The USAC Lüneburg program is ideal for students interested in learning the German language and focusing on European Studies—specifically Germany's role within the European Union. Through formal coursework and personal interaction with the host culture, you will greatly expand your language skills and knowledge of German society. Lüneburg offers students the quality of life of a smaller community without sacrificing the cultural resources and activities of a large metropolitan city. Lüneburg is also only 30 minutes away from former East Germany, providing a unique vantage point from which to study the dynamics of reunification.

Academic Program

Semester or Academic Years:

During the semester, the program offers three diverse academic areas: German Language, Literature, and European Studies. The intensive language approach allows you to complete up to two years of university language requirements in one semester. Additional courses in economics, history, culture, art history, literature, intercultural communication, and politics are taught in German or English to provide a well-rounded curriculum. You may choose to stay for one semester or a full year.

Summer

The summer Lüneburg program offers two separate 5-week sessions, or students can be combine the two sessions for one 10-week session. An intensive language approach allows you to complete up to one semester of language study in five weeks, or a year in ten weeks; you can choose courses from: Intensive German Language and German and European Studies. However, the academic courses are only a part of the intended value of a program abroad. Participation in cultural activities, festivals, field trips and an optional tour to Berlin also form an integral part of the program.

Courses

The list of the courses being offered during the upcoming sessions be found here: USAC Course Offerings

Applying credit toward a UI degree

Unless UI Study Abroad has an approval on file for the courses you take abroad to be applied toward a specific major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, you will receive general elective credit for your course.

If you plan to apply the credit you receive for your program course to a major, minor, certificate, or general education requirement, contact your UI study abroad advisor for details on the process. 

Cultural Activities and Excursions

You are encouraged to participate in the included program excursions and activities, in addition to the field trips built into some of your courses. Dates and exact locations are at the discretion of the Resident Director and they vary from session and session and semester to semester.

More information about excursions and activities can be found on the USAC website.

Program Dates

Program dates vary from year to year, but typically follow the University of Iowa’s academic calendar.

This program is offered for a semester, academic year, or during the summer session.

Two month-long sessions are offered each summer. Students can choose to study during either one or both of the summer sessions.

You can find the specific dates for the upcoming sessions on the USAC website

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with USAC, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

Where You Will Study

Lüneburg

Lüneburg is a vibrant university town located in a beautiful medieval setting just 30 minutes away from Hamburg. With a population of nearly 75,000 people, Lüneburg offers an extraordinary opportunity to live in the beauty and history of a city dating back more than a thousand years.

The city was established as a resuly of the salt pits located nearby and in 1189 the town enjoyed rapid expansion under the protection of Henry the Lion. For several centuries, Lüneburg was one of the wealthiest towns in Germany and enjoyed many privileges and much prestige. Magnificent buildings, townhouses, and fortifications with triple ramparts were built, as well as a moat, watch towers, and town gates.

Today, Lüneburg is building upon its reputation as a resort destination. Besides a large salt water swimming pool with artificial waves, it offers excellent examples of northern German Gothic brick architecture, the thirteenth- to fourteenth-century church of St. John, a beautiful medieval and Renaissance main square, a monastery founded in 1172, and other historical treasures too numerous to mention.

Germany

Germany is the most populous member of the EU, has the world’s 4th largest economy, and boasts a high standard of living. It is famous for its contributions to the arts and sciences throughout history. You can learn more about Germany at Deutschland.de.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Accommodations are available in private apartments, and occasionally in homestays around the city. Accommodations are arranged by USAC in consultation with the student.

More information about housing can be found on the USAC website.

Housing Fees

During the semester and academic year sessions, the housing fee is not included in the course fee. Students pay rent for their accommodations each month. You will need to have a plan and budget in place to withdraw the amount needed for monthly rent.

For summer programs, housing is included in the course fee.

Passport

All students need a valid passport to participate in this program. You can find details about applying for a passport on the UI Study Abroad Travel Documentation website.

