Your new study-abroad destination? The University of Mannheim

They say travel broadens the mind, and you won’t get any argument from Concordia students who’ve studied abroad. Their CVs benefit from the experience, as do their adaptability, worldliness and employability.

Now there’s another international exchange destination for students to consider — the University of Mannheim, in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region of Germany.

The University of Mannheim is one of eight German universities and 150 global institutions from 37 countries that have a bilateral student exchange agreement with Concordia.

Study in English!

“Mannheim approached us, so Concordia is attracting high-ranking universities,” says Andy Lang, director of Concordia International. “It’s an excellent opportunity for our students to spend a term or two at a top school in Europe. Mannheim has a good number of courses in English, especially in business, social science and the humanities.”

Lang points out that the Concordia Student Exchange Program allows participants to meet their academic requirements while seeing material through a different lens. They are challenged academically at an institution with new professors, new assignments and new expectations.

“The work force is very global and international these days,” says Lang. “Employers are impressed by people who know what it means to be immersed in a new culture, to step outside their comfort zone and get their bearings.”

A student ambassador speaks up

Matheson Carroll, a third-year finance student at Concordia's John Molson School of Business, can’t speak highly enough about studying in Germany. He attended the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich in fall 2015.
 

“German degrees are highly regarded around the world, and rightfully so. From my experience, the courses are challenging. However, the university gives you all the tools you need to succeed, as long as you are willing to put in the effort,” says Carroll, who since became a Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD) young ambassador — a North American undergraduate student who recently studied in Germany and promotes the experience at their home university.

“The cost of living is reasonable, with a lot of student discounts — even in restaurants,” Carroll continues. “For those that like to travel, Germany is in the centre of Europe. This means that you can get to eastern Europe, western Europe or even Scandinavia in very little time, for little money.”

You don’t need to leave Germany to travel, however, he adds. “It is a huge country that has so much to offer, like hiking, skiing, architectural beauty and an extremely interesting history.”

All about Mannheim

The University of Mannheim campus is located in and around Mannheim Palace, the largest baroque palace in Germany. It’s also just a five-minute walk to the banks of the Rhine. Approximately 12,000 students are enrolled there.

Concordians can expect a warm greeting upon arrival. There’s a Welcome Centre for international researchers and several advice teams for exchange students, offering guidance on issues such as financial aid, accommodation or language courses. It's all laid out in their "10 reasons to choose the University of Mannheim."
 

“There wasn’t much interest in studying in Germany until three or four years ago, but that has changed,” says Lang. “I think there’s increasing interest because the country has been portrayed extensively in the news for its reaction to the Greek banking crisis and the Syrian refugee situation.”

Academic terms are ‘in sync’

Lang’s counterpart at the University of Mannheim, Lukas Dausend, initiated the exchange agreement after meeting Concordia International staff at an industry conference in Boston last year.

“It quickly became apparent that Concordia would make an exceptional partner due to its academic excellence, capable administrative staff that would take care of our students and beautiful campuses in the city of Montreal,” says Dausend, via email.

“We even changed our academic calendar to keep it in sync with the rest of the world,” says Dausend. “Mannheim is currently the only German university whose academic year is divided into a fall term and a spring term.”

Don’t forget about the Quebec mobility bursary

To apply to study abroad, Concordia students need to have completed one year of studies and should have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Home tuition fees are charged, not international ones, which are traditionally much higher.

“Students are also eligible to apply for financial aid,” adds Lang. “There is the Quebec Mobility Bursary, the Graduate Student Mobility Award and a number of other scholarships and bursaries, depending on the country where you’re studying. If you’re eligible, there’s a good chance you’ll get a bursary.”

If you’re interested in spending a term at the University of Mannheim, or any other university abroad, visit Concordia International.

For general inquiries, write to: studyaway@concordia.ca.