Semester or Year in Germany


Image of City in Germany
Spend a semester or academic year in Germany through ISEP or MAUI-Utrecht.
Location: Germany
Language of Instruction: GermanEnglish
Program Type: Semester or Academic Year
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

ISEP and MAUI-Utrecht are total immersion programs. In most cases, ISEP and MAUI-Utrecht participants register as a regular student at the host institution, take the same courses and have the same assignments, and participate in the same activities as the local students at that institution. This means that a student applying for an ISEP or MAUI-Utrecht site must be more proactive and prepared to handle being in a location where they may be the only KU student in the program.

"A Time to Make Friends" is Germany’s motto as host of the 2006 Soccer World Cup. It simultaneously describes one of the biggest benefits of the many immersion programs available to ISEP and MAUI-Utrecht students in Germany.

Germany’s diversity is best explored by experiencing the country firsthand, the old and the new: gothic cathedrals vs. 21st century skyscrapers; Oktoberfest, Carnival and Christkindl markets vs. the Documenta art fair and Love Parade; soccer worship vs. the deep appreciation for museums, opera houses, theater and literature.



Official Name: Federal Republic of Germany

Population: 81.8 million

Official Language: German

Capital: Berlin

Largest Cities: Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Dresden, Frankfurt

Currency: Euro

An ISEP Student’s Costs to Germany Include the Following:

  • A program fee determined by and paid to your home institution (check with home institution)
  • A placement fee charged by ISEP
  • Health insurance (German National + ISEP MEDEX/MER)
  • Travel, passport and visa fees
  • Books and pocket money
  • Fees of optional study tours

The eight ISEP member universities in Germany are located in 5 of the Federal Republic’s 16 Länder (states) and offer a large variety of excellent academic programs as well as intensive German language courses.

Chances of placement in Germany are generally excellent. Students are encouraged to be flexible and to select as many study sites as possible. Students should indicate on their ISEP application if they wish to enroll in a language course prior to or during the exchange.

A MAUI-Utrecht Student's Costs to Germany Include the Following:

  • A program fee determined by and paid to your home institution (check with home institution)
  • Health insurance 
  • Travel, passport and visa fees
  • Books and pocket money
  • Social/Transportation fee

MAUI-Utrecht has two programs located in Germany: one in Bochum and one in Leipzig

ISEP Universities:

Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen
Karlshochschule International University
Katholische Universität Eichstätt - Ingolstadt
Philipps-Universität Marburg
Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig
Technische Universität Dortmund
Universität Bielefeld
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universität Hannover
Universität Trier

MAUI-Utrecht Universities:

Ruhr Universität Bochum​
Universität Leipzig

For the MAUI-Utrecht programs, most classes will be taught in German, but there are a few majors that include courses instructed in English. For Ruhr in Bochum, only English and American Studies are taught in English, but there may be a few classes in other disciplines that are taught in English as well. For more information, view the International Course Catalog (.pdf). For the University in Leipzig, only American Studies and the International Physics Studies Program are instructed in English. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.

Considerations for Germany

Germany has laws in place to protect ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, the differently abled, and other groups. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany and most large city governments officially encourage and host LGBTQIA+ pride events.  Most German universities have student groups and community organizations to support LGBTQIA+ students.

Germany’s cities and public transportation are generally accessible to individuals with disabilities.  Older sections of the cities and smaller towns may be less accessible due to centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and small indoor spaces. Germany offers services for people who are mobility, sight, or hearing impaired.

Source: U.S. Department of State country information pages and Diversity Abroad.

Additional Resources

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Drs. Dean T. and Elisabeth Collins Scholarship

Fund created by estate gift from the late Dean and Elisabeth Collins. Awards up to $10,000 for students on semester or $20,000 for year long programs to Germany.  Open to all majors but preference for students studying music and particularly opera. Minimum 2.5 GPA requirement. To apply, view the Collins Scholarship Application.

For More Information:

For more information about ISEP, contact Kaitlyn Johnson at k.johnson@ku.edu or stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott. 

Please contact Jenna Hunter-Skidmore for more information at jmhunter@ku.edu or stop by the Study Abroad Info Center in 105 Lippincott. (MAUI-Utrecht)

For more information regarding costs and deadlines, please contact the program coordinator.