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Dept ENGR: Pforzheim Engineers Made in Germany (Summer) (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Chris Nischalke Click here for a definition of this term Housing: Apartment, Dormitory
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 3.0 Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore
Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: Undergraduate Type of Program: Direct Enrollment
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, German Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 0 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: No Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Electrical Engineering, Engineering, German, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Click here for a definition of this term Maymester: No
Program Description:

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 3.0 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 
  • This program is open only to students in the Penn State College of Engineering

Program Description 

Germany has always been synonymous with engineering. No other country has shaped the profession and the image of an engineer more than Germany. Its reputation as a land of inventors has been the result of many successful patents, one of its most famous figures being Gottlieb Daimler, the inventor of the first car. Come to Pforzheim and gain an insight into this spirit of invention. A place closely connected to the history of cars and today's automotive industry. There are many prominent automotive plants and component suppliers located near the very same route which Bertha Benz took during her pioneering car drive from Mannheim to Pforzheim.

The Pforzheim Engineers Made in Germany (EMIG) program offers you a close-knit personal summer program at the internationally recognized Pforzheim University. The EMIG program combines high quality education and a wide cultural program with various company visits and excursions to places in Germany and Europe. Many site visits are included in the program such as the Mercedes-Benz plant, Porsche Museum and plant, SAP, Daimler Museum, European Patent Office, or HUGO BOSS.  City visits include Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Munich, and Berlin.

The EMIG program combines technical coursework, language study, and cultural excursions to provide engineering students with a unique learning experience. Students will take three courses: a German language course, Production Management & Supply Chain Management, and Lecture Series Engineering in Manufacturing. The two technical courses have a focus on the German Automotive Industry.

The Production Management & Supply Chain Management course covers three main topics:

  • Production Management in the German Automotive Industry 
  • Supply Chain Management in the German Automotive Industry
  • Management & Leadership Skills
There are several areas covered in the Lecture Series Engineering in Manufacturing: Production Techniques in the German Automotive Industry, Management Skills in the German Automotive Industry, Laser Materials Processing in Automotive Production, Robotics in the Automotive Industry, Innovation Management in the Automotive Industry, Sustainable Mobility in the Automotive Sector, Intercultural Engineering, and Automotive Bus Systems.

Dates

Summer: May 20 to July 1, 2023

Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

Pforzheim is worth its weight in gold in every sense. With a population of 120.000 the city lies in the south-west of Germany, right in the heart of Europe – an extremely attractive location from both a commercial and geographical perspective. Known as the cradle of the German jewelry and watch-making industry Pforzheim has made its name throughout the world as the "City of Gold". 70% of German jewelry originates from factories in Pforzheim – a seal of approval which guarantees top quality.

Numerous famous global enterprises are located in the region thus making the metropolitan area around Pforzheim and the Baden-Württemberg state capital of Stuttgart into one of the strongest economic regions in Europe. Worldwide renowned companies originate from this area and even today have their headquarters in the vicinity of Pforzheim.

For engineers in particular is Pforzheim the perfect place to reap the benefits of the combination of innovative talent and the long-standing tradition of reliable quality. In a national comparison it was demonstrated that the state of Baden-Württemberg has filed the most applications for patents for its inventions. Famous inventors of the region, such as Ferdinand von Zeppelin, Gottlieb Daimler, Carl Benz, Robert Bosch and Johannes Kepler laid the foundations which led to Baden-Württemberg being deservedly known as the "land of inventors".

The Baden-Württemberg people have always been strongly linked historically to the automobile industry. Milestones, such as the first car journey, which Bertha Benz undertook from Mannheim to Pforzheim, tie the city closely to the history of the automobile and have spurred it on time and again to achieve peak innovative performance. In order to carry on this tradition Pforzheim University is educating the engineers of tomorrow in close collaboration with the region’s industry.

Alongside these economic locational advantages, Pforzheim also has something to offer when it comes to quality of life. With the highest amount of hours of sunshine per year Baden-Württemberg is known as the "Sunshine State" of Germany. Located on the northern edge of the Black Forest the city is ideally situated to undertake numerous leisure time activities in both summer and winter such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding in the mountains, watersports on Lake Constance or to enjoy the pulsating nightlife in the nearby state capital Stuttgart. In addition due to its location in the heart of Europe Pforzheim is the perfect starting point to explore Europe. You can find so much scenic and cultural diversity in very close proximity. It is all just waiting for you to visit.
Further information is available at the website of the city of Pforzheim
 

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Electrical Engineering, Engineering, German, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Course Listings

To find courses on the Pforzheim Engineers Made in Germany program, follow the instructions on the host program page.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the host program page before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with your host program
All students will enroll in the following 9 credits:
  • Engineering in Manufacturing. Innovative Laser-based Production Facilities (PSU course number ME 399)
  • Emerging Technologies (PSU course number ME 399)
  • German language (PSU course number will depend on the level of language that each student takes)

Course Substitution

The petition for course substitution process is handled between the student and academic adviser. 
  • Aerospace Engineering students can petition the engineering courses to fulfill their Limited Elective requirement and General Technical Elective.
  • Civil Engineering students can petition the engineering courses to fulfill their Technical Electives.
  • Electrical Engineering students can petition the engineering courses to satisfy related elective requirements.
  • Industrial Engineering students can petition the engineering courses to count as a technical elective and an engineering elective.
  • Mechanical Engineering students can petition the engineering courses to count as an engineering technical elective and a general technical elective.

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 9 credits and a maximum number of 9 credits 
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Penn State Global website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
 A A
 A- A-
 B+ B+
 B B
 B- B-
 C+ C+
 C C
 D D
 F F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
 3 Credits  3 Credits
  
 

Housing and Meals

Housing

Housing is guaranteed and included in the program. All EMIG Summer School participants live together in shared apartments with single or double rooms. The apartments offer fully equipped kitchens, free WIFI, television, bed sheets, washing machines, and drying facilities. They are located in the city center with bakeries, supermarkets and cafés in the near vicinity. Pforzheim University can be easily reached with public transport ticket which is included in the fee.

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions. 

Meals

Students are responsible for all meal costs and for preparing their own meals. Students can also purchase meals at a discounted rate at the on-campus canteen.
 

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Program costs are estimates and subject to change up to the program commitment deadline.

Summer Costs

Due to the early planning by our partners, if you are accepted and commit to participate on Pforzheim Engineers Made in Germany program and later decide to withdrawal from the program, you will be financially liable for paying the EA Admin fee and the entirety of the billed cost to Penn State. As Education Abroad uses your tuition in combination with the Education Abroad Program Fee to pay for billed costs, you will be giving us permission to post an additional program fee for the balance of the program cost to your bursar account should you withdraw after committing to the program. Only commit to this program if you truly understand the financial liability you are accepting. Review the budget sheet for a full list costs and to review the withdraw policy.

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

 

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
 

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Penn State Global website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Penn State Global website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Penn State Global website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Penn State Global website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Penn State Global website. 

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Penn State Global Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer 2024 01/24/2024
02/07/2024 05/18/2024 06/29/2024
NOTE: Start date marks arrival in host country. End date marks departure from program housing.

Indicates that deadline has passed