Summer University in Stuttgart, Germany
- Spend 6 weeks in the heart of Europe studying German language and culture.
- Earn 8 hours of academic credit.
- Experience authentic life in Stuttgart by living with a German host family.
- Visit famous German companies such as Porsche, Bosch, and Mercedes-Benz.
- Program includes optional weekend excursions to the Black Forest, Ulm (Albert Einstein's hometown), Heidelberg, the Lake of Constance, and medieval towns and villages near Stuttgart.
Summer University in Stuttgart, Germany is an excellent opportunity for students who have had little or no exposure to German to experience immersion in the German language and culture in the heart of Europe. Students stay with a local host family and experience German life first hand. The program includes multiple excursions around the region including Freiburg and Heidelberg as well as interesting class visits to companies such as Mercedes Benz, Bosch, or Porsche and some of the many galleries and museums in this cultural hub of southwest Germany.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart (pop. 600,000) is the capital of the state of Baden – Württemberg in southwest Germany. It is a cultural center with a wealth of theaters and concert halls, a world-famous ballet, and a variety of museums and art galleries. Stuttgart is also one of the most important business and industrial centers of Germany. Many of Germany's renowned companies like Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, and Porsche have headquarters and manufacturing facilities here. In addition, Stuttgart is home to numerous smaller companies and industries as well as a number of large breweries and wineries.
Stuttgart is beautifully located in a lush valley surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. Despite being an industrial and manufacturing center, more than half of the city area is covered in forests, parks, and greenspaces. It is also the only city in Germany where vineyards are located within the urban core. Cafés, pubs, numerous biking trails, gardens, and large pedestrian shopping malls are part of the historic city center that create an engaging and easy going atmosphere in this one-of-a-kind city.
Close to France and Switzerland, Stuttgart is a short train or bus ride from many appealing destinations in Europe. Whether it’s the jaw-dropping Hohenzollern Castle nearby or the dramatic Swiss Alps a quick train ride away, Stuttgart offers ample opportunities for exploring Europe.
Universität Stuttgart
Founded in 1829, the University of Stuttgart (Universität Stuttgart) is relatively young in comparison to other German universities. Formerly a technical college, the University today offers a full range of social sciences and humanities, although it is still renowned for its Architecture and Engineering programs. The University has an enrollment of approximately 21,000 students split between its two campuses in Stuttgart. Summer University is organized by the University of Stuttgart’s Department of International Affairs.
Academic Program
Students will be in class Monday-Friday. All participants will take a beginning-level German language course (GERM 104 or GERM 108) each morning for four hours for 5 KU credits. An intermediate level German language course is also available. Students that have already taken a university-level German language class should contact the Study Abroad & Global Engagement Program Coordinator for credit information.
In the afternoon, students will spend two hours in one additional course taught in English for an additional 3 KU credits. Each of these courses will include integrated excursions. The selection of courses taught in English typically includes the following pre-approved courses:
- Art History: European Focus (approved as HA 305 at KU)
- Cross-Cultural Communication (approved as COMS 246 at KU)
- International Business (approved as IBUS 400 at KU)
- 20th Century Architecture (KU course equivalency TBD)
Stuttgart typically offers additional courses that vary from summer to summer; these courses can be taken with KU departmental approval.
Students will earn a total of 8 KU credits upon completion of the program.
Accommodations
Students live with German host families (or a single person household) for an authentic cultural experience. Host families are pre-screened and represent a cross-section of the German population. Host family accommodations are located throughout the Stuttgart metropolitan area. Students will fill out a housing questionnaire after acceptance to the program in order to assist with matching to an appropriate host family.
Host families provide breakfast during the week. All other meals are on your own, although many host families will invite you to dinner with the family as well. Low cost lunches are available in the university cafeteria during the week.
Optional Excursions
A number of additional Saturday excursions are also offered to places such as Tübingen, Heidelberg, Ulm, the Black Forest, the Lake of Constance, as well as medieval towns and villages that surround Stuttgart. Saturday excursions include transportation, entrance fees, guided tours, and lunch. A nominal additional registration fee is required.
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.
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.
Open to KU students from all majors with a minimum 2.75 GPA and sophomore standing.
This program is intended for students with little to no previous German language experience and is not recommended for German majors or minors.