Summer 2009

12 weeks (early May to mid July)

Sponsored by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering in the College of Engineering

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Since 1992, the College of Engineering at Michigan State University has had a formal agreement with the University of Kaiserslautern for the exchange of students.  This allows MSU students majoring in  engineering to study in Germany for a complete semester starting in May and ending in late July. 

In addition, adequate time remains after the Germany summer semester program for travel throughout Europe before returning to MSU for the fall semester.

Where does it take place?

Kaiserslautern is located in Rheinland-Pfalz, a forested region of western Germany near the Rhine River. 
Situated near the cities of Frankfurt, Heidelberg and Strasbourg (France), the region has profited greatly from its geographical location. The extensive modernized network of highways, rail connections, and major waterways, as well as the state's proximity to three economically powerful centers - the Rhine-Main, Rhine-Neckar and Rhine-Ruhr regions - has created optimal framework conditions for its development into one of Germany's most dynamic regions.

Rheinland-Pfalz is also one of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany - dotted with castles and immersed in legend - the Rhine Valley has been praised by countless poets, painters and musicians.  The other tributaries of the Rhine - the Nahe, Lahn and Ahr rivers - are likewise very scenic regions.

With an enrollment of approximately 8,000 students, the University of Kaiserslautern offers engineering students ideal preparation for their future careers with state-of-the-art equipment and an excellent infrastructure including libraries, laboratories and a computing center.  Numerous renowned research facilities are also located directly on the campus including the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence, the Institute for Composite Materials, Fraunhofer Facilities for Experimental Software Engineering, Techno-Mathematics and Mathematics for Economists.  Additionally, the campus offers a broad range of sports and cultural activities including concerts, theater, films and exhibitions.

What can I study?

Current course options allow students to enroll in a minimum of seven (7) credits, maximum of twelve (12).  Courses are chosen from three or four available engineering courses taught in English and a required course, “German Language and Culture for Foreigners” taught in German.  IAH is also available.

Engineering courses include:

• electromagnetics
• communication systems
• digital signal processing
• independent study

This is a co-sponsored program. Credit may be awarded for certain courses as regular MSU credit rather than transfer credit.  These courses will be listed on your official MSU transcript and will include the title of the course abroad, the number of credits and the grade earned. For further details about this policy, visit the student webpage.

Contact the study abroad program coordinator listed below to learn more about available courses.To find out what courses other students have taken on the program and what MSU courses they might replace, visit Transfer MSU and Office of the Registrar - Co-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs. Courses listed may not be offered every semester, and additional courses may be available during the semester you plan to participate.

What are the requirements?

Selection for this program is based on an applicant’s academic performance, progress in his/her major, and adaptability to the German education system.  Preference will be given to students who have achieved junior standing by fall semester.  All students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least a 3.2 at the time of application.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Students are housed in on-campus and off-campus apartments.  Rent is paid directly in Germany by Michigan State University.  A security deposit is required but will be refunded provided no damage/problems occur.

Meals can be taken at the university cafeteria Monday through Friday.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Maggie Blair-Ramsey
Engineering Study Abroad
1108 Engineering Building
Phone:  (517) 432-2012

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations or medications for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

See the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook for further health information and recommendations.

How much does it cost?

The program fee in 2008 was $1,439 and included the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $5,250 (US08).  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university.  If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadline to apply for these scholarships is March 1st for summer programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

The College of Engineering also offers scholarships to engineering majors.  Applications are available in 1108 Engineering Building.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by March 1st for summer programs.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.