Germany is the most populated and industrial country in Europe and it is rich in history, culture and landscape.  From the natural beauty of the Black Forest and the Alps to the boisterous cities of Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, there is bound to be something that will appeal to you in Germany.  Some of the greatest thinkers and writers of the twentieth century emerged from Germany.  Experience firsthand what inspired the thinking of Nietzsche, Heidegger and Kant, as you immerse yourself in German culture.

Constance, which sits on a peninsula in Lake Constance, is in the Bodensee region of Germany and borders Switzerland and the Rhine River. The Bodensee region is known as a year-round resort for boating, swimming, hiking, skiing, and mountain climbing. The climate of Constance is temperate and although the mountainous location generally provides cooler weather, some sunny days can reach temperatures of 90 degrees and above. It is a picturesque city with medieval structures, historic landmarks and postcard perfect plazas.  On a clear day you can see the Swiss and Austrian Alps from the harbor. Niederburg, the oldest neighborhood of Constance is a pleasant place to spend your afternoons with cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and a cathedral which dates as far back as 1089.

 Program Description

The Ecology summer program at the University of Constance offers space to Rutgers students in their 3rd or 4th year majoring in Environmental and Biological Sciences.  Students choose one course out of five offered: Limnic Microbiology, Fish Ecology, Neurobiology and Behavior, Plant Ecology, and Bioinorganic Chemistry and the Biophysics of Plants.  (See the Academics section below for syllabi.)  Courses are taught in English and are taken together with students from the University of Constance, guaranteeing an integrated experience. 

The University of Constance is a well known and respected research institution both domestically and internationally. The highly coveted Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize has been won six times by scientists from the university.  At the University of Constance, you will enjoy your time studying on the pristine campus lawns, the bordering woods, or by the beautiful lakeside.


Information at a Glance

• Academics

• Program Itinerary

• Accommodations and Meals

• Program Costs

• Scholarships

• Travel Brochure

For more information about this program, please contact the Rutgers Study Abroad office.