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Language & Culture, Univ. of Potsdam

Program Overview

Study German in the beautiful city of Potsdam, famous for its palaces, parks, hills, and lakes. The program at the University of Potsdam is specially designed for UC students and includes language instruction and courses in history, politics, literature, and cultural studies. Small class sizes, tutors, and a research project provide you with individual attention to enhance your experience. Enjoy a rich program of cultural activities including two weekend trips—one to Weimar and one to Hamburg—and various day trips within Potsdam and Berlin. Located within the Berlin metropolitan area, Potsdam is the capital of Brandenburg and a center of Prussian history.
 
The University of Potsdam is the largest university in Brandenburg, though it is still relatively small by UC standards. Its motto is Klein aber fein, “Small but excellent.” Currently, approximately 16,000 students study in the various departments of the University of Potsdam, including roughly 1,300 foreign students from more than 85 countries.
 
Students attend classes with UC and host country students.

Language of Instruction

English; German
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Elective courses are taught in English.


Language Study

German
​Language courses are taught in German.


Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
 
Spring :  
​early April to mid/late July
 

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Housing

​You can choose to live in a dormitory with international, UC, and German students arranged by the University of Potsdam or make your own private housing arrangements.
 


Extracurricular Activities

There are many opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities during your stay in Potsdam.
Make the most of your time in Germany by joining student clubs, engaging with your Potsdam “buddy,” and organizing trips with your fellow students. You can join a sports group at the university that offers many interesting courses throughout the semester for an additional fee.
 
You will take a three-day excursion to Weimar as part of your program. Additionally, Potsdam’s proximity to Berlin means that you will have access to all the cultural activities that occur during the semester such as:
·         Fete de la musique
·         Carnival of Cultures
·         Classic Open-Air Berlin
·         Baumblüte Werder
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On-site Support

UCEAP students are supported by UC's network of UCEAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with UCEAP host universities throughout the world. Local UCEAP staff at the UC Study Center in Berlin and a liaison at the University of Potsdam help students integrate into the culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues. ​
 
​See the UCEAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).
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University of Potsdam, Berlin

Georg-August University, Göttingen
The German language and culture program in Potsdam focuses exclusively on German language training and selected topics in German studies. Courses are designed especially for UC students to provide the equivalent of the first or second year of German language instruction in one semester. You have the opportunity to sign up for one regular University of Potsdam course during the semester.
 

Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

You will take a placement exam upon arrival to determine your level of German language proficiency. You will take the following courses:
 
  • One German language skills course - 6 UC quarter units (4 semester units)
  • One German phonetics course - 3 UC quarter units (2 semester units)
  • One German grammar course - 3 UC quarter units (2 semester units)
  • One independent study project - 6 UC quarter units (4 semester units) 
  • Two elective courses on historical, cultural, and/or political topics - 4.5 UC quarter units each (3 semester units). You may substitute one elective course for a regular course at the University of Potsdam.

Classes are complemented by excursions to sites of interest in Potsdam and Berlin.

Elective course offerings vary from year to year and cover the topics of GDR and Reunification, Memory and Commemoration, and Migration and Integration. The list of course offerings is finalized in January. See the MyEAP Course Catalog to search for courses previously taken by UC students.
 

Units

​You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. You will enroll in six courses for 27 UC quarter units (18 semester units) per semester.


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

​An independent study project is part of the program curriculum.
 
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Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Spring152718$7,850$6,300
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at host institution
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Predeparture expenses (student visa, health clearance, etc.)
  • Room and board
  • Program excursions and activities
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Local transportation
While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

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Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

German
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 0 quarters / 0 semesters and maximum 5 quarters / 3 semesters.

GPA:

2.50 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. Your Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.