The German Department encourages its students to study abroad through the
Education Abroad Program. In a world which is becoming increasingly globalized, exposure to other cultures can help students gain new perspectives and achieve a greater understanding of the world in which we live. College is an ideal time to take advantage of the opportunity to live abroad for a summer, a semester, or a year. In addition to developing your self-confidence, indepen- dence and perspectives, your international experience will benefit your career goals and/or graduate school opportunities.
EAP offers unparalleled opportunities to obtain the broader perspectives,
knowledge, and skills necessary to be effective professionally in our rapidly
changing global world. Possibilities are numerous to further your study of German, as well as innumerable other subjects.
The benefits of studying and living in Germany are tremendous. You can:
• Be introduced to past and present innovators in the fields of literature, the visual arts, music, philosophy and science: Goethe, Kafka, Richter, Mozart, Beethoven, Nietzsche, Marx, Freud, and Einstein;
• Study in a country that plays a vital role today in Europe’s intellectual, economic and cultural life;
• Experience the development of contemporary German cinema: Akin, Fassbinder, Becker, Tykwer, Wenders;
• Learn the EU language with the largest number of native speakers and the second-most common language on the internet;
• Live in a country that has had to reinvent itself after the disaster of World War II and the Holocaust;
• Learn firsthand about the “green” politics and the progressive measures to protect the environment; and
• Prepare for a career in an internationally competitive world.
Returning EAP students often describe their experience abroad as a life- changing and uniquely valuable one for future choices of professional and
personal goals.
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EAP offers a variety of short-term and year-long programs in multiple locations
in Germany. Language requirements vary for these programs; students should consult the EAP website. EAP programs in Germany include:
Immersion Programs
• Free University, Berlin
• Humboldt University, Berlin
• Technical University, Berlin
Intensive language and Culture
• University of Potsdam
There is also a European Studies program at the Free University in Berlin which has no prior language requirement. Study in Germany is recommended for German majors, but students may attend any EAP program if they are not intending to take courses for the major while abroad.
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While it is possible for students to go abroad at almost any point in their academic careers, the particular semester, summer or year that you study abroad depends on what courses you plan to take. Students interested in Language and Culture programs, or in fulfilling major preparation and General
Education requirements, can participate as early as their sophomore year.
Students wanting to fulfill upper-division major requirements should study
abroad during their junior or senior year and take classes that are taught in German if possible. Courses taught in English may be used to satisfy eight
units of UD elective courses for the major.
Keep in mind that at least 20 units of upper-division major coursework (or
12 upper-division minor units) must be completed in residence at UCSB along with other residence requirements. Consult an advisor in the College of Letters and Science for more information.
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All EAP students automatically earn UC credit for the work they complete abroad. However, the application of credit to major requirements is subject
to the discretion of the department and approval of the college.
The Department prefers to have its students take German 190, an advanced literature course, at UCSB. All other major requirements are open to substitution according to subject area, as follows:
Lower-division
Students may take the equivalent of
language levels 1-6 abroad.
Upper-division
Area A: Advanced/third year German
Area B: History & culture courses
Area C: Not recommended (Ger 190)
Area D: Phonetics, phonology and history of the language courses
Area E: German literature courses
Area F: Electives (two may be taught in English)
Please consult the Department Undergraduate Advisor.
What if I am a German Minor?
German minors are highly encouraged to learn German abroad by taking a
Language and Culture program that offers the equivalent of first or second
year language study. Please remember that 12 upper-division units for the
minor must be completed in residence at UCSB.
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Come by the EAP office at 2431 South Hall. Peer advisors who have recently
returned from studying abroad as well as staff advisors are eager to answer
your questions.
Consult the EAP web pages to see what programs best suit you. In addition to using the EAP Course Catalog, you should navigate to host universities’ web sites on the available links.
Go see your Undergraduate Advisor in the German department office, 6206
Phelps Hall. Make an appointment with an advisor in the College of Letters and
Science to discuss general education, residence and other requirements.
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Department of Germanic, Slavic and Semitic Studies
Phelps Hall 6206
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-4130
Phone: (805) 893-2131
www.gss.ucsb.edu
