Ranking as the 11th most spoken language in the world and the most widely used language in the European Union, German is certainly a language worth learning. It is an official language in numerous countries such as Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy, Belgium and the secondary language in countries such as Denmark, France, Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia.



With German spoken in so many countries, the language will certainly be an asset to learn for students looking to enhance their skill set. There are many dialects you could choose to go for, but the main ones are standard German and Swiss German. With a variety of dialects, it is important where you choose to learn the language. And lucky for you, there is a long list of places you can go for studying German abroad.

Where to go for Study German Abroad Programs

Since there are seven countries that have German as their official language, these are the best places to start your research from.  For all those looking for a big city with complete facilities and a high-powered lifestyle, here are the places you might want to consider:

  • Berlin, Germany: Berlin is believed to be one of the top student cities in the world based on the fantastic lifestyle it offers to international students. There are many universities in the city that are recognized internationally and are favorites among students coming from all over the world. These include the two world famous institutes, Humboldt University and the Free University of Berlin, among others.
  • Vienna, Austria: If you have a love for art, literature, music and architecture, Vienna is the place to be for your study German abroad program. It is another one of the best student cities, especially in regard to international students. Top universities here include the Vienna University of Economics and Business, Vienna University of Technology and the University of Vienna. Vienna is the ideal city for students who are looking for an entire cultural experience with their language program.
  • Zurich, Switzerland: Zurich is considered a great center of learning for German language. It is also one of the world’s top research cities. The city is home to several wonderful universities including the University of Zurich and the ETH Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich. The latter is the ideal place for all those who have a love for natural science, technology and the beautiful German language. The city has a lot to offer in terms of lifestyle and entertainment with almost 70 cultural events, a beautiful Chinese garden and the famous Zurich Wilderness Park.

German Study Abroad Program Types

There are several popular German programs that are recommended for students who are looking to go abroad to study the language:

  • University Courses: These are very structured courses and credit hours are taken very seriously. So whether you choose to complete the program in your home country or intend to go abroad to study in a partner university, make sure you are well aware of credit equivalencies.
  • Homestay Programs: These are an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture of a particular place. Living with a host family gives you a direct insight about the lifestyle and helps you learn the local dialect, along with the usage of the colloquial idiom.
  • Language Study and Culture Immersion: These kinds of programs are best suited for beginners, who stand to benefit greatly from the cultural immersion aspect.
  • Language Study and Internship Combination Programs: Individuals who are practicing advance German language skills can opt to go for a language study plus internship program. These programs can be specifically catered to your personal educational aims.

Funding and Fees for a Study German Abroad Program

The cost structure of a study German abroad program will vary according to the country you choose to study in. The Euro is a little stronger than the US dollar, so the costs might be a little heavy on the pocket. However, keep in mind that you are certainly paying for the highest quality education in cities that are certified to provide such top-notch educational facilities.

If you are looking for scholarships, you might want to consider The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or the Deutche Kultur International. Check out their websites for further details on who they fund and what the entire process is.

For all those who want to study German abroad, there are numerous programs to choose from. Luckily, your age, language proficiency and financial conditions would not hinder you, since there is something for everyone in regards to places, culture, scholarships and university preferences.