Philipps-Universität Marburg | BCA Study Abroad (Marburg, Germany)

Highlights

• Begin your semester with eight weeks in Vienna, Austria
• Study in historic and picturesque Marburg at one of Europe's oldest Protestant universities
• Improve your German by immersing yourself in the German language and culture 
• The on-site Resident Director provides support and assists with academic planning, housing, and cultural activities

Overview

St. Norbert College partners with BCA Study Abroad to create the opportunity for students to improve their proficiency in German and learn more about German culture. Students begin their experience with eight weeks in the culturally-rich city of Vienna, Austria, where they refresh their German skills. Students then move to the picturesque town of Marburg and take classes at Philipps-Universität Marburg, where they choose courses from more than 20 departments.

Marburg is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany. Atop the city sits Landgrofenschloss, a historic thirteenth-century castle that serves as a museum and student residence. With a population of 80,000, Marburg offers the friendliness and convenience of a small city. At the same time, with 20,000 students in Marburg, the city offers a variety of different cultural activities.

Testimonials

• I feel more capable now ... more well-adjusted, more empowered, more appreciative of and curious about the world around me, and, in general, better equipped to live out the rest of my life. Being in Marburg has been an exercise in accelerated personal growth. (Johanna, Spring 2008)

• I feel that this experience has helped me to see the world in a new, clearer light than I had been seeing it before. (Gina, Spring 2008)

Orientation

During the application process, students must take a proficiency assessment created by the Goethe Institut. BCA contacts students with the placement results, which are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. Students who place at the B- or C-level complete the standard eight weeks of German language preparation in Vienna, Austria, at the Internationales Kulturinstitut Wien (IKI Wien). Students who place at the A-level are required to enroll in a twelve-week program at IKI Wien for an additional fee.   

In Vienna, Austria, students enroll in the following courses:

• GER 202: Composition, Grammar, & Conversation 
  • Transfers as GERM 390 and GERM 393 (8 credits) 
• HIST 205: Vienna - Crossroads of Europe / History and Culture 
  • Transfers as HIST 293 or IBLS 362, GERM 393, and GS10 (3 credits)

Coursework

• Language: German; Some courses are available in English

Following eight weeks in Vienna, students travel to Marburg, Germany. The BCA on-site Resident Director helps students negotiate the German university system, makes arrangements for housing, accompanies students on program excursions, and assists students throughout the semester. 

Students enroll in four to six courses in Marburg. The courses available primarily fall into three categories:

• BCA courses: Taught in German (for American students only) by BCA staff members
• German as a Foreign Language courses: Taught by German instructors (intended for foreign students) through the University of Marburg Language Center (Sprachzentrum) or the German department of the university 
• Regular university courses: Taught primarily in German for university students

While BCA provides a list of courses, students must remain patient and flexible in choosing their coursework. The university does not publish course offerings until about one month before classes begin. Students will need to correspond with St. Norbert College from abroad in order to receive additional course approvals. With the assistance of the on-site Resident Director, final registration will take place abroad. Generally, students do not finalize their schedules until the second or third week of classes in Marburg.  

Each spring, BCA hosts a conference focused on European - U.S. relations in Strasbourg, France. The optional conference creates the opportunity to meet students from around the world and hear experts from the U.S. and countries across Europe discussing the differences in politics, economics, culture, and foreign policy between Europe and the United States.

Accommodations

Housing options include both university and privately-operated dormitories, ensuring that students live side-by-side with local students. Students can even apply to live in Marburg's infamous castle (Schloss)! All housing options except the castle have single rooms. While students have full access to computer labs at the university, rooms in student housing do not come with Internet access, though you can usually make arrangements for such services on your own accord and at an additional expense.

The cost of the program includes a meal stipend for the semester. During the day, inexpensive meals can be purchased at the student cafeteria (Mensa). In the evenings, students typically prepare their own meals. 

Calendar

• Fall 2012 (Compact Wintersemester): August 05 - late-December, 2012 (dates coming soon)
• Fall 2012 (Regular Wintersemester): August 05, 2012 - mid-February, 2013 (dates coming soon)
• Spring 2013: Late February - Late July, 2013 (dates coming soon)

Please consult the Resident Director's website for more specific information (2011/2012). 

Have you ever thought about studying abroad in Germany for two semesters? If you combine the Marburg program with the program in Münster, you may apply all of your financial aid to both study abroad semesters.

Admissions

• 2.6 cumulative GPA
• German through GERM 204

Students who have not completed GERM 204 are still able to apply. These students must enroll in a the twelve-week pre-sessional course in Vienna, Austria, at an additional expense.

Visa Information

A visa is official permission, granted by the authorities of the country where you wish to study or visit, which allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose and for a designated period of time. You cannot apply for a student visa until you have received an acceptance letter from your institution abroad. You are responsible for applying for the correct visa and paying all necessary fees.

Citizens of the United States are not required to obtain a student visa before arrival in Germany. U.S. citizens must apply for a residency permit in Germany. Citizens of most other countries must obtain a student visa prior to entry. For additional information, visit the web site of the German Consulate in Chicago.

Please note that visa requirements change frequently. Research your country's requirements or contact your study abroad advisor for the most current information.

Disclaimer: Program information is subject to change.

Fees

• SNC Tuition
• SNC Room & Board
• $400 Study Abroad Fee

Fees Includes

• Tuition
• Housing
• Meal Stipend
• SNC Study Abroad Health Insurance
• Academic Excursions
• Transportation Pass for the Hesse Region
• On-site Resident Director 

Additional Expenses

• Application Fee ($50)
• Vienna Transportation Pass (50€)
• Airfare

• Courses
• Credit/Grading Policy & Pre-Approved Courses

• BCA
• Uni-Marburg
• Application
• Scholarships
• Parents

For more information, contact:

Jeremy Doughty
Study Abroad Advisor