Programs
Germany Innovation in Engineering
Program Introduction
Program Leader: Megan Braunstein
Study in Germany for the summer! This six-week immersive experience is designed to
introduce students to the latest developments in innovation and sustainability in
engineering and environmental planning in Germany.
Honors engineering students get the unique opportunity to explore the intersectionality
of engineering, sustainability, and society. Hands-on courses allow students to engage
with industry professionals and cutting-edge research. The program is based out of
OsnabrĂĽck University of Applied Sciences in Northern Germany, where the students stay
for six weeks. The trip also featured planned excursions to Berlin, Bonn, Duisburg,
Wolfsburg, and the North Sea.
The program is designed for students from all engineering fields and there are no
specific pre-requisites. However, students should have completed the first two years
of an engineering major track at the start of the program. Students should be a second
or third-year engineering major at the time of application in the fall.
ABOUT THE COURSES
Students in this program will take two courses (which transfer back as IDH 4930 and
IDH 4950) focusing on recent developments in engineering research and methods of innovation
in scientific research to satisfy their entire Honors research track. They will enroll
in the courses alongside other American university students from such institutions
as University of Florida and University of Maryland.
Honors students who are majoring in Engineering and who will have qualified for the
ULDP (second year and higher) are academically qualified to participate in this highly
impactful and strategic program.
IDH 4950 Innovation and Sustainability in Engineering – Capstone Course
This course is an in-depth investigation of recent developments in various research areas of engineering in Germany, with a special focus on renewable energy technologies, postindustrial site development, e-mobility, and sustainable agricultural production. In addition to classroom contact hours, students will engage in industry-driven lab practicals and site visits to engineering facilities throughout Germany to learn about practices and interview professionals. The course concludes with a group research project and a presentation at the Summer School Colloquium.
IDH 4930 Special Topics in Engineering and Society – Core Course
This course has two parts: a week-long hands-on workshop on Design Thinking and Experiment
Design and "Living Society" workshops integrated throughout the program.
Through workshops in Design Thinking and Experiment Design, students will learn innovative
methods in defining target needs and methods, testing solutions through prototyping,
and optimizing industrial processes.
“Living Society” workshops aim to deepen students’ understanding of Germany’s current
trends in innovation and sustainability by examining their historical and cultural
context. Themes will include intercultural communication, German politics and governance,
and introductory German language.
Some planned industry visits include: Bioenergiepark Saerbeck (renewable energy village);
City of OsnabrĂĽck electric bus fleet; steel manufacturing plant; Volkswagen Headquarters.
Program Dates
Summer 2025 | May 11 – June 20, 2025
- Application Opens: July 1, 2024
- Application Closes: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
- Courses: May 11, 2025 – June 20, 2025
- Travel: May 11, 2025 – June 20, 2025*
*Travel dates may be subject to change.
THE GERMANY INNOVATION IN ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE
Each weekend, we leave OsnabrĂĽck to explore the cities Berlin, Bonn, Bremerhaven,
Bremen, Duisburg, Essen, and Wolfsburg. These trips aim to complement classroom learning
by showcasing how Germany is renewing its industrial landscape, as well as exploring
German culture and history through museum visits and special tours. Students also
have ample free time to independently explore these cities in groups.
Highlights include visiting the Volkswagen Headquarters in Wolfsburg, German Parliament
in Berlin, and tidal flats on the North Sea Coast.
This program encourages participants to be more than a tourist and truly immerse in
everyday German life. OsnabrĂĽck, known as the City of Peace, is a welcoming, student-friendly
city with plenty to explore!
Some evenings include a planned event, such as a museum tour or leisure activities
with German students. Students are otherwise free to explore OsnabrĂĽck. A favorite
activity is visiting the local music and food festival - Maiwoche!
PROGRAM COST
- $1,411.70 USD for tuition paid to ±«Óătv
- €2,250.00 Euros program cost paid to OUAS
PROGRAM ACCESSIBILITY
Students should expect to walk considerable distances. Osnabruck, like many European cities and towns, is rather old and many sidewalks are made of cobblestones and stairs are more common than ramps or elevators.
WHAT GERMANY INNOVATION IN ENGINEERING ALUMNI HAVE TO SAY
The Germany Innovation in Engineering study abroad trip was one of the most exciting, insightful, and rewarding experiences of my life. The immersion in German culture, knowledge gained on integrating sustainable practices in engineering, and the culmination of it all in my final presentation was truly amazing. The impact this trip had on me is everlasting. – Chad Hosein
MORE ABOUT THE TRIP
Want to learn more? Listen as Honors student Ghali Omar Boutaib shares details about the Germany Innovation in Engineering program.