I moved to the US from Germany a couple of years ago and since then, I've always felt a bit out of the loop regarding my culture. I was wondering if there are institutions that attract significant German student populations?
Based on data from the Institute of International Education (IIE), the schools with the largest population of German students tend to be larger, often public universities. For instance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Michigan State University, and University of California - Los Angeles have been cited as having substantial populations of German students.
However, it's important to note that while these universities may have some of the highest numbers of German students, these students still only represent a small percentage of the total student population.
If you wish to connect with other Germans while in college, you could consider joining or even starting a German student association or cultural club. These clubs can frequently be found at colleges across the U.S., no matter the size of their German population, and serve to foster a sense of community among German students and those with an interest in German culture.
Further, remember that a larger German student population does not necessarily translate to a well-developed German cultural experience on campus. Some universities might have fewer German students but could have strong German Studies programs, active student organizations focused on German culture, or other resources for German students that might not be as prominently featured at other schools.
For example, look for schools that offer a robust German studies program or language learning opportunities. You might also find it valuable if there's a department or program dedicated to European studies. You may also want to consider the study abroad or exchange opportunities available at a given school. Universities with strong ties to German schools might attract more German students through these programs.
In the end, the best fit will be a mix of academic and cultural fit, so don't limit your search to only those schools with larger German student populations. Good luck with your college search!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.