Although German as a foreign language has become less commonly spoken among students around the world, students' interest in getting to know Germany and Europe during their studies has not diminished. Only a small number of German Universities offer courses in English that would meet this interest while at the same time ensuring an academic curriculum fully recognized by Universities abroad. IUSP has been designed to fill this gap. The target student for IUSP is an undergraduate from any field of study, but who is interested in German Language, Germany, and European politics with an international focus.

About Marburg

The University city of Marburg, with its history, the Old City nestled between the Lahn River and the castle, the college flair and the scenic countryside surrounding, is an attraction for visitors from near and far.

Venice is known for its thousand bridges, Marburg for its stairs and alleys. Even Jacob Grimm once said: "I believe there are more steps in the streets than in the houses.” Crooked, bumpy, angular and steep, such is Marburg's Old Upper Town . Here the medieval times are still tangible - you can see it, you can perceive it with all five senses. That is also how Boris Pasternak felt: "If only this were a city! But in fact it is a medieval fairy tale!” Not without reason does Marburg lie today along the German Fairy Tale Road.

Select the following links to view videos of Millersville students who studied abroad in Marburg during the Fall 2011 semester.

http://mediacenter.dw.de/english/video/item/269461/Marburg_Vacationing_with_a_Tourist_from_the_USA

http://www.dw.de/dw/episode/9798/0,,15710784,00.html

The regular course load consists of an intensive German language course and a German culture and history course during the first six weeks of the semester, prior to the start of the regular IUSP semester. Students take two subject courses for the duration of the eight-week regular IUSP semester. Please be aware that it is not uncommon for students to pass only the written part of the final exam for the language course, resulting in the award of partial credit. It is therefore possible to receive anywhere from 12-17 credits for a semester depending upon the successful completion of coursework. Important Note: If the course is failed (meaning the written and oral exams are not passed and/or taken), no credit will be awarded by Millersville University, even if IUSP awards partial ECTS credit for participation in the course. All courses, except the intensive German course, are taught in English or offer English tutorials to aid students not proficient in German. No prior knowledge of the German language is required.

Typical IUSP Course Offerings:

For specific semester course offerings, visit the following website: http://www.uni-marburg.de/iusp/programinformation/studyprogram

The following courses and relevant credits are taken by all IUSP participants and will transfer back to Millersville with the following credits, if successfully completed (17 credits total):

Note:  MU credit equivalencies are based upon contact hours and not ECTS credits earned. ECTS credits will be needed only for the completion of Pre-departure Paperwork.

Please refer to the following IUSP website for further information regarding grades, credits, and transcripts:  http://www.uni-marburg.de/iusp/programinformation/credits

Students pay MU tuition and the Millersville general and tech fees directly to Millersville.  There is an additional non-refundable, non-transferable MU program participation fee and application fee also paid directly to Millersville, due at time of application.  Students will pay IUSP directly for accommodations, a meal subsidy, and a pass for free public transportation. Prices are approximates and may be higher or lower based on IUSP program rate changes.

Additional costs include, but are not limited to, the majority of meals, a housing security deposit, passport, the student visa, airfare, airport transportation, books and supplies and incidental expenses such as laundry, personal travel or entertainment.  Please review the IUSP website for specific costs and additional expenses: http://www.uni-marburg.de/iusp/programinformation/registration

Please note that a Registration Deposit is required shortly after program acceptance to IUSP.  This deposit will be deducted from the IUSP program balance due (and is not in addition to the balance of the program fee).  The deposit should be paid either via credit card or wire transfer, however the program balance due must be paid by wire transfer only.  Please refer to the following link for detailed payment instructions:  http://www.uni-marburg.de/iusp/programinformation/registration

Below is an estimated worksheet of costs for the Fall 2012 and Spring 2013 semesters and the 2012-2013 Academic Year at IUSP:

IUSP Cost Worksheet Fall 2012 [PDF]
IUSP Cost Worksheet Spring 2013 [PDF]
ISUP Cost Worksheet 2012-2013 Academic Year [PDF]

Students should investigate loans that may be available such as the application for Federal Student Aid. Scholarships have individual regulations, and students should contact their home institution's Financial Aid Office to determine if their scholarships are transferable

Please see Financial Considerations for more information.

Students may choose to study abroad either for one semester or for a full academic year. The fall semester begins in early September and ends in mid-December. The spring semester begins in mid- February and ends in early June.

Students typically have a single room, with a sink, in one of the university dormitories. There are common bathrooms, showers and a kitchen. Laundry rooms can be found in every dormitory building. Bed sheets will be provided, but students must bring their own towels. Students will receive their room assignments on arrival day.

Like most German students, IUSP participants may choose to eat lunch in the Mensa, located about a 20 minute walk from the Studentendorf or they may eat in town. Snack bars and lounges are in the Mensa and in the classroom buildings. During the semester, an evening meal is also available in the Mensa, although many students prefer to cook their own dinner (as well as breakfast) in the dormitory kitchenettes. Shopping in the local stores, and eating in the dormitory, provide excellent opportunities to meet German townspeople and students.

Most students who study abroad are traditionally juniors. However, students can and do study abroad anytime after they have completed 24 credits. Students should complete an application to study abroad one semester before wishing to go abroad. Please stop by the Office of Global Education & Partnerships to pick up an application and ask about deadlines. A minimum of a 2.0 GPA, an official transcript and two letters of recommendation from professors from your home university are also required. The Director of Global Education & Partnerships will then review applications and a selection will be made shortly thereafter.

Students should work with their advisors to select courses that will fit into their major and General Education Requirements. A request for Study Abroad Resident Credits form, available through the Office of Global Education and Partnerships, must be completed before the student leaves. After the study abroad program is completed and a transcript is sent to Millersville University, the Registrar's office determines the final transfer of credit. All courses taken at IUSP will come back to Millersville as transfer courses, as if you had taken them at another U.S. institutiton. Please consult the Undergraduate Catalog ("Transfer Credit") for the transfer policy.

Refer to Global Education's home page at www.millersville.edu/globaled for the application release date and the final application deadline for each cycle. Approximate deadlines for applications are as follows:

• Summer: mid-February
• Fall: mid-February
• Spring: mid-September
• Year-long: mid-February

Before downloading and submitting an application to study abroad through this program, students are STRONGLY encouraged to research the program thoroughly and discuss their plans with the Office of Global Education, their academic advisor(s) and any family members or other parties involved in the decision making process.

To apply, click on the following link to be directed to the "To Apply" webpage. Be sure to read all instructions before completing an application to study abroad: To Apply webpage