Study Abroad
Binghamton University offers inexpensive ways to immerse yourself in the culture of
Austria and Germany while taking courses for regular Binghamton University credit.
After two years of college German or the equivalent you can enroll in the Karl Franzens
Universität Graz (KFU) program taught by regular KFU faculty. Or, after one year of
college German, you may register in Graz for a mix of general education classes taught
in English and German language classes. Students are quickly integrated into the University,
paired in dorms with Austrian students and taken on a number of excursions, including
to Vienna and Slovenia. In Graz, students are free to take courses in any field and
have them count for regular credit at Binghamton or at other colleges and universities.
Some scholarship support is available.
Students with advanced proficiency in German (ordinarily three years of language study)
may study in Leipzig, Germany, taking courses in their major or double major. Programs
in German studies, management, economics, and political science especially recommended.
Some financial support is available.
For more information on studying abroad in Austria or Germany, contact Prof. Harald
Zils: hzils@binghamton.edu
Helpful links on studying German abroad:
Weigand Study Abroad Scholarship
This scholarship consists of a substantial award, intended to bring the cost of studying
abroad down to a level that is comparable to a semester at Binghamton; it is also
possible to use this scholarship towards a summer program in German language and cultural
studies abroad. More information on eligibility, deadlines, and the application process
below.
- Eligibility
Applicants must be full-time students at Binghamton University and have declared a
Major, Double Major, or Minor in Binghamton University's German program to apply.
Basic competency in German (usually at the intermediate level) is required; students
should demonstrate their commitment to continuing engagement with German at Binghamton
University after their return, and are expected to show how they can make a contribution
to the German Studies program, the University and/or their future profession.
Normally, the Awards Committee will give preference first to Majors and Double Majors
and then to Minors but it may exercise discretion in seeking the strongest applications.
Funding will not normally be available to a student for more than two study sessions
(e.g. summer term and one semester, or two semesters).
If additional funding is available after awards have been disbursed to German Studies
Majors, Double Majors, and Minors, the Awards Committee may consider applications
from graduate students whose research has a strong German Studies focus and who plan
to study German abroad or to undertake research where German language skills are required.
Program Eligibility
The Weigand Study Abroad Scholarship is primarily awarded for enrollment in Binghamton
University's study abroad programs in Graz or Leipzig. Students who wish to receive
Weigand scholarship support to enroll in other programs should provide a rationale
for their decision.
- Awards
This scholarship consists of a substantial award, intended to bring the cost of studying
abroad down to a level that is comparable to a semester at Binghamton; it is also
possible to use this scholarship towards a summer program in German language and cultural
studies abroad.
Scholarship awards assume that students who accept an award commit themselves to the
study abroad program for the duration of program. Acceptance of the award signifies
the student’s agreement to repay the award in full in the event that, except in the
case of medical or other emergencies, less than half of the study abroad program is
completed.
- Deadlines
As early as possible at the beginning of the semester students should send an e-mail
message to notify Dr. Harald Zils, Director of the German program’s study abroad programs, of their intention to apply.
Except in cases of compelling extenuating circumstances, deadline for receipt of application
materials is:
October 15 for spring semester study programs
March 15 for summer, fall and academic year programs.
- Application Process
Please submit the following materials by the appropriate deadline by email to Dr. Harald Zils:
- a short statement of intent;
- a list of German Studies courses taken so far;
- a PDF of your complete DegreeWorks record.
Applicants wishing to apply for a need-based supplement to the base award should include
a financial statement indicating all funding sources for education costs have been
financed and how they propose to finance study-abroad costs not covered by the Weigand
Scholarship. Please indicate all other funding received or applied for, including fellowships,
stipends and awards.