Combine a business degree with comprehensive language and culture studies in German!

This coordinated certificate program consists of integrated language and business studies at the Terry College of Business, the Department of Germanic & Slavic Studies, and the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg. The program includes one or two exchange semesters at Nuremberg , Germany.

Overview

The Certificate in Business and Political German is an interdisciplinary program integrating the study of business and language that is aimed at students who want to combine an undergraduate degree in Business with extensive German language and business studies. The program is designed to enable students to acquire proficiency in German, competency in the interpretation of German culture and business affairs, and experience studying abroad.

The exchange is either for spring semester, running from April to late July, or the full academic year, running from October to July. In either case, students will enroll in a four-week-long orientation course for incoming international students. This course is offered each September and March and is essential for getting international students accustomed to German university life and culture. During the spring semester, UGA students will participate in a week-long competitive business simulation (Planspiel) with other German students.

The Certificate program is a collaborative effort of the University of Georgia's Department of Germanic & Slavic Languages , the Terry School of Business, and the Law School and School of Business and Economics* at the Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) , located about two hours north of Munich in the state of Bavaria, Germany.

* The School of Business and Economics goes by the abbreviation ReWi which stands for Rechts-und Wirtschaftswissenschaften (Law and Business Studies).

Both the BBA and the Certificate in Business and Political German can be earned in four years.

Eligibility

The ReWi exchange is particularly well-suited for German students with a double major in international business because many ReWi business courses are taught in English. Students with a major in international affairs, history etc. are also eligible.

If you plan on applying to the Terry School of Business, you should talk with Dr. DiBella or Dr. Kagel about your plans to participate in the exchange program. Your application will receive full consideration while your participation will still be contingent upon our acceptance into Terry College.

Requirements

To earn the certificate, business students must first complete several German courses at the University of Georgia , including at least one course focusing on German business and politics. Once they have taken residence in the twin cities of Erlangen-Nürnberg, students participate in a mandatory orientation course in Erlangen , study German and Business for one or two semesters in Nuremberg , and enroll in the business simulation class (Planspiel) in the spring semester.

Students will be able to transfer credit earned throughout their studies in Germany both toward their business and German degrees. The number and kind of credits will be determined on an individual basis.

It is recommended that you have been to a German-speaking county before, preferably for an extended period of time. Strong language skills and familiarity with German culture will make the transition into German university life a lot easier.

Certificate Requirements in Detail
To earn the Certificate, German students must satisfy the following requirements:

Upon return to the States, all program participants are strongly encouraged to take the WIDaF Deutsch als Fremdsprache in der Wirtschaft (Certificate for Professional German) developed by the German-French Chamber of Commerce. This examination is offered by our department typically once a year. For details, please contact Dr. Sager.

Credits

UGA students earn credits for the Language and Orientation Course, Planspiel, and courses taken during the summer semester. The later consist of Business classes taught in English or German, as well as German language classes.

ReWi, the business school located in Nürnberg, offers a wide selection of business classes regularly taught in English. Sometimes discussion and tutoring sessions will be conducted in German. UGA students are strongly encouraged to also attend business classes taught in German. In contrast to the U.S, most classes meet only 1-2 times weekly. Most students take therefore 5-7 classes during the semester. They take some for credit ( Leistungsschein ), others to round off of their studies ( Sitzschein ) without a formal examination. Most classes have just one exam at the end of the semester.

This ReWi-website contains information about content and structure of the German Bachelor in International Business.

The amount and kind of possible credit is outlined below: 

Please keep in mind that the kind and amount of credit being granted for your studies abroad is evaluated on an individual basis.

Terry College of Business Transfer Credit

The following table lists some of the ReWi courses and their Terry College of Business course equivalent. For further questions, please contact Ms. Sally Vandiver ( SVandiver@terry.uga.edu , 542-3904)

** courses transferring in as 4T** will need to be discussed with your advisor for how it counts in your degree program

Accommodations

Students stay in dormitories, typically in Nuremberg . These are usually single dorm rooms, and cost between 180 Euro to 250 Euro/month without electricity. The rental contract runs until the end of September and cannot be shortened. A deposit is mandatory.

Cost and Scholarships

Cost

You have to formally apply at OIE for the exchange program and pay a fee of $ 125.

You continue paying tuition while on the exchange. You may use your HOPE scholarship for that. However, you are responsible for any portion of your tuition which is not covered by HOPE. Since you are enrolled in a UGA Program, you can utilize all of the same financial aid that you would qualify for on campus. Examples include federal financial aid, state financial aid, UGA scholarships and most outside scholarships, including the HOPE Scholarship.

Air fare is about $ 1200 round-trip.

Your dormitory room costs between 180 Euro to 250 Euro/month without electricity.

While in Germany , you have student status and can benefit from reduced rates for public transportation, admission fees etc. Complete meals at the student cafeteria ( Mensa ), for instance, range from € 2 - 5 Euro M-F (lunch only). Dinner can cost € 8-10 (without drinks) in a sit-down restaurant.

Keep in mind that the exchange rate can vary tremendously.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

In the past, we were able to offer departmental Kicklighter Travel Grants. Due to budget restraints, this was not possible during the 2008 - 2009 school year. Please check our departmental web page for updates.

Application

Please meet with Dr. DiBella ( dibella@uga.edu ; 542-0814) to discuss your interest in applying.

1) To be accepted, you have to submit a letter of intent which outlines your general academic preparation and objectives as well as your specific rationale for participating in this exchange program. Please include a statement how you view this summer semester abroad as a major part of the certificate program in business and political German. Please enclose a recent transcript.

2) Submit exchange program application to OIE by Sept. 1