Program Description
European cities provide the ideal site to study sustainability, given their long urban history and adaptation of infrastructure over time. Germany is on the forefront of sustainability, with solar and wind power and advanced water management.
This 6-week, 6-credit, faculty-led program connects you with Germany’s multifaceted engineering landscape. Besides classes and field trips in Berlin, you’ll go on academic excursions to Dresden, Hamburg, and Odense (Denmark) where you’ll interact with global engineering experts from different fields.
The 2027 program will be led by Professor Luis Fargier Gabaldón.
This program is open to all Notre Dame freshmen, sophomores, juniors and graduating seniors in good academic standing and in compliance with community standards.
Courses
Students are required to enroll in both of the following courses for a total of 6 credits.
GEST 34241: European History, Politics & Society
In this course, students will explore topics related to post-1945 history and politics and how they affected European society. In addition to assigned readings and coursework, students will use what is learned in class at sites and on excursions outside the classroom to inform their understanding of and discussion of contemporary European issues.
CE 34285: Introduction to Bridge Engineering
Instructor: Professor Luis Fargier Gabaldón
CE 34285: Introduction to Bridge Engineering introduces students to the design, construction, maintenance, and performance of bridges while highlighting the many engineering disciplines involved in creating and sustaining this critical infrastructure. Students will explore how structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, environmental, mechanical, electrical, materials, and other engineering specialties contribute to solving the complex challenges associated with bridge design and operation.
Through real-world examples of bridges from around the world, students will examine topics such as structural design, environmental impacts, wind effects, material durability, movable bridge systems, and structural health monitoring. The course connects fundamental engineering concepts with practical applications, demonstrating how multidisciplinary teams work together to design safer, more durable, and more resilient bridges and address the challenges presented by aging infrastructure.
Dates
May 22 – July 4, 2027
Housing
You’ll live in the center of Berlin in modern apartments with a shared bathroom, living room, and fully equipped kitchen. Student apartments are near underground and suburban rail stations within minutes of shopping, restaurants, and cultural institutions.
Program Fee
The cost for the 2027 Summer Study Abroad Program is $9,800, plus a $200 University Study Abroad Administration Fee.
The program fee includes the cost of 6 Notre Dame credits; accommodations/housing; program academic outings and field trips; transport to and from airport; on-site program support from Notre Dame faculty; and international health and emergency evacuation insurance.
It does not include airfare; meals; passport/visa fees; or personal spending money.
All students are considered for need-based engineering scholarships to help underwrite program costs.
Apply
Applications will be accepted September 30 – November 3, 2026.
Program assignments and waitlist notifications occur before Christmas break.
Questions?
Feel free to contact:
Mike Kitz
Executive Director, Summer Engineering International Programs
mkitz@nd.edu
Todd Taylor
Director, Summer Engineering International Programs
ttaylo24@nd.edu