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The Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures offers comprehensive major and minor programs that foster profound insights into language and cultural studies. Starting with fundamental language skills and progressing to analyzing important literary texts, historical backgrounds, and contemporary media and politics, the curriculum delivers a well-rounded education through interactive, participatory learning. This combines required courses with diverse elective options. Students can expand and implement their knowledge through international study opportunities and internship initiatives.
International applicant should have completed a program of secondary education that would enable you to enter a university in your own country (e.g., A-levels, Abitur).
A strong command of the English language is necessary for successful study at Penn. Applicants whose families do not speak English at home, or applicants who have not attended a high school or secondary school where the primary language of instruction is English, are asked to take the TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, administered by the Educational Testing Service. In the event the TOEFL is not readily accessible, Penn will accept results from the IELTS, the International English Language Testing System.