Hood College Offers Study Abroad Program in Germany at the University of Mainz

By Audrey Ze//

Imagine exploring American studies in a medieval German town.

All Hood undergraduate students, but particularly those interested in American studies and English literature, can participate in the Direct Exchange Program with the University of Mainz in Germany. The program offers an in-depth American Studies curriculum taught entirely in English, and it is currently being held at one of Germany’s most historic universities.

Sandra Meerwein, the coordinator of this program, emphasized,  “Those interested in learning about different cultures but also exchanging perspectives on and experiences of social life will find themselves for sure being enriched through any kind of experiences abroad.”

“The value in this program specifically is also in the extensive period of time it offers for students to really adapt and experience life in Germany and the U.S.,”Meerwein added.

Rasmus Denoke, German teaching assistant at Hood College, said, “The JGU Mainz has a really good sports program which any student can participate in at no cost. Whether it is ballet, yoga, beach volleyball, or martial arts, JGU will offer it.”

Tuition is only 350 euros per semester, Denoke noted. “It is far more affordable to study in Europe, and you do not have to go into debt,” he said.

Denoke also mentioned that “From Mainz you can easily travel to many cool German cities like Frankfurt or Heidelberg and major European cities like Paris, Berlin, London, Barcelona, Venice… are only a couple of hours away by train, bus, or plane.”

Study Abroad Director Scott Pincikowski explained that beyond cultural immersion, the Mainz program stands out. “First, students (including international students) do not pay tuition in Germany, so the cost is much lower than most of the other programs that students go abroad on, essentially travel costs, room and board, and books. Second, the program provides a unique perspective on American culture, literature, and history, as the Obama Institute is in Germany. The professors of the program are well-known scholars who spend a lot of time researching American Studies, but do so from a transatlantic perspective.”

For students unsure about committing to study abroad, Pincikowski encourages taking the first step by getting informed. He recommends attending information sessions or fairs, meeting with faculty advisors, and speaking to peers who have gone abroad. Many students, he noted, become more confident once they learn about available scholarships and the overall affordability study abroad.

“There are no specific qualifications required. I think anybody who is willing to go out of their comfort zone can thrive in the program,” Denoke said.

He also pointed out that speaking a little German would help, but is not required.  “Germans speak really good English, so you will always be understood,” he said.

For more information, contact Pincikowski at pincikowski@hood.edu.

##