Studying Aboad
Study abroad is a crucial part of our program--essential, indeed, to your education at Wheaton as a whole. Immersion in the language, first-hand experience as a global citizen, a sense of the American as Other, not as the norm in this world--these are just a few benefits of study abroad.
We encourage most students to go abroad during their junior or even sophomore year, ideally to our very own Regensburg program in the spring (mid-January to early July). Costs are similar, even somewhat less than a year at Wheaton; when attending affiliated programs, in most cases students can take their financial aid with them. German majors often fulfill up to half of that major while abroad; many students branch out into a number of other disciplines--and discover entirely new interests--and thereby fulfill other of their Wheaton requirements.
Most returning students agree on two things: that they experience greater culture shock returning to the United States as seniors to Wheaton than they do while abroad. And that their study abroad is the most important, most rewarding, most transformative experience of their undergraduate education.
Wheaton in Germany: Universität Regensburg
Our very own study abroad program at the Regensburg Universität was established in consortium with Vanderbilt and Wesleyan universities. One of the most important and appreciated benefits is the network of support and assistance our students receive throughout their stay from the Residence Director, chosen from one of the three institutions each year, and from the Foreign Student Office of the university. Students first participate in a 2-month intensive German language course before they are enrolled in the Regensburg university.
Regensburg is a gorgeous medieval city on the banks of the Danube, an hour from Munich, 2 1/2 hours from Vienna, and near the border of the Czech Republic (Prague!)
Helpful Links
Berlin FU-BiS (summer program)
Hitchhikers' Guide to Regensburg:
(This is an uncut (with all its personal opinions and views), unedited (some info might be outdated by now), straight-from-the-horse's-mouth guide to Regensburg written up by two former Regensburger, Joe Bedetti '06 and Stefan Sirucek '06. A must-read for every prospective study abroad student to Regensburg (or Germany for that matter)).
