Wheaton in Germany

This information is based on the most recent offering of the program and will be updated when offered next.

Program Overview

Wheaton in Germany is a summer study program enabling students to build their language proficiency in German, deepen their learning through visits to sites of historical interest, and develop their intercultural competence through interactions with native speakers. Based in Munich and Berlin, the program also includes side travel to other German cities and Vienna, Austria.

  • Sponsoring Department: Modern and Classical Languages
  • Director: Dr. Melissa Elliot, Assistant Professor of German
  • Term: Summer 2023
  • Anticipated Program Dates:  Domestic: May 8-15, 2023; International May 16-July 8, 2023
  • Final Cost: $6,237 (airfare not included)
  • Prerequisites: Students must have fulfilled the core competency requirement in German (GERM 201 or the equivalent) and/or have successfully completed at least one 300-level course. 
    Given the linguistic focus of the program, foreign language substitution accommodations cannot be offered.
  • Eligibility: Wheaton students in good standing who meet basic German language prerequisites and other program expectations.
  • Highlights: Students develop their proficiency in German while deepening their understanding of German history and contemporary culture. Intentional interactions with Christians in Germany from a wide variety of confessional/ecclesial backgrounds have been a key component of the Wheaton in Germany program since its inception in 1977. Students participate in worship in both "free" and "established" church congregations, and they engage practicing Christians from many walks of life in home stay settings, group activities, and service learning placements.

Program offering is subject to internal approval, minimum enrollment, and ongoing evaluation of local conditions, including enhanced health and safety reviews.

Course Offerings

All students register for 8 credit hours, taking a course in German language and cultural history and completing an internship:

  • GERM 343: "What is German?" (4 credit hours)
    A survey of cultural periods and developments in German-speaking Europe from early beginnings in the Holy Roman Empire to the present-day Berlin Republic with special focus on the question of German national identity. This course will investigate a variety of cultural artifacts including short prose texts, poetry, dramatic performances, film clips, select artworks, and architectural examples.
    Prerequisite: GERM 341 or 342
    Meets Global Perspectives [GP] / Historical Perspectives [HP] Thematic Tags
  • GERM 496: Internship (4 credit hours)
    Approximately 160 hours of internship work with a German host organization. All internship placements are arranged in advance by the program leader; students will be involved in special projects, social service, and/or discipline-specific service learning in a language immersion setting.

German majors completing the program will satisfy the study abroad requirement.

Program Fees

The estimated program fee covers tuition for eight credit hours, all administrative fees, orientation materials, on-campus room and board (3 meals per day, Monday - Friday only), lodging while overseas (with breakfast), a daily meal allowance to offset lunch and dinner costs, local transportation, all group excursions and land travel in Germany and Austria, and museum entrance fees. There will be several group meals that are covered by the program.

Additional Anticipated Expenses: Students will be responsible for international airfare, textbooks, lunch and dinner most days, local transportation (transit pass) and meals during internship, and any personal expenses/souvenirs.

ExpenseEstimate
International airfare $1,600
Mealsp $400


*Estimated program fees are based on a minimum of five participants; final cost may vary slightly depending on the final itinerary, actual number of participants, and exchange rates in the spring of the year the program is run.

Learn More

If you have questions or would like to know more about the Wheaton in Germany program, contact Dr. Melissa Elliot for further information.

How to Apply

For more information and to apply, visit GoGlobal, Wheaton College's registration system for off-campus study and international travel, research, and internships.