Created by: Tamara Bojanovic

sTuDy iN gErMaNy 

Never been traveling or to Europe? As a student at Washington & Jefferson College the opportunity to travel and study abroad does not have to be a dream anymore- let it become a reality. The German program at Washington & Jefferson has several options for a student who is looking to travel to Germany and improve their language skills and acquire a real sense of the German lifestyle and culture. There are two different options a German student has. They vary in degree of difficulty and length of stay in Germany.

Cologne

The Pennsylvania Colleges in Cologne, Germany program is a three month long study abroad session that is offered during the fall semester only.  In order to be eligible for the

PCIC program, a student must have at least two semesters of German study and a minimum 2.5 GPA.  During the stay in Cologne, students get to experience all the life and excitement Cologne has to offer. Cologne is located on the Rhine River and is Germany's fourth largest city. Think you'll be tired of being in Cologne? With its easy rail connections to any major city in Germany and Europe, you're free to explore. To enhance the German experience, lifestyle, and culture, students are housed with German families. This forces the student to speak solely in German and adapt to a more German atmosphere. The host family is required to provide all of the meals (Hey-homemade food...sweet deal!).  I know what you are thinking... "Cool sounds great, but where am I going to get the money to study abroad? I can't afford to go to Germany for three months." But this is where you are wrong! The PCIC program is W&J fall tuition and fees along with fall room and board. So money wise, it's like you were going to W&J but really you will be in Cologne, Germany! While in Cologne, students are required to take classes in both German and English. In addition to classes, field trips to historical and cultural sites are an integral part of the course. Finally, students will be given a fall break, on which they can travel all around Germany and Europe. Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris are train trips away. Train passes can be obtained in Cologne for extremely reasonable prices to places all over. For the student that is looking to expand their knowledge of the German language, culture, and atmosphere this is the perfect trip. Not too long, not too short, but just right to give you a real feel for life in Cologne and a glimpse into the fascinating life in Europe.

Munich

But what if you are a rising junior in an advanced German course now and are interested in staying there for more than three months? Washington & Jefferson College is now offering a 12-month long program of study at the University of Munich. Being one of the best study abroad programs in the US, it is the ultimate program to broaden the German experience and improve language skills. Approximately one or two students from W&J go on this program a year.  While at the University of Munich, students are housed in dormitory style housing as if here at Washington & Jefferson.

 Classes taken in Munich receive full credit from W&J, with many classes to choose from. Full W&J tuition, room, and board are transferred. Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is situated in southern Germany, the climate is warm in the summer and snowy and cold in the winter. While studying in Munich, students are encouraged to take internships, meet people, and travel through Europe. Munich is famous for its theater, art, and musical offerings; this includes the Opera house. Downtown Munich is jam-packed with activities and things to do and see.  Boasting as one of Germany's best Universities, the University of Munich has an enrollment of about 60,000 students. With a strong German Studies department it is the prefect place to perfect your German. While in Munich, American students take all of their classes in German, including the German language, arts, and sciences.   

http://www.washjeff.edu/german/studyabroad.htm 
http://www.washjeff.edu/german/pcic/ 
http://www.washjeff.edu/german/yearinmunich.htm

Being a Tourist in Munich

Yeah, Yeah, Germany. Yippy Skippy.... But how much do you know about Munich, the city? Being one of Europe's most prosperous cities Munich is Germany's third largest country; !

home to some 2.7 million people. Because it is located on the edge of the Alps precipitation is rather high (bummmmerr); but trust me--rain will not keep you from exploring the beauties of this city.  Munich is sure to be an adventure for anyone; especially for art and music lovers with its vast array of art gallaries and exhibitions, orchestra and jazz music houses, theaters and operas. There are a countless number of old, renisaance style tourist attaractions in Munich. In addition to the older style buildings and Halls, Munich is home to several houses of worship. TheFrauenkirche (_real name _"Dom zu unserer lieben Frau", Cathedral of Our Blessed Lady), serves as the city center is a major tourist attractions. Its famous onion dome twin towers can be seen from all over the city and are one of a kind!

