The German program offers two specific opportunities for study abroad in Germany, one at the University of Bonn and another at the University of Paderborn. With each of these universities, ISU has a long-standing partnership.

Students who elect to study in Bonn or Paderborn apply here at ISU and have all arrangments, including a record of grades and courses taken in Germany, made through the Offices of International Studies here and at the partner school. Students have sometimes chosen to apply to other German universities, but make all arrangements for study and housing themselves and are responsible for all documentation of grades for courses taken there. Of course, universities in Austria or Switzerland are possibilities as well, but would likewise require the student to work out all details her- or himself. Anyone interested in this option should have pre-approval from the director of German study abroad Professor J.M. van der Laan.

Typically, ISU students will study for a semester or a year abroad. The fall or Winter semester usually begins in October, the spring or Sommer semester in April. Because the semesters are not entirely in synch with each other, most students select the spring/Sommer semester to live in Germany. Each student must decide which German university will suit him or her best. While the Unversity of Bonn is somewhat larger, the University of Paderborn is somewhat smaller than ISU. And whereas the city of Bonn sits on the banks of the Rhein with a population of about 320,000, the city of Paderborn lies on a plateau among the hills of East Westphalia with a population of about 145,000. Each of these cities and areas of Germany is itself rich in history, but also located so that other parts of Germany and Europe are easily accessible.