Are you looking for a study-abroad experience that gives you the most for your time and money? Bowling Green State University offers several opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to study in Salzburg, Austria.
Our undergraduate Academic Year Abroad (AYA) in Salzburg is the centerpiece of our official partnership with the University of Salzburg.
- The program has been in existence for over fifty years.
- Each year there are 15-20 undergraduate students in the program.
- You can take part for the entire year or one semester.
LIVING IN SALZBURG
With about 140,000 inhabitants, Salzburg is large enough to have an urban feeling, but small enough to be manageable and safe. The old part of the city, nestled on the Salzach River amid rocky hills, coexists with a modern world of shopping centers, cafes, and galleries. Farmers’ markets supply charm and nutrition.
An extensive bus system provides inexpensive and reliable transportation. This bicycle- friendly city is crisscrossed with bike paths. With woods and fields within and near the town, nature is never far away. And the city’s situation just north of the Alps and just west of the Salzkammergut lake district means that hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities are easily accessible.
You are free to take advantage of Salzburg`s great location in the heart of Europe and travel individually during long weekends, vacations, and the semester break (February). Favorite destinations of our past participants have been Munich (1.5 hours), Vienna (2.5 hrs.) Venice (6 hrs.), and Prague (8 hrs.).
In addition to several cultural and educational trips, the program pays for two extended group excursions, a weekend trip to Vienna in the fall, and a 3-4 day trip to Germany (often Berlin) in spring.
ELIGIBILITY
Our program welcomes students from all accredited colleges and universities. You can participate
- if you have at least one year of college German or the equivalent by the start of the program,
- will be at least a sophomore, and are in good academic standing.
- regardles of your major
ACADEMICS
The program offers a full year’s academic credit (15 credit hours per semester). All students are required to take a Deutsch als Fremdsprache (DaF) course at the University of Salzburg. Students with an appropriate level of German language ability (to be determined by the resident director) may also elect to take additional courses at the University of Salzburg in a variety of fields.
Participants can choose from a variety of BGSU-offered courses, all taught in German. Courses vary, but recent courses include:
- Introduction to German Literature
- Contemporary Austria
- Studies Abroad: Writing Workshop
- Renaissance & Baroque Art
- Geography of Central and Western Europe
- German Literature in Context
- Perfect German: Preparation for Zertifikat Deutsch
- 20th Century Europe
- German & Austrian Music
- Western European Politics
We also offer internships with businesses, schools, or social institutions!
HOUSING
Undergraduate and graduate students will live in one of the Austrian student dormitories, located throughout the city. Living with Austrian and other international students will give you ample opportunity to use your German. Note: The dormitories remain open during the holiday periods and the semester break.
The meal plan (optional) offers you the opportunity to choose where and when you would like to eat. You can cook in the dormitories
or you will find good food at reasonable prices at the university cafeterias and local restaurants.
CALENDAR
Fall Term: October 1* - January 31*
Spring Term: March 1* - June 30*
*Approximate dates
Note: Accommodations for students who need to return earlier than Jan 31 for their university's spring start date may be possible. For more infromation, please contact the Program Coordinator (austria@bgsu.edu).
MOZARTEUM
A special opportunity for undergraduate students in Salzburg. Any participant in the Salzburg program can usually arrange to take lessons and will also find ample opportunity to participate in singing groups or ensembles. Limited space is available at the Mozarteum University of Music for qualified music students. Mozarteum courses – usually one or two per semester – may be taken in addition to regular undergraduate program of courses.
For more information, please contact the BGSU Salzburg Program Coordinator (austria@bgsu.edu).
SUMMER PROGRAM
The program, established in 1970, consists of core language courses supplemented with numerous excursions allowing you to explore Salzburg and its surroundings. You may participate in the July or August session, or both. For each 3-week course completed, you will receive 4 BGSU credits. These credits can be transferred to other colleges and universities.
A valuable experience in its own right, the Summer Salzburg Program is also an excellent preparation for the BGSU Academic Year Abroad in Salzburg. Highlights include:
- three or six week sessions
- courses in German language and culture at any level
- a rich component of cultural programming making this an ideal way to spend the summer abroad while making academic progress
CONTACT INFORMATION & APPLICATION
To start an application,
visit this page and click the
APPLY NOW button on the right side of the screen.
For questions about the program, contact the Program Coordinator (
austria@bgsu.edu).
