Program Overview
The University of Konstanz was founded on an interdisciplinary basis in 1966 and today has a student body of 15,000. The university offers peer to peer advising and has student tutors available for St. Olaf students to help with their academic studies. A comprehensive placement exam assures students proper course selection in German and in semester courses.
Academics
The prerequisite for study in Germany is one of the two writing courses [German 251 or 252], or equivalent language writing experience. Students must earn a grade of at least B- in the last German course taken at St. Olaf before departure. Normally students earn a total of five credits for one term of study in Germany (language course plus university courses) and nine credits for a full year’s study. The intensive language course taken before the start of the semester counts as one of the five courses in place of the January Interim. Students receive one St. Olaf credit in German for successful completion of the language course offered on site at each university. Letter grades are assigned for semester courses and are recorded on the St. Olaf transcript but are not counted in the grade point average. Students studying abroad in the fall can bring up to 4.5 credits back to campus; students studying abroad in the spring with interim can bring up to 5.5 credits back to campus.
Semester Credit Requirements:
Minimum number of ECTS credits = 24
Recommended number of ECTS credits = 30
| German Credit Conversation (ECTS Credits to St. Olaf Credits) |
| ECTS Credits |
St. Olaf Credits* |
| 1 |
0.25 |
| 3 |
0.50 |
| 4 |
0.75 |
| 6 |
1.0 |
| 8 |
1.25 |
| *It is possible that course credits may vary by student based on enrollment load, completed coursework, etc |
Student Life
Students can explore the city of Konstanz and its surroundings, including the Swiss Alps, Lake Constance, and the Islands of Mainau and Reichenau. There are numerous cafes, gelaterias, bakeries, and shops to visit, as well as churches and museums such as the Rose Museum. Students can participate in sports, visit museums and theatres, and more. Konstanz has a good public transportation system and is very bike-friendly (past students suggest purchasing a cheap bike for use while living there). Between the language course and the beginning of the university semester, students have about 10 days of free time. Those who stay for the full year have an additional two-month vacation between semesters (mid-February until mid-April). It is easy to travel to other European countries such as Switzerland, Italy, and Austria, and Konstanz itself becomes a hub for European tourists during the warmer months. For more information on student life, click here.
Accommodations/Housing
Housing is in dormitories located in the city of Konstanz less than 20 minutes from campus. Housing includes the pre-semester course and runs through the full semester or year. An overview of all available dormitories can be found here: https://seezeit.com/en/accommodation/halls-of-residence/
GO-Konstanz Language and Orientation Session
GO-Konstanz is an optional four-week long intensive language program and orientation session offered before the start of the semester. The language program carries the opportunity for earning credit, but it is optional. It is also an opportunity to orient yourself to life at the University of Konstanz. St. Olaf will cover the additional cost given its importance in orienting you and facilitating your cultural transition to a new learning and living environment. It is possible you will receive a bill due to automated billing systems at universities; if you do, please contact smith.center@stolaf.edu.
FAQs for German Off-Campus Studies Programs (Prepared by the German Department)
