At the end of World War II, however, Tubingen was one of the few German towns fortunate to have survived intact, and the University was able to quickly reorganize and resume research and education. Today it is among the world's finest institutions of higher learning in the German and European traditions. It currently hosts approximately 400 exchange students through numerous exchange agreements and about 1,000 Tubingen students study abroad each year. Academic Program Students are taught in German alongside German and other international students and are expected to complete all course requirements throughout the year. Lectures are generally available to students of all majors and seminars and tutorials offered are generally smaller, and often more intensive sessions.
Most classes meet for an average of three hours each week.
Although the in-class time may not seem very long, students are expected to spend a good deal of time studying and preparing for the next session. Non-degree students normally take 4 or 5 courses each semester, which corresponds to approximately 15 U.S. semester credits. As nearly all course work is in German during the academic year, students are required to have studied German for a minimum of two years at the time of enrollment and to take a German language proficiency test. Students who do not pass this test may take additional German language courses to improve their language skills. Orientation Program Students are eligible to enroll in the University's September Language and Orientation Program for an additional fee as outlined on the opposite page.