, students should consult their major advisors concerning the acceptability of certain JYM courses for their major programs. Upon their return to Penn, JYM students must contact the relevant departments for final credit approval for courses taken in Munich. Financial aid from Penn can be continued during the year abroad. Information and application forms may be obtained either from the Office of International Programs (International House, 37th St. and Chestnut St.) or directly from the JYM advisor in the Department. The application deadline is usually February 15.
Berlin Consortium's Study Abroad Program
The University of Pennsylvania offers its students the opportunity to join the Berlin Consortium Study Abroad Program, which operates a study abroad program in Berlin. Students frequently study in Berlin for the entire year, but an attractive option within the Berlin program is that students may register for the spring semester only (that is, students need not study in Berlin on a year-long basis). This program is open to juniors majoring either in German or in other fields. Basic requirements are at least four semesters of college German or the equivalent, a cumulative average of 3.0 or better, and the approval of the student's major advisor. Since the program is officially recognized by and affiliated with the Free University in Berlin (Freie Universität), participants may register for Free University courses in most fields in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. The Consortium staff provides supervision and tutorials for almost all Free University courses in which program participants enroll for credit. In addition, students may enroll in German courses taught by the Consortium staff (generally by the Academic Director). Prior to the start of the academic year (or the spring semester for spring students only), students all enroll in a grammar and composition course taught by the Consortium staff. The Berlin program offers many extracurricular activities, including group travel and visits to the opera and the theater.
Courses in Berlin are automatically credited at the University of Pennsylvania; however, before leaving for Germany, students should carefully consult with their major departments concerning the acceptability of certain study abroad courses for their major programs. Financial aid from the University of Pennsylvania can be continued for the Berlin program. Information and application forms may be obtained from Dr. Catriona MacLeod, 745 Williams Hall, 898?7334. Additional information can be obtained from the International Programs Office in Bennett Hall, especially about deadlines for application.
Study Abroad Scholarships
There are various scholarship opportunities for study abroad.
Students may want to apply for the Bundeskanzler Scholarship. Ten Bundeskanzler (Federal Chancellor) scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding young Americans for study in such fields as the humanities, social science, law, communications and economics at an academic or research institution in Germany. The objective of the program is to foster and maintain a close relationship between the United States and Germany by providing young scholars and practicing professionals the opportunity to obtain substantial professional and personal knowledge of Germany.
Seniors may apply for DAAD Scholarships for study at a German University after graduation. Contact the Graduate School for more information.
Internships
Students at Penn are generally very successful in securing internships in Germany. The Department has working relationships with two placement agencies: GRIP and Personnel. The Wharton German Club maintains a helpful page for students seeking internships.