Studying at a European university challenges American students academically, socially, and linguistically. Therefore, the Year of Study in Munich offers you an intensive academic and cultural orientation before the university semester begins. This presemester program lasts five weeks and on completion of the course work you will receive four credit hours.
Take a look at the basic pillars of the presemester program:
- Advanced German Grammar & Style
- After a placement test at the beginning of the presemester, you will attend the course that will improve your abilities most effectively. During four hours of daily class time, your language skills will be systematically improved in all relevant areas: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- Studying in Munich
- Studying in a university system that is very different from the American system takes some preparation. You will learn about practical issues like course selection, course registration and credits. At the end of the presemester, our Resident Director will support you in setting up your individual course schedule for the fall semester.
- Life in Munich
- Finding your way around a foreign city is exciting, but can be challenging at the same time. You will explore the wide range of activities (e.g. cultural offerings and sport attractions) that Munich has to offer in small groups and thereby easily learn your way around in the city. You can find more information in the Munich Life section.
- Intercultural Training
- Spending a year in Munich, also means living in a culture that might be completely new to you. During our “intercultural days”, we will focus on the most significant differences between the USA and Germany. This will help you to understand the codes and mysteries of the German culture.
- Munich Past & Present
- Munich is steeped in history and of landmark buildings and places. In several afternoon excursions, you will explore the city’s historical development from the Middle Ages to the present. By the end of the course, you will have produced your own city guide of Munich, complete with a variety of sketches, facts and background information.
- Germany’s Capital: A Trip to Berlin
- Having learned so much about Munich already, at the end of the presemester it’s time to explore another importan German city, Berlin, Germany’s capital. For seven days, you will have the opportunity to discover the new center of German political life and a city rich in history and culture.