Exchange Agreement

Tübingen, Germany

Who?

You must have completed German 204 (fourth semester German), but most successful applicants have completed higher-level courses.
You must be a junior (start inquiring freshman and sophomore years). A GPA of 3.0 is required.
You must be approved by the German section. This does NOT mean that you must be a German major or minor, but you should be enrolled in German courses every semester before departure. Students from all fields have studied a full year in Tübingen and graduated ON TIME.

What?

A full academic year of study at the Eberhard-Karls-Universität in Tübingen, Germany, including the following three components of study:
Language and Orientation Program (September 1 - October 10*): A program for incoming foreign students sponsored by Tübingen University. The program, which takes place in Tübingen and the charming village of Blaubeuren, helps prepare you for life at a German university. Successful completion of this program allows you to earn three elective credits towards a German major or minor (before the first semester even gets started!)

Wintersemester (October 15 - February 15*): You may register for courses sponsored by the foreign student office (Internationale Sprachprogramme) and/or you may register for regular lectures and seminars in various departments of the university. You will select your courses based on your major, minor or general education requirements at Valpo. Careful planning with your academic advisor and/or your German professor before you leave for Tübingen is crucial.

Sommersemester (April 20 - July 20*): Again, you may register for courses sponsored by the foreign student office and/or the regular university departments.
* dates are approximate

Where?

Tübingen is a town of about 75,000 located in the southwestern part of Germany, near the major city of Stuttgart. The town is located on the Neckar River between the Black Forest and the Swabian Jura, both areas of geographical interest and beauty. The town’s center, where most university classes meet, is also beautiful since it has preserved its medieval character. Most houses are half-timbered and many date to the 16th century.
Students are housed in modern dormitories similar to those one would find at Valparaiso University, or more commonly, in Wohngemeinschaften (living communities) in which the student has a single room but shares a common kitchen, bathroom, and living area with 4-11 other students. Many students choose to eat their main meal each day in the government-subsidized (and therefore reasonably-priced) cafeterias.

How?

Consult with the Director of International Studies, your academic advisor, and with one of the German professors as early as possible. Freshman year is not too early to begin thinking about studying in Tübingen. With careful planning you can be sure that your Tübingen courses are courses you will need at Valpo for your major, minor or general education, and that you will complete your degree program in four years.

Your decision to apply to the program should be made early in the sophomore year so that the appropriate application materials can be sent to Tübingen in time to reserve dormitory space.

How Much?

Air fare: Students can expect to spend in the neighborhood of $1200-$1400 for travel to and from Germany. Many of the discount flights described in newspapers are not useful for the Tübingen program, since they are for short-term stays.

Tuition and General Fee: Students pay the same tuition and general fee they would pay in Valparaiso. Any scholarships or other awards a student has are valid during the Tübingen year, except work-study and other “on-campus” aid.

Room and Board: Instead of the VU room and board, you pay the Tübingen room and board. Typically, a single room currently costs 225-300 EURO (check the rate of exchange for the Dollar equivalent) per month. Meal costs will typically be lower than at Valpo since the German government heavily subsidizes cafeteria costs for university students; however, some students prefer to prepare all their meals in the dormitories.

Language and Orientation Program: The fee for the five-week orientation program is paid for through the generosity of the Max Kade Foundation (as long as Valparaiso’s funding relationship with the Max Kade Foundation continues).

Scholarship Opportunities: Students accepted into the program will be considered for the Henry and June Giebel Study Abroad Scholarship. Students are encouraged to apply for the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship and the DAAD Undergraduate Scholarship.

Medical Insurance: German medical insurance is mandatory for exchange students, and it costs 60 EURO per month. But it IS possible to get an exemption from this if you present a letter from your U.S. insurance company, together with your insurance card, once you arrive in Tübingen.

Spending Money: Count on spending at least as much as you do in Valpo for miscellaneous educational and living expenses, and then add on for any travel you might plan.  While a variety of Eurail passes are available, recently returned students found the BahnCard 50 (50% discounts on all train tickets for travel within Germany) a better deal. For trips to other countries, many students are using airlines, such as Ryan Air, that offer very cheap flights. It’s a personal decision how you decide to travel.

Contact Us:

Dr. Bjornstad Associate Professor of German Meier 124 x 5277
Dr. DeMaris Professor of German Meier 118 x 5344
Dr. Malchow Assistant Professor of German Meier 106 x 5765
Dr. McGuigan Director, International Studies Meier 137 x 5333

VU International Studies Office: studyabroad@valpo.edu

Tübingen

website: http://www.tuebingen.de/
Tübingen's online newspaper, the Schwaebisches Tagblatt: http://www.tagblatt.de/

Apply now!

Download an application in Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word format. Fill out and return to the International Studies Office. It's that simple!