Vallendar, GERMANY
University Website
Exchange Student Information
University and Location
Founded in 1984 at the initiative of the Koblenz Chamber of Commerce and Industry, WHU enrolls over 2,000 students across its bachelor, master, MBA, and doctoral programs. WHU is consistently ranked as one of the top business schools in Germany and Europe, and is accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB. The WHU undergraduate programs focus on business administration and business psychology, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship. WHU is a true international campus, welcoming more than 150 exchange students each semester to its two campuses. Exchange students have access to the many student clubs and activities of WHU, as well as to an active career center and network of partner companies.
The undergraduate programs of WHU are located on the Vallendar campus. The city of Vallendar is situated along the Rhine River in the Central Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage site, approximately 6km from the historic city of Koblenz, one of the oldest and most scenic cities in Germany. Cologne (Köln) and Frankfurt, the financial and business centers of Germany and the fourth and fifth largest cities in the country, respectively, are both easily accessible by train.
Language of Instruction
80% English, 20% German
Available Fields of Study
International Business Management; Business Psychology. Students may also enroll in a German language course offered to international students.
Program Dates
Fall: late August-late December
Spring: early January-early May
Course Selection
Students can review courses in the WHU online course guide and will register for classes upon arrival at WHU.
https://www.whu.edu/en/about-whu/campus-life/online-course-guide/
Course load/Credits
WHU uses the European Credit Transfer System or ETS. On ECTS credit is normally interpreted as approximately .5 of a Rensselaer credit. Exchange students at WHU will typically enroll in 5-7 classes per semester. Each semester is split into two quarters; some classes will run for one quarter, while others span the entire semester.
Grading and Academic Evaluation
WHU uses a grading system of 1 (fail) to 5 (excellent). Rensselaer students must achieve a grade of at least 3.5 in order for credit to transfer. All classes must be taken for a grade and not on a pass/fail basis. Assessment is similar to the U.S. system and is typically based on a combination of exams, papers, and presentations.
Accommodation and Meals
Housing is available on a first-come/first-served basis, and students apply at the time of application. Exchange students may live in apartments in WHU residence halls or in private residences. The WHU accommodation office supports students throughout the housing process. Students may purchase their meals in the WHU cafeteria or local restaurants or cook for themselves.
Estimated Expenses and Cost of Living
Students pay regular Rensselaer tuition while on exchange at WHU, in addition to airfare, accommodation, and other living expenses. Individual student expenses will vary.
Questions? Please contact
Karen Dvorak.