German American Co-op – New Solution in Workforce Development
German American Co-op – A Powerful Investment in Your Company’s Future
Workforce development is one of the greatest challenges of today’s economy. In a bold and strategic response, College of Charleston and NORDAKADEMIE – German University of Applied Sciences (Hamburg) are bringing Germany’s highly respected Duales Studium model to the U.S. This innovative program not only equips young professionals with hands-on skills and academic excellence, it also supports local industries, and contributes to the state’s long-term prosperity.
Benefits for the company:
- Work Performance from Day One – students contribute to the company from the start of their studies rather than years after graduation.
- Aligned Working and Studying – instead of completing education in separate phases, students combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
- Intercultural experience – American and German students live and work in both the U.S. and Germany, learning foreign languages and intercultural communication.
- Workforce Retention – graduates are required to work for the company for at least two years after graduation.
Key facts of the program:
- Study Program: International Engineering & Management, 3 years, Bachelor of Engineering, aligned with the German Qualification Framework.
- Two 10-week blocks per year at college, either in Charleston, SC or in Hamburg, Germany.
- 32 weeks per year at company, conducted within the training company in the U.S. with the option to supplement in Germany.
- The program includes six months in Germany; students completing their practical phase in Germany may stay for up to a year.
- Program launch: April 2026.
Financials:
Costs fall into three categories — but every company may establish its own framework.
- Costs for coursework: $8,000 to a max. of $22,000 per person per year, depending on state funding of the respective federal state as well as individual agreements with the students.
- Compensation for work: since students work within the company, financial compensation is recommended.
- Costs for travel, housing: It is recommended that companies support travel and housing costs for the study period in Germany, with an estimated total of about $6,000.
More information: www.charleston.edu/nordakademie
Get in Touch: co-op@nordakademie.eu