Bad Mergentheim, Germany

The Oregon State University College of Business offers a one-term exchange program at Bad Mergentheim Business School.  This spring term exchange takes place from mid-May to mid-August.  Bad Mergentheim Business School is a satellite campus of Mosbach University of Cooperative Education.

Background

Located in the Tauber River Valley, Bad Mergentheim is a town rich with history and local culture.  Just 45 minutes from Wurzburg in Frankish-Bavaria, Bad Mergentheim is dominated by a castle which was built in 1525 by the Teutonic Order of Kinghts.  In 1826, mineral springs were discovered and Bad Mergenthrim grew into one of Germany's most celebrated health resorts.

Locals and toursits alike enjoy visiting the nearby medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber which is still completely surrounded by its original castle wall, gates and towers.

Today the 22,000 residents and students living in Bad Mergentheim enjoy its relaxed atmosphere, elegant stores, comfortable cafes and the spa pools.

Academic Program

Bad Mergentheim School of Business is academically strong.  There is a constant exchange of information between German companies and the school which ensures that academic courses continue to be on the cutting edge of business trends and technology.  The faculty is made up of visiting university professors as well as guest lecturers from leading industries.  All courses are taught in English. Students will enroll in classes similar to:

• BA 497 International Marketing 
• BA 445 international Financial Management
• BA 446 International Management
• BA 406 International Seminars
• BA 407 Cross Cultural Studies 

A two week beginning conversational German class will be offered the first of May.  This course is required, but not graded.

Internship

Internship opportunities are available for qualified students who have at least two years of college level German.  Internships begin after the theoretical portion of the studies ends in mid-August, and must be applied for during fall term.

Eligibility

The program is open to all OSU Business majors who have a 2.75 GPA in the College of Business retention courses and have attained senior or late junior status at the time of participation. Pre-requisite courses inlcude:

• BA 340, Finance
• BA 347, International Business
• BA 352, Organizational Behavior
• BA 390, Marketing

All applicants will be interviewed and acceptance will be based on academic preparation, personal motivation, and perceived adaptability.

Living Arrangements

Students will live in dorms within a five minute walk to campus. Each student will have a private living room/bedroom, and will share a kitchen and bathroom with an International student.

Cost

Students pay spring term tuition to OSU for the spring/summer semester at Bad Mergentheim. OSU Student fees are waived.  There is a $50 non-refundable application fee submitted with application and a $250 non-refundable program fee payable after acceptance. The main additional cost is airfare. Costs will vary depending on the exchange rate for U.S. dollars at the time of the program and personal spending habits. Additional travel expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Financial Aid

Most financial aid that students are eligible to receive (Guaranteed Student Loans, Pell Grants, Veteran's benefits) is applicable to this exchange program.  FINANCIAL AID IS NOT AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS UNTIL CLASSES BEGIN AT OSU, so students must budget accordingly. There are also study abroad scholarships available for those students with excellent academic records. Contact the Office of International Education (Snell Hall-444, 737-3006) for more information.   Numerous College of Business stipends are also available.  German stipends are available for the top students through the German Ministry of Education.

Application

Applicants must submit the following to the College of Business:

• A completed application for admission to the Arthur Stonehill International Business Exchange Program (available in 214 Bexell Hall)
• Two reference forms
• Autobiographical essay
• Resume
• Cover letter
• A $50 application fee

The APPLICATION DEADLINE for participation is in early October.  Contact Bexel 214 for the specific date. Interviews will take place during Fall term, and involve a short, informal presentation by the applicant on a pre-selected topic. Students chosen for the exchange program will participate in a mandatory orientation class Fall term prior to departure. 

For more information contact Carol Leder at (541) 737-3716 or leder@bus.orst.edu.