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DUISBURG - UNIVERSITäT DUISBURG-ESSEN Program Level: Undergraduate/Graduate Number of Weeks/Term: 22 |
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- Background
- Location Information
- Program Dates
- Host Institution
- Academic Information
- Academic Disciplines
- Credit Transfer Information
- Eligibility Requirements
- Program Costs
- Housing and Meals
- Insurance
- Extracurricular Activities
- Climate
- VISA & Passport Information
- Your Next Steps
- Experiences of Former Students
- Contact Details
BACKGROUND
Georgia Tech (GT) has developed a number of overseas programs around the globe. These programs provide students with the opportunity to complete a portion of their academic programs in top-notch foreign universities that are partnered with GT. As a result of immersion in a foreign academic and cultural environment, students have the maximum opportunity to learn to operate effectively in an atmosphere that is wholly different from that of GT and the U.S.
LOCATION INFORMATION
Germany
Germany is one of the world's leading industrialized countries. Located in Europe, it is bordered to the north by the North Sea, Denmark, and the Baltic Sea, to the east by Poland and the Czech Republic, to the south by Austria and Switzerland, and to the west by France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Germany is a democratic parliamentary federal republic, made up of 16 states, which in certain spheres act independently of the federation. Germany was unified as a nation state during the Franco-Prussian War in 1871.
The Federal Republic of Germany is a member state of the United Nations, NATO, the G8 and the G4 nations, and is a founding member of the European Union. It is the European Union's most populous and economically most powerful member state.
Duisburg
Duisburg is situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, the German state with the highest population density (17 million). Duisburg is home to more than 500,000 inhabitants. Surrounded by traditional and modern industry, trade companies, and harbor facilities, Duisburg is a vibrant contrast of "the old" and "the new." Its city center is a harmonious combination of commercial, industrial, residential, shopping, and leisure facilities.
Located at the confluence of the rivers Rhine and Ruhr, Duisburg is often associated with heavy industry and the largest inland port in the world. However, only few people know that Duisburg is one of the oldest university towns in Germany. Duisburg's first university was officially opened in 1655 with the traditional four faculties of Theology, Philosophy, Law, and Medicine. After 163 years of existence, it was dissolved in 1818 in favor of the newly founded university in Bonn.
PROGRAM DATES
Academic Year: Early October - Early July
Spring Term: Early April - Early July
NOTE: Students may participate in this program for the spring or for a full academic year.
YEAR PROGRAM STARTED:
2003
HOST INSTITUTION ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Duisburg-Essen provides all the advantages of a relatively small university with many opportunities for close contact between students and faculty. Because of its standing in the international academic community, Duisburg-Essen has become a center for conferences and a meeting place for scientists and scholars from all over the world. In addition it its attractive location adjacent to a wooded area of the town, the university is close to the city center and easily accessible by bicycle or public transportation.
Today, about 15,000 students are enrolled in the University. 250 professors and 440 other full-time academic staff are engaged in research and teaching. In addition, there are 240 part-time lecturers and 675 members of the staff. With its 1,400 employees, the university contributes much to the Duisburg region's economy. At the end of 2003, the government of North Rhine-Westphalia decided to merge Gerhard-Mercator University (GMU) with the nearby University of Essen.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES
Subject Areas Available:
- Economics
- German
- International Affairs
- Management
- Mathematics
Language Information
Most courses are taught in German. Select courses are available in English. GT recommends that students complete at least 2 years of college level German or have the equivalent advanced/3000 level of skills before participating in this program.
Course Information
For detailed course information: click here
English course listing: click here
BEST Summer Program
Duisburg-Essen also offers a one-month summer program taught in English, which offers courses in Business Administration, Economics, and German language. There is also an option to participate in an internship in the Duisburg area for 4 weeks following the summer program. See the following web site for more information on the BEST Summer Program: click here. Top
CREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
Credit for courses taken as part of GT exchange programs is added as transfer credit on the GT transcript. Since it is important to know which kind of credit students will earn abroad as soon as possible, GT requires that courses be pre-approved for transfer. With a Foreign Credit Approval Form (available from OIE) in hand, and the credit transfer system information (listed below), students should submit course descriptions to the appropriate academic unit to request their approval. If taking Math classes, for example, then the student should go to the GT School of Mathematics to get permission for the courses to transfer to GT. If approved, the GT School of Mathematics signs the Foreign Credit Approval Form showing how the courses will transfer so that students will know which type of credit they should expect to receive.
For detailed credit transfer instructions click here
For the Foreign Credit Approval Form click here
CREDIT TRANSFER SYSTEM
This information is intended for undergraduates students only. Graduate students must speak with their academic unit to to determine the acceptance of transfer credits.
Duisburg uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS):
1.4 ECTS credits = 1 GT credit
GRADING SYSTEM
Duisburg uses the ECTS grading system listed below:
Duisburg Grade = US Grade
A, B = A
C = B
D = C
E = D
FX, F = F
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
PROGRAM COSTS
Semester Program participants must pay tuition and fees to the GT Bursar for each semester they are abroad. No other expenses associated with this program are paid to GT; instead, these expenses are paid on site.
DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) created the Undergraduate Scholarship Program to support undergraduate US and Canadian students interested in studying, doing research, or completing an internship in Germany. The scholarship review committee is looking for students who are currently Sophomores or Juniors in any academic field, are seeking DAAD support for a 4-10 month period in Germany during the German academic year, and demonstrate an interest in contemporary German and European affairs and who explain the significance of their project in Germany to their future studies, research or professional goals. The application deadline is generally in late January for the following academic year. More information about this scholarship opportunity is available on the DAAD web site: click here
The currency in Germany is the Euro (EUR). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the newspaper or click here for the most current rates.
DON'T FORGET TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! See the OIE web site for more info: click here
Following are cost estimates for one semester at Duisburg-Essen that may help you prepare for your term(s) abroad. All costs are in USD.
(Cost chart under construction. Please contact the OIE for more cost information.)
In State Tuition $3,035 Out of State Tuition $3,285 GT Mandatory Fees $818 Books and Supplies $250 Administrative and/or Application fees $0 Miscellaneous (includes passport/visa fees, required field trips, local transportation and incidentals) $1,300 Roundtrip Airfare $1,500 Room and Board $2,625 Additional Language Instruction $0 Mandatory Insurance $150 Total $9,678 (in state) $9,928(out of state)
*Out-of-state students pay in state tuition, plus $250 for this exchange program.
*Costs in the preceding chart are estimates for undergraduates based on tuition rates posted by the GT Bursar for "continuing students." Guaranteed tuition rates, graduate tuition rates, and MBA tuition rates vary. Please check the GT Bursar's web site click here to confirm actual tuition rates based on degree, term, or level of study. Actual costs may be higher or lower than those listed above, depending on the exchange rate and personal spending habits/needs.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Housing
Different housing options are available to international students. These include dorms, subsidized student housing in the city, and youth hostels.
Meals
Meals are not offered as a part of the housing package but can be purchased on campus at cafeterias and at various local restaurants. Top
INSURANCE
Students participating in this program will be assessed $150 per semester for mandatory insurance coverage. You will be covered by T.W. Lord and Associates. For detailed information about this insurance plan, go to click here. This cost is included in the above cost estimates for the program.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Duisburg has over 25 student associations, organizations, and sporting clubs spanning a wide variety of interests. For more information regarding these student activities click here and click here. In addition, Duisburg-Essen offer students excellent sports and fitness facilities.
CLIMATE
Duisburg has a pleasant climate with warm summers, mild winters and an average annual rainfall of 30 inches each month. Average temperatures range from around 34ºF in January to 68ºF in July and August.
VISA AND PASSPORT INFORMATION
Complete information about how to apply for or renew a U.S. passport is available from the GT Office of International Education or online click here
U.S. citizens are allowed to stay in Germany for 90 days without a visa. For stays of more than 90 days, you must apply for a visa. For visa information, contact the German Consulate in Atlanta click here
YOUR NEXT STEPS
To begin the process of participating in this exchange, please do the following:
EXPERIENCES OF FORMER STUDENTS
click here
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ms. Becky Gunter, Semester Study Abroad Advisor
GT Office of International Education
631 Cherry Street
Savant Building, Suite 211
Atlanta, GA 30332-0284
Phone: (404)894-7475 Fax: (404)894-9682
E-mail: becky.gunter@oie.gatech.edu
OIE web site: click here
Host/Program Web Site: click here
Duisburg
Germany
Europe
Semester
22
12
German/English
For more info, contact OIE.
Can I go abroad while pursuing a GT degree?
GT students have many opportunities to participate in semester/exchange and study abroad programs. In a semester program, you actually take classes with the host university's students and faculty (in some cases, this means that you must have excellent knowledge of the local language to participate). Semester program participants usually pay normal GT tuition and fees for each term abroad. Credits can be pre-approved to transfer back to GT so that you do not get behind in your studies. The application deadline for fall and academic year programs is in early February; for spring programs, the deadline is in September/October.
In a study abroad program, the courses are taught by GT faculty and you register for regular GT courses. Residents pay normal matriculation fees, but do not pay ancillary fees (athletic, health, etc.). Non-residents only pay resident matriculation plus $250 ($1500 for GTL Summer/$2000 for GTL Spring/Fall) . This is a savings of over $6,000 for out-of-state students who participate in GT study abroad programs as full-time students! Deadlines for summer study abroad programs vary from early January to mid-February.
In most cases, if you are eligible for financial aid or scholarships, you can apply your grants, scholarships, and/or loans toward the expenses associated with participating in all GT programs.
GT's International Plan: More than just study abroad
Your major is participating in this new initiative!
The International Plan is an intensive, degree-long program designed to prepare GT graduates professionally and personally for successful lives in the 21st century. Requirements of the program include international coursework, two terms abroad (any combination of study, research or internship abroad), proficiency in a second language, and a culminating course. Students who complete the program will have a designation on their diploma indicating completion of the degree with global competence: for example, BS in Mechanical Engineering: International Plan. For more information or an application, contact your major advisor or OIE and visit the website: click here