<p>I am an engineering Student in the US. My school does not offer anything in Germany that I can afford, as it is a private school. I am really interested in studying in Germany, although at the moment, my German is not good enough to take classes in German.
I'd say my "per semester" budget is around 8k$ max.
I am not interested in programs such as CIEE or anything like that, I would just like to hear from someone who's done this before, such as a good school to look into or even a school in the US that I could go through for a low cost.
I am definitely only interested in Germany.</p>
<p>I've heard that I could directly apply to a school there, but I am unsure if they will take me due to my lack of German knowledge.</p>
<p>Thanks to all who look and reply!
-Mike</p>
<p>In 1978, without a word of German, I started in a Goethe Institut in Freiburg (about $2000 then for 2 months - it was an excellent course). I learned that, for a minimal administrative fee (like $50), I could register at the university and take whatever classes I wanted, including basic language classes. I could go to any classes I wanted to and uni cafeteria, of course. Credits were transferable. By mid-1979, I was fluent. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, I urge you to do it. (After that, I went to Paris and learned French, but that is another story.)</p>
<p>THere were many American students who had gone thru their colleges and paid full tuition, plus extra fees. What they got was a little admin help with visas, housing, and health insurance (which were laughably easy for me to do on my own) and a lounge in an office. That’s it.</p>
<p>I would think conditions have changed somewhat (i.e. higher fees), but I doubt they have all that much. You need to research this. I don’t know how strong engineering is at Freiburg, but it is a lovely town in the Black Forest.</p>
<p>I would also look into funding opportunities through the DAAD.</p>
<p>You could also consider going to Germany after you graduate. It can be tricky to match up strict engineering requirements with study abroad, especially at a small school that doesn’t do a lot of programs like this. My dad took a year to work in Germany after he graduated before starting grad school and had a really great experience. You also don’t have to stress over classes/grades transferring back. My approach was to spend 6 months doing an internship/co-op in Germany during my undergrad. There are a lot of different ways to do things besides just a typical study abroad.</p>