Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany

Spring Semester 2008 closed

20 weeks (late March to late July)

Sponsored by the Department of Linguistics and German, Slavic, Asian and African Languages in the College of Arts & Letters

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

This semester-length program offers a quality study abroad experience to students interested in living and studying in Germany but unable to do so for an entire academic year. At least five semesters of German language study (GRM 301or the equivalent) is required for participation, and all courses in Jena are taught in German.

The Friedrich Schiller University in Jena is a major comprehensive university that offers courses across a wide spectrum of fields and disciplines. Students interested in German language, literature, and culture are particularly encouraged to apply, and course work in German taken in Jena can be applied to the German major. Courses in international relations, European history, international business and business communication, and political science may also be of special interest to more advanced MSU German majors. Students with less language preparation will generally take coursework in German language and culture.

Where does it take place?

The historically important city of Jena (population 200,000) is located in eastern Germany near other cultural centers such as Erfurt, Eisenach, and Weimar (Europe's "Cultural City" in 1999). Much of the cultural and intellectual life of Jena revolves around the university and its faculty and students. The city is currently undergoing major renovation and new construction in the aftermath of German unification.

Like the city itself, Friedrich Schiller University (FSU) is engaged in an impressive modernization program. The university has recently opened several new buildings, including a new central library, with classrooms, auditoriums, office space, and state-of-the-art computer labs available to students. A new student center with a cafeteria has also been recently completed. FSU's International Center (Akademisches Auslandsamt) oversees and coordinates all aspects of the study abroad experience for MSU students, including orientation, course registration, student visas, etc.

Incoming MSU students are individually assigned a mentor before arrival in Jena. This German mentor will take up e-mail contact with the MSU partner and assist the students with their housing and academic matters in Jena.

What can I study?

FSU offers coursework in a full range of academic disciplines. Since all courses are taught in German, however, MSU students may wish to concentrate on German language, culture, literature, history, and current events. Students with more advanced German language ability are free to choose courses in other fields. If credit is sought toward an MSU major other than German, advanced approval must be obtained from that department.

All students are required to participate in a one-week orientation program for international students on site prior to the start of the semester. The program includes language placement, an introduction to German culture and student life, and advising and orientation. The orientation is intended to ensure that students adapt well to their surroundings and make the most of their time in Germany.

Students must contact an advisor in the MSU German program prior to departure for advisement about suitable courses and course equivalents. Each student will prepare a “Learning Agreement” with the German advisor. This agreement will list the courses the student plans to take in Jena and should be presented to advisors in Jena.

Students are required to enroll in a minimum of twelve (12), maximum of fifteen (15) semester credits during the program.

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.

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 Reigistrar - 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?

Students must have a strong commitment to learning about and living in the academic and cultural environment of Germany and have at least five semesters of college-level German (GRM 301 or equivalent) to participate in this program. A minimum GPA of 2.5 overall and 3.0 in German is also required. Furthermore, German universities require that American students have junior class standing (60 credit hours) by the time of registration.

Additionally, students must submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

It is recommended students complete their IAH requirements before participating in this program.

This program is open to MSU students only (in any major).

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 assigned single rooms by FSU's International Office (Auslandsamt). Rooms may be in dormitories, hotels, or private homes. Students will have access to kitchen facilities and may choose to do their own cooking. FSU also offers inexpensive meals six days a week at various student cafeterias.

All housing in Jena is within a convenient streetcar or bus ride to the FSU campus. Many students prefer to purchase a bicycle upon arrival.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Professor George Peters
Department of Linguistics and Germanic, Slavic, Asian and African Languages
A 615 Wells Hall
Phone: (517) 353-4860

Elizabeth Plagwitz
Office of Study Abroad
109 International Center
Phone: (517) 432-9544

You can also log-on to FSU's Web site.

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 twelve weeks are 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.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

Students studying at UAS will need a visa (Aufenthalsterlaubnis). The FSU International Office or mentor will assist students in obtaining their visa upon arrival in Jena. Alternatively, students may apply for a visa in advance through the German Consulate in the U.S. once they have received formal acceptance into the program.

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 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?

Funds paid directly by the student include:

Excluding MSU tuition and fees, an estimated total for these costs is $3,964 per semester.

The program fee of $106 (Spring Semester 2008) covers pre-departure orientation and requisite accident and sickness insurance.

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

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.)

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

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.

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 October 15th for spring semester 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, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

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 October 15th for spring semester participation. 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 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.

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.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

What's next?
Come to a study abroad fair
Talk with a Peer Adviser
Read program evaluations
Attend an info meeting
Apply online
Additional Resources...
Office of Financial Aid	252 Student Services http://www.finaid.msu.edu
MSU Travel Clinic	East Circle Drive http://travelclinic.msu.edu
Academic Advisers	http://www.msu.edu/common/academic/units.html
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities	120 Bessey Hall http://www.rcpd.msu.edu
Area Studies Centers	International Center http://www.isp.msu.edu
MSU Global Access	Information about the world -- its regions and peoples and important international issues International Center http://www.msuglobalaccess.net/
OSA contact info:	Office of Study Abroad Michigan State University 109 International Center East Lansing, MI 48824-1035 Phone: (517) 353-8920 Fax: (517) 432-2082 Email: studyabroad@osa.msu.edu

Return to the Study Abroad Home Page