Global Education
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Heidelberg University - German Students

As a German major, you will have the chance to study at a university that is ranked among the top 50 learning institutions in the world. Founded in 1386, the University of Heidelberg has been home to academic giants such as Robert Wilhelm Bunsen, Max Weber, Karl Jaspers, Hans-Georg Gadamer as well as eight Nobel Prize winners. German majors in their junior years spend one or two semesters in Heidelberg and study under the tutelage of esteemed scholars.

CLASSES
Most classes meet only once a week for an hour and a half. Each course belongs to a specific category, the two most popular being:

The Vorlesung
A Vorlesung is a lecture course, meaning that the professor speaks for the entire hour and a half. There is no class discussion and very few, if any, questions from students. Class size can range from 30 to 300 or more students in attendance.

The Proseminare
Proseminare are similar to our idea of a seminar class in the States. They are small—usually no more than 25–30 students—and offer a forum for professor-student interaction. On the first day of class the professor will hand out a list of topics for the course where you will select one to present. Presentations are then given for the rest of the course—usually 2–3 presentations per class period—and the professor will fill in with other information and lead discussions. Your presentation topic usually matches up with your term paper topic.

Global Understanding core credit can be fulfilled by this semester program when students participate in the pre- and post-departure New Perspectives course. Lab fees apply as of Fall 2013. Visit the GEO for details or go to the GEO Global Understanding webpage.

APPLICATION PROCESS
All Gordon students applying to Heidelberg Semester must first submit an online seat application (link available to Gordon students only) to participate in a Global Education program. Only after you have been approved by the Global Education Office for study abroad, may you proceed with the Heidelberg Semester's online application. 

  • Seat applications for the fall semester must be submitted online by March 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by the same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester must be submitted online by September 30. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by the same date.

Apply to participate in Global Education Programs with the Online Seat Application (available to Gordon students only). After being approved for participation you may submit the Heidelberg Semester's  application. 

Deadlines for program applications:

  • Fall semester: April 15
  • Spring semester: October 15

COSTS
For German majors, the cost is equal to a semester at Gordon and includes:

  • Tuition
  • Room
  • All American Junior Year (AJY) expenses

Note that board is note provided as the University of Heidelberg offers no semester-long meal contracts in its cafeterias. Students may cook for themselves or purchase each meal individually. See the AJY student handbook for more details.

Please consult with Student Financial Services to review your specific situation.

CONTACT
For further information please contact:

The Global Education Office
p: 978.867.4399

Dr. Liesl Smith
Assistant Director
p: 978.867.4113

Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner,
Associate Professor of German
p: 978.867.4350

See the Heidelberg Semester homepage for further details