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Choral Ensemble in Germany
Program Information | Location Information | Courses Available | Eligibility | Costs | Deadlines & Dates | Orientation | Housing | What's Next? | Photos | Helpful Links
| PROGRAM TERMS | Fall semester 2009 |
| PROGRAM DATES | September 5, 2009 - January 11, 2010 (Travel January 2-11, 2010) |
| CLASS STANDING | Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, Senior |
| DEADLINE TO APPLY |
Friday, September 11, 2009 |
| FEES | Programs costs can be found here |
| FINANCIAL AID | Yes |
| GPA | 2.5 |
| LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION |
English |
Program Information
Students participating in the fall semester program will be part of the University Singers choral ensemble preparing concert programs of music for a choral tour in Germany (January 2-11, 2010). Students earn 1 credit of FORS 3511: Choral Ensemble in Germany.
Germany is a modern, cosmopolitan country with about 82 million inhabitants. Its society is shaped by a plurality of lifestyles and truly different ethnocultural diversity, a high standard of living, and freedom of choice. Alongside numerous theaters, orchestras, and concert halls, there hundreds of internationally renowned art museums. Germany's book market, architectural scene, and film industry are also thriving. From the Black Forest to Berlin's techno temples, Germany boasts astonishing diversity in a compact country at the heart of Europe.
Dresden is casually referred to as the 'Florence of the north’, when it was a center of artistic activity presided over by the cosmopolitan Augustus the Strong (August der Starke) and his son Augustus III. Their vision produced many of Dresden’s iconic buildings, including the Zwinger, the Frauenkirche and the Hofkirche. There are few city silhouettes more striking than Dresden’s. The classic view from the Elbe’s northern bank takes in a playful phalanx of delicate spires, soaring towers and dominant domes belonging to palaces, churches and stately buildings. Numerous artists, most notably the Italian Canaletto, have set up their easels to capture this breathtaking panorama.
Leipzig is blessed with dozens of historic buildings and it's city center which has been completely refurbished since German reunification. A prime example is the Hauptbahnhof , a turn-of-the-century construction which used to be Europe's largest train station, but which has now been transformed into a Mecca for shoppers. Yet perhaps the best thing about Leipzig is the pulsating multicultural atmosphere that permeates its city center, day and night. In summertime, every street seems to metamorphose into an outdoor cafe. The motto "Leipzig is coming!" is extremely appropriate motto for this forward-looking city.
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and one of the 16 constituent states (Länder) of the Federal Republic of Germany. Berlin is the largest city in Germany and has a population of approximately 4.2 million within its metropolitan area (3.4 million people within the city limits). It is best known for its historical associations as the German capital, for its lively nightlife, for its many cafes, and clubs, and for its numerous museums, palaces, and other sites of historic interest. Contrary to popular belief, Berlin is also home to many modern, upscale shopping areas filled with department stores and small boutiques that offer the latest in European trends and fashion.
Courses Available
Students will complete FORS 3511: Choral Ensemble in Germany, which is a 1 credit course. Participants will also learn about German culture through guided city tours.
Eligibility
Participants must be selected to participate in the choral ensemble. Participants MUST have a passport, valid for at least 6 months after their return to the U.S. Students also should be in good academic standing with a GPA of at least 2.5.
Costs
The program package cost is $3,053. A non-refundable application fee of $50 is due with the application and a deposit of $400 will be billed to your student account upon confirmation of your participation. The remainder of the program fee will also be billed through Student Accounts Receivable.
The program package includes:
- Tuition for the 1-credit course
- Roundtrip airfare from Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN to Berlin, Germany
- Accommodation in Dresden, Leipzig and Berlin
- Breakfast and dinners in Dresden, Leipzig and Berlin
- Local transportation and tours in Germany
- Cultural Insurance Services International health insurance
Students are responsible for the cost of lunches. The estimated additional meal expense is approximately $72 for the entire travel period. Other items not included are the cost of obtaining a passport and personal spending money. It is recommended that all participants bring additional money for personal and miscellaneous expenses.
Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience. Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student. There are several study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students.
Deadlines & Dates
The application deadline is September 11, 2009. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Travel dates are January 2-11, 2010.
Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid information, international insurance, class work, travel tips and a general study abroad handbook.
Accommodations in Germany will be in 3-star hotels in each city as arranged by the tour company.
What's Next?
Before applying, it is a good idea to follow the steps under steps to studying abroad. The IEO website also provides information on financing, health & safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When ready to apply, the UMD study abroad application may be downloaded from the IEO website. Please complete the application with required accompanying materials and return it to IEO.
Contact Stanley R. Wold for program questions. For application/registration and location questions, contact Leigh Neys at (218) 726-7053 or email: lneys@d.umn.edu.
