If you have questions about this program, email the program leader listed below.

Experience German Engineering

Program Details

The arrangements for the travel, housing, meals, excursions and course content of this program have been made by the leader. Questions about this program can only be answered by the program leader listed below.

Program Type Departmental
Program Location Berlin, Stuttgart, and Karlsruhe, Germany
Course # SA 10522
Duration Summer
Upcoming Program Dates
Summer 2025 05/17/25 to 05/31/25

Program Leader

Name Beth Hess
Email bethhess@purdue.edu
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Enrollment Details: Enrollment Currently Closed

Program Description

The goal of the Experience German Engineering Program is to expose students to engineering professional practice in Germany. Students will gain an understanding of how German engineers are trained, differences in approaches to problem solving and communication, research topics important to German universities and the German economy, processes involved in designing and manufacturing products in Germany, and the type of technical and human skills needed to pursue an engineering career in Germany. Students will also work to enhance their intercultural competence through intentional reflection exercises and mentoring utilizing the intercultural development inventory. Students will visit two of Germany’s top technical universities: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and the University of Stuttgart. They will interact with students, professors and researchers while visiting some the unique research facilities associated with each institution. Students will visit a variety of companies important to the German economy. They will gain an understanding of the design and production process for a variety of products. Students will interact with engineers to understand the role of engineers in the organization and the type of skills and qualities necessary for future engineers to be successful in the organization.  Students will also engage in a variety of cultural visits to important sites and museums to gain a better understanding of technology throughout German history.

*ESSAY AND RESUME MUST BE UPLOADED AS PART OF YOUR APPLICATION.  TOPICS FOR THE ESSAY WILL BE LISTED ON YOUR "MY STUDY ABROAD PAGE" AFTER APPLICATION IS MADE

Preliminary itinerary (subject to change)  *Please note that acceptance decisions will be made in early January after fall 2024 grades are posted.  Students must have a 3.0 GPA to be considered. 

May 17-Depart the USA 

May 18-Arrive Berlin, transfer to housing, Welcome dinner

May 19-Berlin Walking Tour, Intercultural development workshop, overnight in Berlin

May 20-Intercultural development workshop, BMW Motorcycle visit, free evening in Berlin 

May 21-Siemens Energy visit, Olympic Stadium tour, free evening in Berlin

May 22-Berlin Adlershof Business park visit, Berlin Wall Memorial, Group dinner in Berlin

May 23-Transit by train to Stuttgart, Group dinner in Stuttgart

May 24-Mercedes Benz Museum, Porsche Museum, free evening in Stuttgart 

May 25-Sinsheim Technik Museum, free evening in Stuttgart

May 26-University of Stuttgart-DLR visit & High Performance Computing Center visit, Group dinner in Stuttgart

May 27- Transit to Weinheim Vibracoustics plant tour, Worth Merceds-Benz Truck plant tour, Group dinner in Karlsruhe

May 28-Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Lab Tour, Workshop with KIT & Purdue GEARE students, Karlsruhe Castle visit

May 29-National Holiday, Transit to Heidelberg-Heidelberg Walking tour & Heidelberg Castle tour, overnight in Karlsruhe

May 30-Workshop with KIT & Purdue GEARE students, Brewery Tour, Group farewell dinner

May 31-Free to depart from Frankfurt


Academic Credit

Earn 3 credits for ME 49700.  All students must check with their academic advisor to see how it can be used in their plan of study.  If you are an FYE student, that will be determined by the advisor from your major school. 

Course objective: To expose students to engineering practice in Germany. Students will gain an understanding of how German engineers are trained and their approach to problem solving. They will gain an understanding of the role engineers play in German society, and will prepare themselves for longer-term work and study experiences in Germany.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Exposure to German corporate and business culture

  • Exposure to German higher education and research system

  • Basic understanding of Industrial opportunities for Engineers in Germany

  • Comprehension of similarities and differences between U.S. and Germany regarding the training of engineers, cultures, and life styles

  • Enhance understanding of individual diversity and development of strategies to bridge cultural differences

 

Eligibility

The program targets first year students from all engineering majors. The minimum GPA is 3.0. The expected enrollment number is 15-20 students. The program hopes to encourage and prepare students for future longer-term study abroad programs such as GEARE. Sophomores and Juniors are welcome to apply.

*ESSAY AND RESUME MUST BE UPLOADED AS PART OF YOUR APPLICATION.  TOPICS FOR THE ESSAY WILL BE LISTED ON YOUR "MY STUDY ABROAD PAGE" AFTER APPLICATION IS MADE

*Please note that acceptance decisions will be made in early January after fall 2024 grades are posted.  Students must have a 3.0 GPA to be considered. 

All students participating in a departmental program will complete a pre and post assessment as part of program completion.

Program Cost

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.

Estimated program cost is $4600 which includes:  Housing, ground transportation in Germany, all cultural events and course activities on the itinerary, Breakfast daily, Academic credits, and International Health Insurance. 

Additional costs:  Airfare, lunches and dinners, Passport, Visa (if necessary, no for US citizens), personal spending money and personal activities. 

See the Financial Resources tab for information on the Purdue Moves Scholarship

Application Deadline

Students will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program reaches capacity.  20 spaces maximum available.  *Please note that acceptance decisions will be made in early January after fall 2024 grades are posted.  Students must have a 3.0 GPA to be considered. 



Financial Aid

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.