Program Coordinator

Dr. John Pakkala
Office: S-147
Phone: (414) 277-7250
Email: pakkala@msoe.edu

German Study-abroad Program

Students in the mechanical engineering program at MSOE have the opportunity to study abroad through an agreement between MSOE and the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences in Lübeck, Germany. In addition, German students in the ISM program at Lübeck have the opportunity to study in Milwaukee at MSOE.

The timing could not be better. American business is competing on an international level like at no other time in U.S. history. Foreign companies are buying or forming alliances with American companies at a record pace. There is an increasing likelihood of a graduate doing business with or even working for a foreign owned company. The graduate who has traveled internationally, speaks a foreign language or has an understanding of the cultures and traditions of other nations will have a marked advantage.

The MSOE German Study-abroad Program enables students to study for one year at a German university where the focus is in the area of applied engineering with superbly outfitted laboratories, while at the same time gaining firsthand experience by being immersed in German culture.*

The Program for American Students

Mechanical engineering students who enroll in the German Study-abroad Program will study for two semesters at the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences during their junior year. The school year runs September through June with extensive breaks, including between semesters, providing an excellent opportunity for European travel. Students live in both on- and off-campus housing arranged by the university. They are in class with their German counterparts.

Mechanical engineering students wishing to participate in the study-abroad program at Lübeck University of Applied Sciences must have major and cumulative GPAs of 2.75 or higher at the end of the Winter Quarter of their sophomore year, and be in good academic standing at the end of Winter and Spring Quarters of their sophomore year. In addition, all curriculum requirements of the first two years of the mechanical engineering program must be completed by the end of Spring Quarter prior to departure for Germany.

Key features of the program for MSOE students:

• All instruction is in English. Students do NOT need to speak any German.
• Students will receive two degrees, one from MSOE and one from the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences.
• Students will graduate on schedule, if they stay on track in the ME curriculum.

The Program for German Students

Lübeck University students who enroll in MSOE’s study-abroad program will study for three academic quarters during year four in Milwaukee. All courses are conducted in English by MSOE professors. All lab sessions are conducted by professors. MSOE does not use graduate assistants for labs. The school year runs September through May with breaks between quarters, providing an excellent opportunity to travel throughout the United States.

Key features of the program for Lübeck students:

• German students study alongside American students in several courses during year three, and subsequently spend the whole of year four studying in Milwaukee.
• Student receive two degrees, one from MSOE and one from the Lübeck University of Applied Sciences.
• The Bachelor Thesis program is carried out in year four in Milwaukee and is linked to the student’s Senior Design Project. The Bachelor Thesis advisor panel consists of both MSOE and FHL professors. Senior Design projects may be chosen from many areas of study.

*Certain academic requirements are applicable - see program coordinator for details.

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