Semester Programs

There is no better way to improve your German than a study abroad experience. You will not only improve your language skills but gain cultural competency, a huge asset in the global society of today.

Students of German may choose between a year-long stay, or spending just one semester abroad. The German program offers also a limited number of scholarships for studying abroad. Most existing financial aid and scholarships can be applied to tuition costs.

Exchange with the Fachhochschule Augsburg.

The Fachhochschule Augsburg (University of Applied Sciences Augsburg) specializes in educating students in the area of technology, business, and design. The Fachhochschule offers German language courses for non-native speakers of German prior to the beginning of the actual semester. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these language courses. A fee for the courses is charged, but students will receive UA credit for the language courses taken. As with every exchange, students participating pay tuition at The University of Alabama and room and board overseas.

For more information, visit the Capstone International Center website.

Prerequisite: Completion of German GN 202 or equivalent.

Exchange with the Universität Mannheim

The Universität Mannheim offers a full range of courses but is especially strong in business and economics. The university offers German language courses for non-native speakers of German prior to the beginning of the actual semester. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these language courses. A fee for the courses is charged, but students will receive UA credit for the language courses taken. As with every exchange, students participating pay tuition at The University of Alabama and room and board overseas.

For more information, visit the Capstone International Center website.

Prerequisite: Completion of German GN 202 or equivalent.

Exchange with the Alpen-Adria Universität Klagenfurt

The Alpen-Adria Universität Klagenfurt offers a full range of courses. The university offers intensive German language courses for non-native speakers of German prior to the beginning of the actual semester. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these language courses. The courses are free of charge, and students will receive UA credit for the language courses taken. As with every exchange, students participating pay tuition at The University of Alabama and room and board overseas.

For more information, visit the Capstone International Center website.

Prerequisite: Completion of German GN 202 or equivalent.

Exchange with the Freie Universität Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin
Freie Universität Berlin

The Freie Universität Berlin offers a full range of courses.  As with every exchange, students participating pay tuition at The University of Alabama and room and board overseas. The city of Berlin does not need any further introduction, it is one of the most exciting, and young cities in the world with numerous remnants of recent German history from the Topography of Terror about the Third Reich, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Remnants of the Berlin Wall, an immense cultural program, and a vibrant and world-famous club scene. No wonder that the number of young people moving from all parts of the world to Berlin is growing steadily.

For more information, visit the Capstone International Center website.

Prerequisite: Advanced knowledge of German. Completion of German GN 361 or equivalent.

Exchange with the Federation of German American Clubs

Every year since 1979, the Verband der Deutsch-Amerikanischen Clubs has provided at least one stipend for a student at the University of Alabama for a full academic year (September/October-July) at a German university of the student’s choice in Germany. This is a stipend, and participating students do not pay tuition at The University of Alabama, but can transfer course credit earned in Germany for their UA degree. This generous stipend covers living expenses and fees abroad. Students are nominated by the German program but may express their interest in filling out an application form.

Prerequisite: Advanced proficiency in German is required, and junior standing recommended; open to students majoring in German. Students are nominated by the German program.

For more information on this specific scholarship please contact Dr. Rasma Lazda at rlazda@ua.edu.

More Information

  • With the exception of Mannheim, the academic year in Austria and Germany runs from September–July.
  • Fall semester classes begin with language courses in September and regular classes from October–February.
  • Spring semester classes begin with language courses in March and regular classes from April–July.
  • If you decide on spending only one semester abroad, the spring semester is preferable, unless you intend to study in Mannheim.

For more information on studying in Germany or Austria, contact Dr. Matthew Feminella at mfeminella@ua.edu.

You may also contact the international programs adviser in the Capstone International Center, 135 BB Comer Hall. Capstone International can advise you further on the logistics of the exchange.