Quick Facts

Application Deadlines

Dates

• Fall semester 2012: August 5, 2012 (July 7 for the 12-week Vienna language program) through mid-February (with an option to leave before Christmas)
• Spring semester: Late February (earlier for students in 12-week Vienna language program) through late July

Language of Instruction

• German and English

Two Amazing Locations—Vienna and Marburg!

Start your experience in the culturally-rich city of Vienna as you learn German at the prestigious Internationales Kulturinstitut Wien language school. Spend 8 weeks focusing on German language and culture before the semester begins in Marburg (8 weeks is standard time for the program but 12 weeks is recommended. There is an additional fee(s) for the 12 week program).

Language Test

Applying for BCA Marburg?
It is important for students to have a clear and accurate understanding of their level of German language proficiency when choosing to study abroad with BCA Marburg/Vienna. To help you and BCA determine your current proficiency level, BCA works directly with the Goethe Institut to test applicants’ German language proficiency. The language test we use has been designed by the Goethe Institut and provided to you online through a Moodle website created and maintained by BCA. The online German proficiency test, which is graded by examiners from the Goethe Institut of Frankfurt am Main, is required for acceptance into the BCA Marburg/Vienna program.

Language Proficiency Test
The test will be graded by the Goethe Institut, and the results will be used to place you on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. BCA Resident Director, Kris Riggs, will contact you with the test results. Students who place in the A range of the CEFR scale will be required to enroll in the 12-week pre-semester preparatory program in Vienna (for an additional fee). This additional preparation is crucial for students who would otherwise not be adequately prepared to attend university classes in Marburg.

Once you apply to the program, you will receive specific instructions as to how to access and take the language placement test, which does require a fee. The test fee will be returned to you in its entirety upon acceptance into the BCA Marburg/Vienna program.

If you have any questions about the language test, please contact Phil True at ptrue@BCAStudyAbroad.org

Host University: Philipps University

• One of Germany's oldest and most distinguished universities, Philipps University offers a wide range of academic disciplines
• Philipps University has partnered with BCA since 1962
• BCA students not only get an excellent academic experience, but they also live in University housing with local students
• BCA students enroll directly in the University and can design their own individual program of study
• Courses are taught by full-time University professors
• Over its nearly 500-year history, the University has educated and employed a large number of distinguished scholars and thinkers, including nine Nobel prize winners

Housing

University housing, private dorms or castle

BCA Orientation

During the pre-semester phase of the BCA Marbug program, all students participate in an intensive language course, a cultural and history course, and they are also guided through a thorough orientation at both the Vienna and the Marburg locations. Once students arrive in Marburg, their student ID is valid for free public transportation within the state of Hessa. The orientation covers everything from shopping tips and basic navigation to setting your academic schedule.

Resident Director

Kris Riggs

Required Courses

• Hist 205, Vienna: Crossroads of Europe
• German 202, IKI Wien

Learn Basic Translation Skills

Translation is seldom taught at U.S. colleges and universities, but translation is a very valuable tool that can readily be applied toward a career. By the time many BCA students are wrapping up their studies in Marburg, they are asking questions about how to pursue a career in translation. And since the BCA Marburg director is a CT (Certified Translator), students can benefit greatly from information from someone with professional experience in the translation industry.

See Europe!

Both Vienna and Marburg are excellent jumping-off places for exploring the rest of Germany and Europe. Vienna is convenient to an airport, and Marburg is only 90 minutes from the Frankfurt International Airport, which is Europe's third largest airport. Marburg lies on the main train line between Frankfurt and Kassel. More about BCA Germany's location.

Extra Educational Opportunities

Attend BCA’s U.S.- European Student Conference on European - U.S. Relations (spring semester only)