What is the URI-Braunschweig Exchange?
The University of Rhode Island and the Technische Universität Braunschweig have developed a one-to-one student exchange program with focus mainly, but not exclusively, on engineering areas. The exchange was founded as a new model for student exchange with support from the U.S. Department of Education and the van Meeteren Foundation in Germany. It is a very affordable program enabling students to study at the partner institution for a semester or year with full credit at the home institution.

When did the exchange begin?
The first students were exchanged beginning in the fall semester of 1995. Approximately 15-20 students are now exchanged in each direction annually, and over 450 students have benefitted from the exchange to date.

Who can participate?
The focus is mainly on students in engineering, but smaller numbers of students have participated as well in business, the biological sciences, and the humanities. Braunschweig is a comprehensive university.

Where is Braunschweig?
Braunschweig is in the heart of Germany, directly west of Berlin and southeast of Hamburg and Hannover.

What is the Technische Universität Braunschweig?
The Technische Universität Braunschweig is the oldest technical university in Germany, which recently celebrated its 250th anniversary. Even though it is best known as a prestigious school for technical subject areas, it has also - like URI - become a comprehensive university, with many fields represented. Braunschweig offers breadth and depth in many disciplines.

Do I need to know German to study in Braunschweig?
Yes. German is the language of instruction, and a key reason for your going there. There is clear need for young Americans in business and engineering fields who know the German language and culture.

How much German do I need?
Generally speaking, you will need to have completed German through the sixth-semester level before going to Braunschweig. There are ways to accelerate your learning of the language, however. If you are a freshman or sophomore at this point, and get started on your German right away, then you will be able to go to Braunschweig for a semester or year during your junior or senior years.

How can I learn German?
Start right away by signing up for the special sections of German for business and engineering students. You can speed the process by attending URI's German Summer School of the Atlantic next summer, for which the grant will provide scholarship support. You can do two semesters worth of German in six weeks (eight credits) in this program. Braunschweig also offers an intensive German course for foreigners just before the semester begins, which is available to URI exchange students free of charge!

How much does the program cost?
Approximately the same as staying at URI. Contact the IEP Office for details.

Will I receive credit?
Yes. Assuming you complete the scheduled courses successfully, your work will transfer to URI with full credit. You will receive both German language credit, and credit for the courses taken in your major. General education courses can also be taken in Braunschweig.

Can I study in Braunschweig as a student in the International Engineering Program?
Yes. All work in Braunschweig will be fully accredited, and will count as progress toward both the BA and BS degrees at URI.

Why should I learn German and study in Germany?
Germany is the strongest economic force in Europe, with critical access to the emerging Eastern Europe. There are huge German investments in the U.S. as well as American investments in Germany. And these companies all need engineers and business professionals with good German skills. URI students graduating from the International Engineering Program, for example, have all either been accepted for high quality graduate programs or have found excellent jobs with international companies.

Is it possible to study in Braunschweig and do an internship with a German company?
Yes. URI has already places about 20 students per year with prestigious German firms. Study in Braunschweig usually precedes the internship experience.

Can graduate students participate in the URI - Braunschweig Exchange?
Yes! URI and the TU Braunschweig welcome grad students into the program for Dual Degree Programs at the masters and doctoral levels. This enables engineering students to do part of their graduate work at their home institution and part of their work abroad, and then to receive degrees from both universities. With degree status from both a European and a North American university, dual degree students are highly qualified for the global workplace.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about the URI Braunschweig Exchange, please call or write to:

Dr. Sigrid Berka

Executive Director, IEP

Director, German& Chinese IEP

61 Upper College Rd.
University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI 02881

e: sberka@uri.edu
p: 401.874.4700
f: 401.874.7088