Study Abroad (German Studies)

Study Abroad

Binghamton University offers inexpensive ways to immerse yourself in the culture of Austria and Germany while taking courses for regular Binghamton University credit. After two years of college German or the equivalent you can enroll in the Karl Franzens Universität Graz (KFU) program taught by regular KFU faculty. Or, after one year of college German, you may register in Graz for a mix of general education classes taught in English and German language classes. Students are quickly integrated into the University, paired in dorms with Austrian students and taken on a number of excursions, including to Vienna and Slovenia. In Graz, students are free to take courses in any field and have them count for regular credit at Binghamton or at other colleges and universities. Some scholarship support is available.

Students with advanced proficiency in German (ordinarily three years of language study) may study in Leipzig, Germany, taking courses in their major or double major. Programs in German studies, management, economics, and political science especially recommended. Some financial support is available.

For more information on studying abroad in Austria or Germany, contact Prof. Harald Zils: hzils@binghamton.edu

Helpful links on studying German abroad:

Weigand Study Abroad Scholarship

This scholarship consists of a substantial award, intended to bring the cost of studying abroad down to a level that is comparable to a semester at Binghamton; it is also possible to use this scholarship towards a summer program in German language and cultural studies abroad. More information on eligibility, deadlines, and the application process below.

  • Eligibility

    Applicants must be full-time students at Binghamton University and have declared a Major, Double Major, or Minor in Binghamton University's German program to apply. Basic competency in German (usually at the intermediate level) is required; students should demonstrate their commitment to continuing engagement with German at Binghamton University after their return, and are expected to show how they can make a contribution to the German Studies program, the University and/or their future profession.

    Normally, the Awards Committee will give preference first to Majors and Double Majors and then to Minors but it may exercise discretion in seeking the strongest applications. Funding will not normally be available to a student for more than two study sessions (e.g. summer term and one semester, or two semesters).

    If additional funding is available after awards have been disbursed to German Studies Majors, Double Majors, and Minors, the Awards Committee may consider applications from graduate students whose research has a strong German Studies focus and who plan to study German abroad or to undertake research where German language skills are required.

    Program Eligibility
    The Weigand Study Abroad Scholarship is primarily awarded for enrollment in Binghamton University's study abroad programs in Graz or Leipzig. Students who wish to receive Weigand scholarship support to enroll in other programs should provide a rationale for their decision.

  • Awards

    This scholarship consists of a substantial award, intended to bring the cost of studying abroad down to a level that is comparable to a semester at Binghamton; it is also possible to use this scholarship towards a summer program in German language and cultural studies abroad.

    Scholarship awards assume that students who accept an award commit themselves to the study abroad program for the duration of program. Acceptance of the award signifies the student’s agreement to repay the award in full in the event that, except in the case of medical or other emergencies, less than half of the study abroad program is completed.

  • Deadlines

    As early as possible at the beginning of the semester students should send an e-mail message to notify Dr. Harald Zils, Director of the German program’s study abroad programs, of their intention to apply. Except in cases of compelling extenuating circumstances, deadline for receipt of application materials is:

    October 15 for spring semester study programs

    March 15 for summer, fall and academic year programs.

  • Application Process

    Please submit the following materials by the appropriate deadline by email to Dr. Harald Zils:

    • a short statement of intent;
    • a list of German Studies courses taken so far;
    • a PDF of your complete DegreeWorks record.

    Applicants wishing to apply for a need-based supplement to the base award should include a financial statement indicating all funding sources for education costs have been financed and how they propose to finance study-abroad costs not covered by the Weigand Scholarship. Please indicate all other funding received or applied for, including fellowships, stipends and awards.