Why Germany?
Why Germany?
For those desiring to conduct research or to intern in a lab, science and research in Germany are characterized by an excellent infrastructure, a wide variety of disciplines, well-equipped research facilities, and competent staff. Germany offers various forms of research locations: universities, non-university institutes, companies, and institutions run by federal or state (Länder) authorities.
Germany is the economic engine of the European Union, the U.S.’s largest trading partner. Together, they account for over 50 percent of world GDP in terms of value and 40 percent in terms of purchasing power (Transatlantic Economy 2014)
Germany is the biggest national economy in Europe, fourth-largest economy in the world, and second-largest exporter of goods in the world. Germany produces one-fifth of the GDP of European Union. The country enjoys very high standard of living, low corruption, qualified work force, and a lot of capital. Main exports for Germany are in machinery and automobiles, chemicals and metals, and in the field of energy, such as wind and solar power.
For the 2023-24 year, a total of $6,000 is available exclusively from external donors. Because these funds are limited, an application is required and will be awarded on a competitive basis. Applications for the full amount of available funds will at this time most likely not be supported in full. Applications are due March 24, 2023. Awards will be announced no later than April 6, 2023.
Application Instructions
An application should address the following and be limited to 1-2 pages (please be as specific as possible):
Applications and inquiries should be directed to Daniel Walther, Institute Director (daniel.walther@wartburg.edu).
After the funds have been used, the applicant will submit electronically a detailed report to the Executive Committee via its director, Daniel Walther (daniel.walther@wartburg.edu), describing how the funds were used and the difference they made for the intended project/purpose through individual, in particular student testimonials.
Previously Funded Projects
Partially subsidized GM 303 Historical Roots of Mathematics and Physics trip to Germany (May 2015)
Covered reading materials for faculty/staff heritage retreat to Wittenberg, Eisenach, and Neuendettelsau (Summer 2015)
Partially subsidize airfare for student studying at the Free University of Berlin–Berlin European Studies Program in Winter Term 2016
Provided funds for activities not covered by trip fee for GER 260/261 German Culture and Intensive Conversation. Funded activities include excursions to Heidelberg, Cologne, and Munich, as well as a performance in the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin. (May 2016)
Provided funds for the German department to host a German film festival for the campus and community (Fall 2015)
Programs of study
Study abroad
Faculty resources
Internships
Scholarships
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
INTERNATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD
The purpose of the Friends of the German Institute is to support financially the activities of the Wartburg College German Institute on an annual basis. With the generous support of our friends, the Institute has directly funded enrichments to students’ experiences on May Term trips to Germany in language, mathematics, and journalism/communication; materials for the faculty/staff heritage trip to Germany; a German film festival; and travel expenses for students studying in Germany.
In gratitude and recognition of the support received, all friends are recognized here according to the amount they contributed and receive an annual report on how their contributions have impacted students, faculty, and staff at Wartburg College.
SUPPORTING GIFT LEVELS
Associate Level – Up to $999
Kyle Barton
Phyllis Biermann
Gunda Brost
Sarah J. den Harder
Daniel Hanson
Lori Koogler
Peter and Beth Martin
Troy and Janet Meinhard
Lance and Deborah Noe
Laura Olson
Edwin and Lorraine Scharlau
Edwin and Patricia Schmidt
Zachary Sommer
Larry Trachte
Daniel Walther
Member Level – $1,000-2,499
Karl Fink
Kathlyn Hofmann
Director Level – $2,500-4,999
HSBC – North America, Inc.
Curtis Schneider
Shelly Wright
LEADERSHIP GIFT LEVELS
Silver Level – $5,000 – 9,999
Charles Birnstiel
Gerald Kleinfeld
Kirk Vogel
Gold Level – $10,000 – $24,999
Platinum Level – $25,000 and above
Recent Events
The German Institute at Wartburg College provides organization and focus for the college’s wealth of Germany-related programs, knowledge, and relationships. Its founding in 2014 strengthened the college’s ties to its German heritage. Wartburg traces its roots to Neuendettelsau, Bavaria, and is named for the castle in Eisenach where Martin Luther took refuge during the Reformation.
The institute’s goal is to deepen and broaden cultural heritage and German connections among all institutional constituencies, including past, present, and future, by supporting existing programs and assisting in the development of new ones with informational, logistical, and, whenever possible, financial support, while respecting and abiding by the academic governance system. An executive committee leads the institute, acting on guidance from an international advisory board.
Faculty from across the academic spectrum have attended or presented at events such as the Global Media Forum in Bonn and the Third International Seminar within the Luther Decade in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, and are a part of the International Loehe Society and the Max Planck Institute for the History of Science.