Study Abroad Programs in Munich, Germany

Guten Tag! Visiting Munchen (the local’s way of saying Munich) to study and looking to have an optimal experience when there? Look no further. As the capital and largest city of the German state of Bavaria, Munich is a city enriched in culture, history and more than enough extracurricular activities to keep any student visiting, occupied.

With a contemporary motto like, “Munchen mag dich,” translated to “Munich likes you,” students will feel welcomed immediately. Coupled with institutions like the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), the Goethe Institute and the Volkschoschule, Munich has become a popular destination for students from all over the world to study. Ready to study abroad in Munich? Tab through our expert guide and read reviews of study abroad programs in Munich below!

Must See Attractions

Munich is a city flourishing with popular attractions to see. And have no fear, immersing yourself in the culture and sites do not have to drain your bank account. For starters, get a monthly or a weekly pass at the MVG office in the Marienplatz U-bahn station. Obtaining this pass will save you a fortune on transportation. Also note that with a student identification card in Munich, students can score deals on theater productions and museums all over Munich and much of Germany.

Some must-see attractions for visitors in this city is the Marienplatz – also known as Marien Square and the New Town Hall of Munich. Located in the central hub of Munich, Marienplatz is rich with old buildings, churches and landmarks. If you make it to the tower of the New Town Hall at 11 a.m. or noon, you can hear the Glockenspiel chime.

The English Gardens are a great escape. Bigger than Central Park in New York City, Munich’s largest park is a great place to delve into. Bring a friend and rent a paddle boat, walk along rich-green paths or visit one of the park’s beer gardens. Spring and summer are the best seasons to escape here.

For history enthusiasts, make it a point to visit the Dachau Concentration Camp. Located 10 miles northwest of Munich, Dachau was one of the first concentration camps created in Nazi Germany. You can book a guided tour or venture through the former historic site on your own and check out the barracks, courtyards, crematorium and a gas chamber. There is no fee to enter Dachau.

Shopping

There is no shortage of shopping in Munich. You can find tons of mainstream stores in the Marienplatz. Looking to cook or shop on on a budget? Venture off to the Victuals Market (Viktualienmarkt). Here, you can purchase everything from meat, cheese and pastries to fresh flowers, honey and spices. Munich offers an assortment of seasonal flea markets like the Auer Dult that takes place three times a year during summer, spring and the fall. If you can’t make it for Oktoberfest, this is a great option. Not only can you do a little shopping, you can grab a beer and hop on some amusement rides.

Thirsty? Have a beer!

Beer, a staple of German society is a must when studying abroad. With so many options and beer halls around, where does one go for a quintessential German beer? The Hofbrauhaus, self-proclaimed world’s most famous beer hall is a must see for any visitor to Munich. Created in 1589 as the Royal Brewery of the Kingdom of Bavaria, the Hofbrauhaus is the place to be to meet not only locals to Munich, but travelers from all around the world. Beer is typically sold by the liter here and options are limited but don’t let that deter you. The food is great and the service is superior. Keep in mind that this place is widely popular among tourists and can get very busy on weekends.

If the Hofbrauhaus isn’t for you, check out the Weissess Brauhaus, Der Pschorr, Augustinerkeller of the Lowenbraukeller for a cold beer stein of German ale. Prost! (Translates to cheers)

Getting Around

Munich is a city that can be as expensive or cheap as you want it to be. The currency accepted everywhere in Munich and much of Europe is the Euro. Currently, the Euro equals $1.29 U.S. dollars. Most international debit cards can be used in stores and in cash machines throughout the city. Bringing a bank card your best bet. It is not necessary to purchase a ton of Euro’s prior to departure.

Munich, like many metropolitan cities throughout Europe, has a large English-speaking population. While the novice traveler may experience slight culture shock when exploring Munich, don’t let it deter the experience. Engage in conversation with the locals. They’ll be more than happy to speak to you. Despite any preconceived notions, Germans are some of the friendliest people in the world.

Congratulations und vieo Gluck! (congratulations and good luck!)

Congratulations on making the initiative to study abroad. Studying overseas is an incredibly rewarding experiencing. Thousands upon thousands have done it before you. Not only will you have the chance to dive into the culture of Munich, you will come home with a great deal of new friends. Studying abroad is an experience that will benefit you not only with your academics, but with future employment. There are two great quotes that one considering studying abroad should live by:

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” – Neale Donald Walsch

“The world is a book, and those who don’t travel only read one page,” – St. Augustine

Housing

Your housing may be provided for you, but some programs will expect you to find your own accommodations. If you don't know where to start, our guide on study abroad housing options will help.

Scholarships

Does studying abroad sound fabulous but expensive? While it is true, studying abroad can mean added costs, there are still a variety of ways to offset the extra expenses. If you're not up for opening a lemonade stand, I suggest checking out the following scholarships.

• API offers a variety of scholarships for those participating in their programs - including a few great options in Germany!
• More Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships