Summary

The Language and Culture Program at the University of Potsdam is specially designed for UC students with zero to a maximum of five quarters (three semesters) of university-level German. Course work incorporates language instruction and German area studies. Potsdam is a beautiful and elegant university city that is easily accessible to Berlin. It is famous for its palaces and parks, and it is the capital of Brandenburg and the center of Prussian history.

Students attend classes with other UC students.

Duration

Go to Current Participants to see current or past calendars.

Spring semester: early April to mid/late July

Academic Focus

Beginning, intermediate, and advanced German language and culture. You take a placement exam upon arrival to determine your level of language proficiency. The curriculum consists of German language study, two elective courses selected from a list of six historical, cultural, and/or political topics, and an independent study project. Classes are complemented by excursions to sites of interest in Potsdam and Berlin.

See the MyEAP Course Catalog to search for courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since some program courses have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.

Language of Instruction

German and English

Language Study

Language-based curriculum. All language courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

An independent study project is part of the program curriculum.

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. Approximately 21 UC quarter units per semester are required (approximately five courses).

Housing

You may live in a dormitory with international students, UC students, and German students. You may also make your own private housing arrangements.

On-site Support

EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. UC faculty and local staff abroad help students integrate into the culture of their host country and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

See the EAP Student's 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).

Host Institutions

• University of Potsdam, Berlin

University of Potsdam, Berlin

The University of Potsdam was founded out of the Potsdam College of Education in 1991. Today it is the largest university in Brandenburg although it is still relatively small by UC standards. Its motto is: Klein aber fein, “Small but excellent.” Presently, about 16,000 students study in the various departments of the University of Potsdam, including about 1,300 foreign students from more than 85 countries.

Visit the University of Potsdam website

Estimated Cost

The cost of study on EAP can be close to the cost of studying on campus and is typically far less than the cost of non-UC study abroad programs. You can also take your UC financial aid abroad! If you do not currently receive UC financial aid, you may qualify for aid while on EAP. Each year, EAP students receive $1.3 million in study abroad grants and scholarships.

The estimated total cost for options in this program are listed below. Future costs will vary due to currency fluctuation, etc. All estimated totals include:

• UC fees
• program-specific fees
• room and board
• mandatory insurance
• incidentals
• transportation
• books
• on-site orientation
• predeparture expenses
• intensive language program expenses where applicable

Application Requirements

Program-specific Requirements

• Class level: third-quarter freshman only (Berkeley and Merced students must have at least sophomore standing), sophomore, junior, senior, graduate
• Language prerequisite: Minimum of zero to a maximum of five quarters or three semesters of university-level German
• GPA: 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure. No exceptions.

In addition to program-specific requirements, all applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student’s UC degree program
• Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and a new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
• Willingness to abide by program regulations
• Endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

These are minimum program requirements only and do not guarantee selection. The Campus EAP Office determines selection and final admission.

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office.

In addition to your campus deadlines, there are deadlines by which the Campus EAP Office must submit the completed applications and accompanying materials to the Universitywide Office of EAP (UOEAP). For participation in the Program, it is critical that both campus deadlines and UOEAP deadlines are met. If the application is incomplete and not accompanied by the required materials noted, it will be returned to the Campus EAP Office.

Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but are not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz