Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (Münster, Germany)

Highlights

• Study in Münster - a city well-known for its university, numerous bicycles, and historical highlights
• Improve your German language proficiency by studying at Germany's third largest university - one of the centers of German intellectual life
• The International Office provides support and facilitates activities to ensure genuine cultural immersion
• Explore the rich culture of Germany (for free with your Semesterticket) and travel with ease throughout Europe

Overview

St. Norbert College partners with Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster (WWU) to offer students a study abroad experience that completely immerses them in German culture. Founded in 1780, WWU is one of the leading universities in Germany. Spread throughout the city, the university offers 15 faculties to approximately 40,000 students, of which 3,500 are international students. Münster's large academic community (one out of every five residents is a student) influences the lifestyle and leisure activities in the city.

An exchange agreement is maintained with WWU, meaning that St. Norbert College is home to a Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) from Münster each year. When St. Norbert students study in Münster, they are assisted by a former FLTA who acts as a site coordinator to help students negotiate the German university system and to introduce them to German culture.

Münster was founded in the year 805 and became well-known in 1648 when the Thirty Years War ended as a result of a peace treaty signed in the town hall. Culturally, the city offers students a genuine opportunity to experience German culture, with various museums, theaters, cinemas, traditional pubs, festivals, and lively squares. Münster is also a "green" city, with the castle park, the botanical gardens, and the promenade (a tree-lined ring around the city). Also, nearly everyone owns a bike, making Münster the bicycle capital of Germany. 

Orientation

At the start of each semester, the International Office organizes a Welcome Week for all ERASMUS and exchange students. During this orientation week, students are introduced to all necessary formalities and facilities for studying and living in Münster. The ERASMUS team at the International Office also organizes a tutoring program for new ERASMUS and exchange students.

Coursework

• Language: German

Students work closely with Dr. Nicolas Humphrey to develop an academic plan that coincides with the German major. Generally, students take an intensive pre-sessional German class during their first month, after which they enroll in four (4) university classes. One of the benefits of studying at a large, public Germany university is the vast selection subject areas that are taught.

During the semester, the ERASMUS team organizes extracurricular activities, such as weekly meetings, excursions, parties, dinners, and movie nights. The Language Center, or Sprachzentrum, also organizes a variety of activities and events for ERASMUS and exchange students. For example, in the language tandem program, exchange students meet with German students in order to converse in both languages and to learn from one another.

Accommodations

A variety of single residence halls are available and can be booked online at the Studentenwerk Münster website. Students live in residence halls with German and international students.

Meals are not provided, but students have access to kitchen facilities, grocery stores, bistros and cafés, and reasonably priced student restaurants, such as Mensa am Aasee and Mensa II.

Calendar

Due to the German academic calendar, this program is available only in the spring.

• Sommersemester 2012: April 1 - July 13, 2012
  • Lectures: April 2 - July 13, 2012
  • Holiday: May 29 - June 02, 2011

Have you ever thought about studying abroad for two semesters? Since the program at WWU is an exchange, you have the option of applying all of your financial aid to two semesters of off-campus study. Combine the program in the Münster with any program of your choice.

Admissions

• Nomination by Dr. Humphrey 
• German major
• 3.0 cumulative GPA
• 3.5 cumulative GPA in the German major

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
• $400 Study Abroad Fee

Fees Include

• Tuition
• SNC Study Abroad Health Insurance
• On-site Coordinator 

Additional Expenses

• Social Fee (€200)
• Housing 
• Meals

Links

• Uni-Münster
• International Office
• Application
• Housing Application (click Wohnen)
• Die Brücke: Internationales Zentrum der WWU

For more information, contact:

Jeremy Doughty
Study Abroad Advisor