"It's not difficult to sing in German; it's difficult to feel in German. This takes time. It's a culture." —Cecilia Bartoli

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, has long been significant for Germany and the region. A center of trade and agriculture, Munich still maintains a gentle atmosphere of pastel-colored stucco buildings, balconies and many broad streets. It offers travelers an unparalleled international atmosphere which features museums, varied cuisine, theater, sports, concerts and, of course, Oktoberfest. The nearby Bavarian Alps coupled with many pastoral lakes give those who want to explore Bavaria's lavish landscape the freedom to do so. 

For 40 years, Guilford students have flocked to Munich, immersed themselves in German language, and enjoyed Bavarian lifestyle and culture. Students also seek a new understanding of America from courses taught in English by the Munich faculty.

Academics

The orientation program includes a guided introduction to Munich's places of interest in the countryside, along with a dinner for the students, host families, the Munich faculty, and friends of Guilford. Students select a minimum of 13 credit hours from a list of courses in which instruction is in English. Courses, in addition to those offered by the Guilford faculty leader, normally include modern German history, art history, film history, the government of Germany, and politics and culture of Bavaria.

Students must be in good academic and judicial standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Housing

Living with a German family is an important feature of the Munich program. By living in German homes, though usually with one or more roommates from Guilford, students more rapidly develop language skills and gain insight into German lifestyles.

Costs

The basic cost of the Semester in Munich, from September through early-December, is usually the equivalent of a full residential semester at Guilford, plus airfare. Please note that unfavorable exchange rates may require the addition of a surcharge in order to maintain the quality of the program. The program includes all instruction, fees, housing, program-related travel and a weekly stipend for meals and transportation to and from classes. Additional expenses will depend upon your own preferences. All federal, state, and college financial assistance, with the exception of work-study funds, are applicable to the Fall Semester in Munich.

Travel

All students are required to fly on a single flight from a common USA departure city, with a single common return flight to the same city. Failure to agree to these conditions will result in a student's removal from the accepted list.