But wait, it's not all old fashioned and out of date. Although limited in their construction of skyscrapers due to referendums on height limitations, the high rise buildings they do have are impressive. The BMW Headquarters (which, yes is in Munich) Building is one of the most unique building structures to be seen. In German "BMW four-cylinder" buliding is spectacular and the actual words give no justice to the actual appearance of the building.

Not interested in cars and sightseeing of old buildings? Well Munich is also home to the Olympic Park which was built for the Munich 1972 Summer Olympics. The unique and interesting dew-covered cobweb design of the Olympic Buildings is also a great place to get a panoramic view of Munich and the Alps. Rated in the top 10 cities with the highest quality of life, the residents enjoy their lifestyles. With a thriving economy, with technology and low pollution, what could be better? Finally, the most exciting part of Munich... the beer halls and Oktoberfest! The 2-week long fair is a popular and well known event in Germany. The Hofbrauhaus am Plats is the best known beer hall which is located in the city center: operating the second largest tent at Oktoberfest. So even if you don't study German, and want to visit an amazing city with spectacular scenery and much to offer, Munich is for you. Bring your camera, put on comfortable shoes, and grab a beer: you're in Munich!  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich_Frauenkirche

Personal Narrative

Based on interview conducted April 14, 2007 with Kaleigh J. Bangor '09

I have always been interested in studying abroad and exploring the world. As a W&J student, I finally saw that opportunity in front of me and seized the chance of a lifetime. As a German major at W&J I saw traveling abroad to Germany as a great way to learn and perfect the German language. There is no better way to learn any language than to constantly speak it-- in an environment that is solely German speaking. Studying abroad in Germany will also be a great opportunity to explore Europe and get away from the everyday normal life of W&J.

Most of my studying, from September 3, 2007 until July 11, 2007, will be done in Munich, Germany with a short study in Berlin. While in Munich I will be attending the University of Munich along with all of their regular students. All of the classes that I will be taking at the University will be in German. These classes include---art, literature, composition, and physics. I believe that this will be a challenge at first, but as I become more fluent in the language it will ease up.

It's not all study, study, study while in Munich! After all of the hard work, we have a long break from February until April. During this time I plan on either applying for an internship, or more than likely traveling and exploring the beauty of Europe by train. In my travels sure stops for me will be: Greece, England, Italy and Ireland.  Besides traveling another thing that I would enjoy doing while in Germany is skiing in the beautiful, prominent Alps. For an everyday activity, I plan on playing basketball for a club team in Germany. Since I am a basketball player here, I think it would be a great experience to play with new girls and keep practicing. 
I am not one to get easily homesick; however, a year in a different country-that's different. I do realize that I may experience some nostalgia, but I think coming home for a visit would make it difficult to go back. But this doesn't mean no visits from my family. In fact, they will be coming over to Germany to visit me and experience the life I have been living there. 

There are several logistical reasons why I a bit anxious and nervous for the long stay in Germany. With a Pre-Health focus, leaving W&J isn't a norm. I am concerned with my course track and how my professors will feel about me being absent from the demanding state of the Pre-Health world. I am also wondering how my relationships with friends and coaches will end up and whether they will be dramatically affected.

I am so glad to be getting away and exploring what Europe has to offer, especially Germany. I am hoping to become fluent in German and become familiar with their culture and lifestyle. I believe that experience is life lasting. Passing up magnificent opportunities in the past has opened my eyes and pushed me ahead. There is nothing to lose in studying abroad, only a year of knowledge to gain and a lifetime of experience to remember!

How to Get Started

Handy Hint Don't Procrastinate!

 When interested in Studying Abroad, its in your best interest to get information as quickly as possible. There are multiple deadlines which need to be met and if you are not on top of it, they will sneak up behind you. If you know where you want to go your freshman year but don't want to go until your junior year get information anyways. There is nothing wrong with being informed and knowing your options.  If interested in studying abroad, contact Viet Ha. 

Links

Munich in Detail

Book your flight to Germany

Germany

Authentic German Cultural Imagery from Washington and Jefferson