Germany.info : Information Services: Publications: The Week in Germany

Germany.info Home: Information Services: Publications: The Week in Germany

The Week in Germany: Culture

November 30, 2007

Study: More American Students Studying German and Sticking with it, More American Students Studying Abroad in Germany

According to studies released in November by the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the Institute of International Education (IIE), the number of US students learning German and studying in Germany increased over prior years. German remained the third most popular language among US university students after Spanish and French, and Germany remained among the top 10 destinations for American exchange students.

The MLA reported that 94,264 American students were enrolled in university German courses in fall of 2006, a 3.5 percent increase over 2002, when the last study was conducted. The increase in the number of students learning German was somewhat smaller than the 13 percent increase in the number of students learning any foreign language.

Although the increase in the number of students learning German were modest in comparison to the dramatic gains made by other languages, the data suggested that students of German are more likely to stick with it and master the language. For every four students in a first or second year German class, there is one student in an advanced German class. This ratio compares very favorably to other languages, in which fewer students appear to be making the leap from beginner to advanced courses.

Germany’s universities also remained a popular destination for American students. The IIE’s “Open Doors 2007” report showed a 4.6% increase in the number of American students who studied at a German University for credit in 2005/2006 compared to the previous academic year. As host to 6,858 American students, Germany is the eighth most popular study abroad destination for US students.

The Open Doors 2007 report also showed a notable reversal in what had been a negative trend in the number of foreign students in the US since 2001/2002. After stabilizing in 2004/2005, the number of foreign students in the US increased by 3.2 percent in 2005/2006. With 8,656 students at US institutions, Germany is first among EU nations and 10th overall in sending students to US universities.

Links:

Institute for International Education’s “Open Doors 2007” Report

Modern Language Association

Learn More about Studying in Germany from Germany.info

Back to the Front Page

Current Headlines

Introducing
The German Information Center