The Region Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany is bordered by France and Switzerland. The region enjoys Germany's mildest climate and includes a mix of cosmopolitan centers and modern industrial/technical areas, medieval towns and vacation resorts, vineyard-covered hills, the mountains of the Black Forest and the ancient volcanoes of Hohentwiel. The region provides a wide range of cultural and recreational activities: you can hike in the Odenwald, taste wine from the Kaiserstuhl, tour the Porsche factory, celebrate the "Ball der Vampire" in Heidelberg, shop at the farmer's market on Freiburg's Münsterplatz, ski in the Black Forest, sail on Lake Constance, and discover the works of Otto Dix in the new Kunstmuseum in Stuttgart.

The Universities

Baden-Württemberg is home to the oldest, most renowned and prestigious universities in Germany. The Baden-Württemberg Program encompasses nine universities in the state of Baden-Württemberg: Freiburg, Heidelberg, Hohenheim, Karlsruhe, Konstanz, Mannheim, Stuttgart, Tübingen, and Ulm.

It offers study in virtually all academic disciplines. The program is administered by the UMass Amherst International Programs Office which offers a pre-departure orientation in Amherst. In addition, our program center in Freiburg offers a two-day on-site orientation program, and our Resident Assistant Director will support and advise students on all aspects of life in Germany during their stay.

Program Administration

The program is administered by the UMass Amherst International Programs Office which offers a pre-departure orientation in Amherst. In addition, our program center in Freiburg offers a two-day on-site orientation program, and our Resident Assistant Director will support and advise students on all aspects of life in Germany during their stay.

Housing

Students live in dormitories, all of which have kitchen facilities and single rooms. Prices for dormitory rooms range from Euro 180-350 per month.

Curriculum

Prior to the official start of the semester the German universities sponsor a mandatory language and culture course for new, international students. This introductory language and culture course consists of a grammar review, composition exercises, practice in text analysis, oral comprehension and speaking exercises, as well as an introduction to university life.

Course Enrollment

During the semester, Baden-Württemberg Program participants enroll directly in German university courses, either regular courses in their major and/or courses in German for foreign students. Many of the universities offer a variety of courses taught in English. Actual course offerings are determined shortly before the start of each semester.