Cologne University
The University of Cologne was established in 1388, and is now one of the oldest, largest and most famous German Universities in the very heart of Europe.
Offering more than 250 disciplines, the university takes a leading position in many areas of research. The university has around 45,000 students including 6,200 international students from more than 130 countries.
Cologne is located in the heart of Europe and in the immediate vicinity of the large economic and industrial Rhine/Ruhr area in the north and the city of Bonn in the south.
The campus is located centrally, and the transportation system makes it easy to get around. The city is home to approx 1 million inhabitants, and is one of Germany’s most eclectic cities, with its own dialect and its own style of beer brewing.
Cologne is world-famous for its twin-spired cathedral, its romantic Rhine panorama and the Eau de Cologne to which it gave its name. Today the city's character is a rich combination of modern lifestyle with 2000 years of historical and cultural heritage, from Roman and medieval to the present day.
It is also a cultural capital with an abundance of museums, arts exhibitions, cinemas, and the many festivals and concerts are sure to entertain you.
Academics
Courses are offered in English in most disciplines. The German terms are a bit different from the Canadian ones.
Students can choose to take a month-long German course prior to the fall or summer term.
The fall term starts in October and ends in February. The summer term begins in April and ends in July.
Estimated cost of living
Airfare: $1,200 - 1,500
Visa: $85
Rent: $350 - 450/month
Food: $150 - 200/month
Books: $150
Accommodation
The International Office assists with finding housing. Past students have primarily lived in private rooms with bathroom and kitchen shared between 3 students.
Testimonial from a past student
"The idea of traveling elsewhere in the world is incredibly exciting, and downright intimidating, but in the end it's worth it. At first, moving to Koln, Germany was scary, it's huge compared to Saint John, with a population of over a million people and different in so many aspects, my main concern being that the main language is German.
At some point you realize that the experience is supposed to be an experience, and instead of thinking of it as potential for disaster, think of it as potential for something incredible and exciting. You get the opportunity to meet new people, learn a new language, see some amazing sights and take in a completely different culture, while studying for your university degree. So far it's been tons of fun!"
Dana Miller is studying at the University of Cologne in the fall 2011 and Winter 2012.
