Our blog posts may include affiliate links. These affiliate links don't cost you anything, but we might earn a few Euros if you decide to purchase something from one of our recommended website partners. Thank you for your support to help keep this platform up and running!

North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is home to expansive mountain pastures, medieval towns, fairytale-esque castles, and the birthplace of the neanderthals. With everything the area has to offer, it’s no surprise that many students choose it as an ideal place to study abroad. Many even choose to come for their entire university education here in NRW!

If you want to head off on an adventure and learn about a new culture, consider making NRW your home for a few months. Here are a few of the best study abroad programs in NRW to help you get started:

Post Sections

1. Institut Für Internationale Kommunikation

If you’re interested in building your German language skills, why not do so in Düsseldorf? Starting with your first lesson, you’ll hear and speak only German. You can work on your spelling and grammar and perfect your conversation skills.

With the program at IIK, you can choose how long you want to reside overseas, from two to 10 months. You can experience German life firsthand by staying with a host family, or you can enjoy some privacy in an apartment or private room.

2. German Academic Exchange Service

For those interested in science and engineering, you may consider a research internship in Bonn. Programs range from 10 weeks to three months, and you’ll get matched up with a doctoral student upon arrival who’ll serve as your mentor.

You’ll gain valuable hands-on experience in the field, and your experience will impress future admissions committees and employers, too.

3. GoAcademy! Sprachcaffe

An immersive experience is one of the best ways to learn a new language, including German. With GoAcademy!, you can experience life in Düsseldorf and brush up on your linguistics.

Through this study abroad program, you will attend seminars and lectures. On your own time, you can work through academic texts and workbooks. The experienced teachers will be able to answer any questions you have and help make the transition an easy one.

Want to look into price comparsions for language schools? Life in Düsseldorf has the full list here.

4. International Internships

Do you want to work in Germany, learn about the culture, and gain valuable experience? Luckily, you can! Düsseldorf offers opportunities in all areas, such as business, fashion, telecommunications, film, and more. Customize your trip to your goals and make the most of your study abroad trip.

Many students rave about their experiences while abroad. In one program, for instance, 30% of students who traveled overseas decided to do so two or more times after. With this program, you can stay for a summer or a whole semester.

5. Paderborn University

You’ll find no better place to gain new experiences and network with international contacts than this study abroad program in Paderborn, a city in eastern NRW. While here, you can study a myriad of courses, from business to history.

During your stay, you’ll find support from the university’s International Office. You’ll also get paired up with a German buddy, a student who can help you acclimate to the new culture.

6. Loyola Marymount University

If you’re a creative soul looking for your muse, why not start with this study abroad program in Düsseldorf and Bonn? Stay with a host family as you gain strategic insights into storytelling and learn cutting-edge marketing techniques.

During this cultural immersion, you’ll get to brush up on your German language skills. Plus, you can get away on planned trips to Berlin, Amsterdam, and Cologne.

7. Western Carolina University

Visit Dortmund, one of Germany’s largest cities in NRW, through this five-week study abroad program. During your stay, you’ll participate in college classes and expand your understanding of the country’s culture.

With a small group of 19 other students, you’ll have the chance to improve your communication skills. Plus, you’ll get to travel to other parts of Europe, including Amsterdam and Berlin.

Want to Study Abroad in NRW? Consider the Programs Above.

If you want to experience the magic of studying abroad in NRW, look no further than the top programs above. You’ll get to expand your language skills, meet incredible people, experience a new country, and discover more about yourself.

If you’re already living in NRW and still looking for more ways to expand your education. There are a number of excellent online sources you can also choose from (SkillShare is just one example).