Travel Arrangements (Flights)

Students will work with their program provider to make travel arrangements to their program site. The cost of travel is not included in the course fee. UI Study Abroad will not arrange a group flight to your study abroad destination.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Local Transportation

Lüneburg's train station is a short walk from the center of the city, providing students with a link to other major German cities as well as the rest of Europe. Lüneburg also has excellent bus service, and is bike-friendly.

Eligibility

This program is open to University of Iowa students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Clear interest and commitment: Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter, and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel. Students must demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
• Minimum UI and cumulative 2.5 GPA: Students must have a minimum UI and cumulative 2.5 GPA to participate in this program. Applications from students who have a GPA below 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing- Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked, and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.
• German Language Requirements- No German language experience is required.
• Sophomore, junior, or senior standing: Applicants must have sophomore, junior, or senior standing by the time the program begins to participate in this program.
• Approval from USAC and UI Study Abroad: Applications will be reviewed by UI Study Abroad and by USAC. Students will be accepted based on their review of their application materials.
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming: Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming presented by UI Study Abroad and USAC. 

Costs

Costs charged to the U-Bill

• Application fee (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Course Fee- Includes program course fee, tuition, all or some housing fees, pre-departure advising, airport pickup for those on the group flight, on-site orientation, 24-hour local emergency staff support, and program-organized field trip and excursions. (charged shortly before departure)
• University of Iowa Study Abroad Administrative Fee (charged shortly before departure)
• The mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance (charged shortly before departure)

Out-of-pocket costs (not charged to U-Bill)

• Round trip airfare (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Passport (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Consular and visa fees (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Textbooks, copyright permission fees, course packets, and other course-related materials (paid upoon arrival to your host country)
• Medical exam/immunizations (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Personal expenses and personal travel (paid by student as needed while abroad)
• Rental or purchase of required cell phone- does not include usage fees (paid as needed while abroad)

Cost Sheets

Semester

USAC Luneburg - Spring 2025

USAC Luneburg - Fall 2024

Summer

USAC Luneburg Cost Sheet - Summer Session I - 2024

USAC Luneburg Cost Sheet - Summer Session II - 2024

USAC Luneburg Cost Sheet - Summer Session I & II - 2024

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options. Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

USAC has several scholarships and grants as well. You can find these on USAC Scholarships & Discounts website.

How to Apply

1. Before initiating an application with USAC, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa.
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students must call the Study Abroad office at 319-335-0353 to be assigned to the appropriate study abroad advisor.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Students will need to complete a University of Iowa Study Abroad application and a USAC online application. Information on these applications will come from the study abroad advisor. Final program admissions decision is made by USAC.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Fall and Academic Year are due on February 24.

Applications for the Spring session are due on September 24.

Applications for the Summer session are due on March 4.

Health & Safety Planning

All students preparing to study abroad should review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Immigration/Visa

All program participants are required to complete immigration requirements to enter and study in your host country. UI Study Abroad and your program provider/host institution abroad will provide you with immigration instructions prior to departure.

Note that permission to enter and study in your host country is provided exclusively by the host country’s government based on that country's immigration requirements. Your host country’s immigration requirements may include considerations related to specific national origin, national heritage, criminal background status, and similar issues that can make it impossible to receive permission to enter the country in some cases. Contact your UI study abroad advisor for more information.

It is essential that you thoroughly review all of your immigration materials before you leave for your host country to ensure that they are absolutely complete and accurate. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all of your immigration materials are in order and fully accurate before you leave for your host country. If any of your immigration materials contain inaccurate information of any kind, contact your UI study abroad advisor immediately to discuss your options.

Do not take steps to complete your host country’s immigration requirements until you receive more information from UI Study Abroad.

Review the UI Study Abroad Travel Documentation website for further guidance on the immigration/visa process.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one depending on your type of planned activity abroad. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.