Program Description

Become immersed in the culture and traditions of Germany while studying in Bonn! Designed for students with previous German language study, this program allows participants to directly enroll in courses at the University of Bonn, one of Germany's leading institutions of higher education.

Situated on the Rhine River, Bonn is regarded as one of Germany's finest cities and an exciting place in which to live and study. The birthplace of Ludwig von Beethoven, Bonn is over 2,000 years old and was the capital of Germany until the fall of the Berlin Wall, when reunification again made Berlin the capital. Today, Bonn has a population of 350,000 and is an international center for science and culture, as well as home to international organizations and companies, including Deutsche Telekom, Deutsche Post, and the United Nations. The famed Ruhrgebiet of Germany, just north of Bonn, is Europe's largest industrial region, boasting such world-famous companies as Braun, Krupps, and Bayer.

Academics

Founded in 1818, the University of Bonn (Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universitat) offers a wide variety of courses and approximately 80 different degree programs. A student enrollment of 27,500, the University of Bonn is one of the largest universities in Germany, with more than 4,100 international students from over 100 countries contributing to a truly international atmosphere in research and education. Its outstanding reputation in teaching and research and its splendid location on the banks of the Rhine River are some of the reasons why the University of Bonn ranks at the top in Germany.

Program participants begin with a four-week orientation course offered by the University of Bonn International Office that includes language instruction and an introduction to German life and culture. For the semester, students select from intensive and advanced German language classes, as well as specially designed interdisciplinary courses from the fields of German culture and civilization. Students with sufficient language proficiency may enroll in university courses, provided they have the necessary qualifications. Most courses are taught in German and encompass the entire range of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, and law.

Academic year students may also participate in the "Germany Hands-on" internship program coordinated by the International Office. Part-time, unpaid internships with local organizations and businesses are available to students with advanced language skills. Internships are available in political science/international relations, history, media science, German studies, art history, music and economics.

Housing

The International Office arranges housing for participants in one of thirty-four different German dormitories located throughout the city. All rooms are single rooms, with some equipped with a kitchenette and a private bathroom while others have shared facilities. Students prepare meals in kitchen facilities in the dormitories or purchase food at university restaurants. Dormitories are located within walking distance of the university or have easy access to public transportation.

Excursions and Activities

The University of Bonn offers students a wide range of social activities during their studies in Bonn. In the student dorms, tutors organize sports, cultural, and cooking events, while "Sprachtandems" give students the opportunity to engage in language exchange. In addition to music, art, and cultural events, the university offers 85 different kinds of sports and approximately 400 courses, many of which are free of charge. Finally, the International Office organizes numerous social and cultural events such as "Kaffeestunde" and the International Club, as well as excursions to nearby sights and a one-week trip to Berlin.