German

Event Date: 

Monday, February 1, 2021 - 2:30pm
 

Study Abroad in Berlin, Germany

  

Living and Studying in Berlin
The German Department encourages its students to study abroad through the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP). In a world which is becoming increasingly globalized, exposure to other cultures can help students gain new perspectives and achieve a greater understanding of the world in which we live. College is an ideal time to take advantage of the opportunity to live abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. In addition to developing your self-confidence, independence and perspectives, your international experience will benefit your career goals and/or graduate school opportunities.
 
Why study abroad?

UCEAP offers unparalleled opportunities to obtain the broader perspectives, knowledge, and skills necessary to be effective professionally in our rapidly changing global world. Possibilities are numerous to further your study of German, as well as innumerable other subjects.

The benefits of studying and living in Germany are tremendous. You can:

  • Be introduced to past and present innovators in the fields of literature, the visual arts, music, philosophy and science: Goethe, Kafka, Richter, Mozart, Beethoven, Nietzsche, Marx, Freud, and Einstein;
  • Study in a country that plays a vital role today in Europe’s intellectual, economic and cultural life;
  • Experience the development of contemporary German cinema: Akin, Fassbinder, Becker, Tykwer, Wenders;
  • Learn the EU language with the largest number of native speakers and the second-most common language on the internet;
  • Live in a country that has had to reinvent itself after the disaster of World War II and the Holocaust;
  • Learn firsthand about the “green” politics and the progressive measures to protect the environment; and
  • Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world.

Returning UCEAP students often describe their experiences abroad as life-changing and uniquely valuable for future choices of professional and personal goals.
When should I study abroad?

While it is possible for students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular semester, summer or year that you study abroad depends on what courses you plan to take. Students interested in Language and Culture programs, or in fulfilling major preparation and General Education requirements, can participate as early as their sophomore year.

Students wanting to fulfill upper-division major requirements should study abroad during their junior or senior year and take classes that are taught in German if possible. Courses taught in English may be used to satisfy eight units of UD elective courses for the major.
Where should I study abroad?

UCEAP offers a variety of short-term and year-long programs across multiple universities in Germany. Language requirements vary for these programs; students should consult the UCEAP website. UCEAP programs in Germany include:

Immersion Programs

Intensive Language and Culture Program

Special Focus Programs

Study in Germany is recommended for German majors, but students may participate in any UCEAP program if they are not intending to take courses for the major while abroad.
What classes should I take?

All UCEAP students automatically earn UC credit for the work they complete abroad. However, the application of credit to major requirements is subject to the discretion of the department.

Students must take take German 190, an advanced literature course, at UCSB. German 190 is offered each spring quarter. All other major requirements are open to substitution according to subject area, as follows:

Lower-division
Students may take the equivalent of language levels 1-6 abroad.

Upper-division
Area A: Advanced/third year German
Area B: History & culture courses
Area C: Not recommended (Ger 190)
Area D: Phonetics, phonology and history of the language courses
Area E: German literature courses
Area F: Electives (two may be taught in English)

Please consult the Department Undergraduate Advisor.

What if I am a German Minor?

German minors are highly encouraged to learn German abroad by taking a Language and Culture program that offers the equivalent of first or second year language study. Please remember that 12 upper-division units for the minor must be completed in residence at UCSB.

Use Gaucho Credit Abroad to search for the types of credit (i.e. major, minor, GE areas, or electives towards graduation) that UCSB students received for courses taken on UCEAP. You can find more UCEAP courses in the UCEAP Course Catalog and additional course listings on UCEAP partner university/program websites.
How do I get started?

Academic Planning Form Tutorial

Gaucho Credit Abroad Database

 

February 1, 2021 - 2:38pm