
Studying in Erlangen
Erlangen is one of the oldest study abroad programs at Kalamazoo College–and it has become very popular among students because of the quaint university city, the possibilities to do internships, and the proximity to other European destinations like Munich, Salzburg, and the Alps. Students from Kalamazoo College may choose the long-term exchange program in Erlangen (September-February) or the extended-term program (September-July). Both programs begin with a month-long intensive language course, after which students may enroll in virtually any course offered by the university. Past participants have taken German language, literature, history, political science, mathematics, art, and music courses. Students can participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities and excursions organized by our resident director or by the university’s international student office, including trips such as to Vienna, Berlin, Leipzig, Weimar, Munich, and the medieval city of Bamberg. Hiking in the Alps is always a highlight for students!
While in Erlangen, students also complete an “Integrative Cultural Research Project” (ICRP). Based on their specific interests, students develop a project that involves experiential, hands-on research, which is then summarized in a written report at the end of the term. Research for the project might involve an internship, service or volunteer projects, or interviews. Past ICRP’s have included studies of café culture; interviews with students regarding their attitudes toward Americans or elderly Germans regarding their experiences of the Second World War; work at a brewery, daycare, or local newspaper; and a study of how the closing of American military bases has affected the local economy. This great internship experience looks great on résumés!
Previous examples of ICRP in Erlangen (resource list for students)
- work at radio station in Nuremberg called “Radio Z”, including conducting interviews
- internship at Erlangen Tierheim (animal shelter)
- work in a university chemistry lab at FAU
- Erlangen Rathaus
- local Gymnasium (school)
- Stadtmuseum (city museum), doing English-language translations of exhibits
- Botanical Gardens
- Clinic Neonatal Unit
- interfaith group “Die Brücke”
- “Kunstcafé” – painting ceramics
- Waldorfschule
- partnerships with local sports teams such as Sharks (American Football), Erlangen Ultimate Frisbee



Erlangen is located in southeast Germany, near the city of Nuremberg. Erlangen has over 100,000 residents and a thriving economy centered around the medical technology, pharmaceutical, and microelectronic industries. Although the first mention is made of “Erlangon” in historical documents dated 1002, Erlangen’s modern history began in 1686, when Count Christian Ernst of Brandenburg-Bayreuth invited protestant Huguenots who had been driven out of France to settle in the city. The main building of the university, which was founded in 1743, is located in Count Christian Ernst’s palace, built in the early 18th century. Today the university, with facilities in both Erlangen and the neighboring city of Nuremberg, has over 23,000 students.
Students from Kalamazoo College are housed together in dorm-like apartments with individual kitchens and bathrooms, and they receive a monthly stipend for food.
For general information about Study Abroad, visit the Center for International Programs site.



Requirements for Erlangen
Because Erlangen is an immersion program, students must have the equivalent of German 203 or 204 proficiency; German 301 is strongly recommended. In general, German majors should plan to study abroad in Erlangen. This is a fantastic site for language immersion and students often return with excellent language proficiency.
Some students may be allowed to take spring term in Erlangen after German 102 or 201. Talk to a faculty member if you would like a spring term program. This is a great option for fall/winter athletes!
Resources for Students on Study Abroad: Tips for arrival
You will be met at the Nürnberg airport (in most cases). You will be met by members of the staff in Erlangen and taken to your apartments. The resident director will be in touch about a week before arrival with more details!
Before departure, we will have a meeting with faculty and students so you can get advice on practical things like phone plan, insurance, transportation, packing, etc.
Resources for Students on Study Abroad: Tips for Registration
Be patient! Sometimes the computer systems can be a bit difficult to navigate. You will be given assistance.
We strongly encourage you to take a seminar in German language (in addition to your language classes). In the past, students have enjoyed classes such as:
- Women and Gender in Art History
- Objekte der Kunst
- history seminars
- philosophy seminars
Note that it is sometimes also possible to audit a class (Gasthörer) if you are interested in a topic but don’t want to take it for credit.