Drexel in Germany: University of Mannheim
Mannheim is situated at the convergence of two major rivers - the Rhine and the Neckar. The city impresses with its diversity: the mix of shopping districts, places of cultural interest, the large Baroque castle, Art Nouveau buildings and modern facilities for industry and commerce. Mannheim's most famous landmark is the water tower, a 60 meter high sandstone structure.
Drexel students may spend the fall term studying at the University of Mannheim taking courses in English or German. The courses at Mannheim are well known for their practical and inter-disciplinary approach, as well as having an international outlook to education. The Mannheim Exchange program completely immerses Drexel students into German education and culture as you take classes with the local German and international students. This is a wonderful opportunity to improve your German language skills and make many international friends!
Fore more information about the University of Mannheim, please browse their main website. For information about what it means to be an exchange student at the University of Mannheim, please visit the website of the International Office.
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- The University of Mannheim exchange program is open is open to ALL majors, but is ideal for students in the LeBow College of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences.
- The language requirement for this program is German 103. Students should consider taking more language courses during their freshman summer vacation term or on campus during their co-op terms in order to advance their language skills more quickly. For more information please contact Modern Languages Department at 215-895-5816.
Course Availability
The University of Mannheim offers courses in the following fields: Business, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Educational Science, Media and Communication, History, English, Philosophy, Languages, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
Drexel students can choose from two tracks offered at the University of Mannheim; one at Mannheim's Business School, and one at Mannheim's School of Social Sciences.
Track 1: Business School
Students on the Business program are required to take at least 50% of their coursework in the Business School at Mannheim. In addition to coursework in Business, students may also choose from a wide variety of courses offered in English and German in other schools at Mannheim. Students should also consider advancing their German skills by taking additional language classes.
Browse Mannheim's Course Catalog
Browse a list of Business Courses Offered in English
Track 2: School of Social Sciences
Students on the Social Sciences program are required to take at least 50% of their coursework in the School of Social Sciences at Mannheim, which offers coursework in Sociology, Political Science, and Psychology. In addition to coursework in Social Sciences, students may also choose from a wide variety of courses offered in English and German in other schools at Mannheim. Students should also consider advancing their German skills by taking additional language classes.
Browse Mannheim's Course Catalog
Browse a list of Social Sciences Courses Offered in English (courses in Sociology, Political Science, and Psychology)
Course Equivalencies
Drexel students considering either track may view a list of
previously approved courses.
Students who wish to take courses at Mannheim that are not listed on the above spreadsheet will need to seek course equivalents approved by the appropriate department at Drexel. For example, if you want to take a sociology course for Drexel credit, the Sociology Department at Drexel must pre-approve the course and equivalency.
Grading
Students are taught and graded by German faculty at the University of Mannheim. Grades are noted as "CR/NCR" on their transcript and will NOT affect their GPA. In order to receive CR students must earn a "C" or above at the host institution. The goal is to be a full-time student at the host institution while also taking the equivalent of a full-time load at Drexel. A full course load at a German school is between 20-30 ECTS credits per semester.
Fall Semester Dates and Itinerary
| Program Start Date |
Early September
(before summer term ends) |
| Program End Date |
Mid December
(before winter term begins) |
Students with summer term classes should be prepared to request early finals so they can leave for Germany in late August/ early September.
Due to the potential need to adjust academic and co-op cycles, students are urged to begin planning 12 months prior to their intended study abroad term.
Since the supply of flats and houses in Mannheim exceeds demand, the prices for rented accommodation are relatively low, as little as 400 euros/month. The International Office provides a limited number of dorm rooms to exchange students. Students may also contact the Mannheim housing agency ("
Studentenwerk Mannheim" in German) and request information about finding private accommodation in dormitories or apartments.
U.S. Citizens are not required to obtain a visa to enter Germany for up to 90 days. However, all students staying in Germany longer than three months need to obtain a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) from their local Immigration Office after their arrival.
Program Costs
This is a Drexel sponsored program, thus all of your financial aid travels with you.
Scholarships
If you are interested in seeking additional funding, you should considering applying for study abroad Scholarship & Funding Opportunities. Remember that scholarship deadlines may be much earlier than study abroad deadlines, so plan accordingly.
- Want to learn more about this program? Read the student blog from Mannheim in 2012.
