Carnegie Mellon University

Study Abroad in Germany

The Department of Modern Languages is pleased to offer an exciting four or eight-week summer study abroad program at the Goethe Institute in Germany. 

The Goethe Institute

With 159 institutes worldwide, the Goethe Institute is a world-class German language school that is largely financed by the German government. Teaching more than 246,000 global learners a year, participants will meet other students from all over the world who come to the Goethe Institute to learn German.

Students receive 18 units of German language transfer credit (two courses) for four-week courses, or 36 units for eight-week courses. Classes meet at least 20 hours per week. Students are placed at the appropriate level for their language abilities. All classes are taught exclusively in German by a native speaker. At some institutes, classes are held in the afternoon only. Weekends are always free for personal travel or excursions offered by the Institute. 

Arrival Day

On the day of arrival at the Goethe Institute, students are tested and placed into the proper class, receive their room assignment, and are given their housing assignments. No classes are held on arrival day.

Students fill out a self-evaluation of their German skills with their application and take brief written and oral tests upon arrival to determine their level of language proficiency. No previous experience in German is necessary; the Institute teaches German to beginning through very advanced students. Students receive 18 units of German language transfer credit (two courses) for four-week courses, or 36 units for eight-week courses.

The cost of this program includes tuition, books, and a private room. Some locations have double rooms available for a reduced price. Please contact Gabriele Maier for specifics.

View dates and costs for 2023

Additional Costs

Students should plan to take at least $1,000 for each month to cover the cost of food—more if extensive travel or significant purchases are planned.

Scholarships

Max Kade Scholarships for Study Abroad at the Goethe Institute
Through a generous grant from the Max Kade Foundation, Carnegie Mellon students of German can apply for a summer study abroad scholarship for study at the Goethe Institute.

Other Study Abroad Scholarships

Students in Dietrich College: Learn more about funding for study and travel abroad

In addition, Carnegie Mellon's Office of International Education provides details on additional funding options.

Accommodation

Students generally live with another course participant in double rooms. In some cities, students can choose to live in a dorm or be housed privately; in other cities, only private housing is available. Private housing situations vary tremendously: some students live with German families and have a good deal of contact with them; others live in a small apartment; still others have a room in a private home with little or no contact with a family. Housing assignments are given to students upon arrival at the Institute. Every attempt is made to honor housing requests, but no guarantees can be given.

In smaller cities, students generally live within walking distance of the school. In larger cities, however, students may live up to an hour from the school by public transportation. Students in the larger cities will need to purchase a pass for public transportation in their city, regardless of where they live relative to the school.