Program Details: Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd (PHSG)
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Cost
Visa Information
Housing and Meals
Courses
PSHG Guides
Application Process and Acceptance Timeline
Campus Information
Travel Information
Is this program for me?
GVSU and PHSG have been partners since 2006. This partnership began with collaborations between GVSU's Sociology Department and has expanded to include the entire College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the College of Education and Community Innovation. Students participate is a number of collaborative programs such as: faculty-led summer program, semester exchange, and 6-week school placements. Founded as a teacher training college, PHSG offers outstanding educational programs to more than 2,300 students. Most students at PHSG are training to be teachers. GV students can take courses in either English or in German. To date, the only course offerings in English are offered by the English Department. Students interested in improving their German proficiency are strongly encouraged to take regular PHSG courses taught in German.
The most desirable semester for GVSU students to participate in the semester exchange is the spring/summer semester since there are more offerings in English. Additionally, the semester more easily aligns with the GVSU academic calendar. The calendars of GVSU and PHSG do not perfectly align; however, this has not been a problem for past participants.
For additional information about the course options available visit the PHSG.
K-12 School Placements
Students interested in a school placement through one of PHSG's school partnerships must contact Sherie Williams in the College of Education and Community Innovation, willishe@gvsu.edu to learn how this can fit into your academic plan.
Location
Set upon a hilltop just outside the town of Schwabisch Gmund. This medieval town has several architectural treasures, museums, shopping centers and cafes. Schwäbisch Gmünd is just 40 minutes by train to the city of Stuttgart, where students can enjoy the many amenities of a larger German city.
Cost
Baden-Wurttemberg Stipendium is a scholarship provided by the Baden-Wurttemberg Foundation for semester exchange students who study at PHSG. The amount of the award is approximately 600 Euro per month up to 2400 Euro.
Browse additional Study Abroad Scholarships
Visa Information
US citizens studying in Germany for more than 90 days must apply for a visa prior to entering Germany. For additional information, please reference our German Visa Guide. Please note that the appropriate consulate or embassy must be consulted for the most up-to-date visa information.
Housing and Meals
PHSG will assist students in securing accommodation in a nearby student residence hall. The residence hall offers single rooms connected to a common kitchen and lounge. Two single rooms are connected by shared bathroom facilities. The building is a 10-15 minute walk from campus. The building is a 13 story complex housing approximately 300 students.
Courses
A list of available PHSG courses and course descriptions.
List of PHSG courses that have been pre-approved by GVSU faculty:
If the course you wish to take at PHSG appears on the "Existing Course Equivalencies" list, you do not need to secure course approval for that course. These courses have already been approved by the relevant academic department.
Note: This is not a complete list course options offered at this partner institution.
Course registration will take place on-site once you arrive to PHSG.
Campus Information
PHSG offers a small campus environment where students are easily integrated into a variety of campus activities. Students will live in housing that is a short walk to the main campus. Near the residence halls, students will have access to a local grocery store for those daily provisions. Downtown Schwaebisch Gmund is just a 10 minute bus ride from campus where students will have access to a variety of shops, restaurants, historical sites, and other small town amenities.
Travel Information
Students typically fly into Stuttgart. There is a subway terminal at the airport which will take you to the Stuttgart Central Station. From there you can take a train to Schwäbisch Gmünd which takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. From the Schwäbisch Gmünd station, students can either take a bus or a taxi to the University. The bus is about a 10 minute journey. PHSG will supply additional details in the Study Guide they will send you. Students are advised not to arrive on a weekend or a bank holiday.