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 2026 program will be led by Professor Jim Schmiedeler.
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.
- AME 34318: Mechanics of the Summer Olympic Games
This course provides an overview of the mechanics behind various sports from the Summer Olympic Games. It will delve into complex phenomena in sports such as walking, running, equestrian, football (soccer), golf, tennis, table tennis, badminton, and cycling, using the same principles of mechanics that govern basic examples like the motion of a diver or a shot put. The course will apply foundational physics topics like kinematics, work, energy, linear and angular momentum, force, and torque to provide an in-depth understanding of the different sports. Additionally, mathematical concepts such as functions, integrals, and derivatives will be used extensively.
Dates
May 22 – July 4, 2026
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 2026 Summer Study Abroad Program is $9,500, 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 between October 1 – November 3, 2025.
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