Germany: International Mass Media and History in Germany

Overview 

The course will examine the history of German news media as a democratic institution after the end of monarchs through the period of Nazi Germany, the GDR and the modern democratic era.

Info Sessions

Check back soon for more information!

Highlights and Excursions

In Berlin, we will meet with a reporter working for ADR, the German equivalent of public radio/television for that region of the country. We will also tour the Berlin Wall and tour the seat of German government, the Reichstag.

In Leipzig, we will tour the local daily newspaper, the MDR (public radio/TV for Saxony) Studios, the Stasi bunker where news reports were propagated during the GDR, the Buchenwald concentration camp to see the reality of the "re-education" touted during Nazi Germany and the GDR, the Forum of Contemporary History and various points in Germany where the protests began to bring down the Berlin Wall.

We will also tour the museum set up to honor military photojournalist Robert Capa, who took the famous "last soldier killed in World War II" photo, located at the bridge where the Allies came into the city to liberate it. 

Good To Know

• Students should expect a moderate level of physical activity (walking) on this program. 
• Course will take place during First Summer Term (May-June)

Living Arrangements

Shared (2-3 students per room) occupancy housing in centrally located hotels will be provided for students in each location. 

Program Dates 

May 9-May 17, 2025

Note: Students will need to depart the U.S. on May 10th in order to arrive in Berlin on May 11th.

Academics 

Students will earn a total of 3 credit hours:

• JOUR 4660 with 3 credits for undergraduate students
• JOUR 5660 with 3 credits for graduate students

Cost  

The program fee for this program includes: Student accommodations, breakfast daily, excursions, airport transfers, transportation to all program related activities, welcome and farewell dinner, and international health insurance.

In addition to the program fee, students should plan for 3 credit hours of tuition*, administrative fee, and out-of-pocket costs. Below is the student budget worksheet for this program, which outlines these costs.  

• Undergraduate Student Budget Worksheet Summer 2025
• Graduate Student Budget Worksheet Summer 2025

Items that are not related to the program (ie. additional entertainment, souvenirs, extra travel, contingency funds) are not included in the cost estimates provided and should be budgeted for separately.  

*Note: 

• Non-resident surcharge waived for the credit hours associated with this program. 
• If you are nominated to this program, you will be required to pay a deposit to confirm your participation. The deposit is a down payment on the total costs to be billed by OHIO and is determined by the total cost of the program. 

Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages.

Eligibility and Requirements 

This program is open to Sophomores, Juniors, Senior and graduate students in good academic standing.  

Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad.  Read the entire conduct policy . 

This program accepts NON-OHIO students. For more information about this process visit the Non-OHIO student page .   

Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be required to submit:

Undergraduate Students:

• 250- to 500-word statement about how this trip fits with your academic and professional goals

  Names of two academic references

  A copy of your DARs

  Preference will be given to students with higher GPA's.

Graduate Students:

• 250- to 500-word statement about how this trip fits with your academic and research goals

  Names of two academic references

  A copy of your C-V or resumé

  A copy of your DARs

  Preference will be given to students whose research agenda matches program outcomes.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,   apply for your passport   now.

U.S. citizens  will not  need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program. 

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s   Visa Information Page

Information for  Non-U.S. citizens 

Resources 

• Health and Safety
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations