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Language and Culture in Germany

Program Information | Location Information | Courses Available | Eligibility | Costs | Deadlines & Dates | Orientation | What's Next?

Apply now!

Know the following program information, which you will provide on the online application: 

Country: Germany
Program Name: Language and Culture in Germany

Program Information
Study German history, culture, literature, and politics, in a classroom setting and on field trips to museums, historic sites and other points of interest. Emphasis will be on art, history and culture. For course topics and more information, please visit the program leader's website.

Learn about German art, including aspects of classical and modern art. Study the history of Germany from the 1600s onward, encompassing East and West Germany, as well as the “reunion” in 1991. Experience culture from the past and present-day Germany firsthand.

The course is conducted primarily in German, which fosters the improvement of language skills. The format includes seminars, discussions, field trips and small group projects.

In Potsdam, participants stay in an historic Dutch-style house in the city center, just minutes away from the local attractions, and 30 minutes from the center of Berlin. The unique experience of shopping and preparing dinner for the group was a highlight of previous years.

Planning meetings will be held prior to departure during which the program coordinator from the International Education Office and the instructor will answer questions and plot logistics. Students will be introduced to course content and have the opportunity to meet fellow participants.

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Location Information
Home of Frederic the Great, the most famous Prussian king, known for his tolerance, love of science and arts, and feared for his power and fierce army, Potsdam is more than 1,000 years old. Here, the Nazi era began and ended: in 1933, Hitler manifested his power in a meeting with Reich President Hindenburg, and in 1945, the Allies determined the future of post-war Germany in the Treaty of Potsdam. Potsdam is well known for its Baroque palaces, gardens and architecture.

Berlin, Germany's old and new capital, is bustling with activity and culture. The relocation of the national parliament and the federal government to Berlin necessitated immense construction projects including the Potsdamer Platz, the area near the Reichstag building and the Brandenburg Gate. Formerly divided by the Wall, East and West Berlin are still significantly different in architecture, culture and mentality. Berlin is yours to explore.

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Courses Available
FST 3040, GER 3040: Culture of Germany Studied in Germany (4 credits). Students can arrange to take an additional 2-credit independent study with approval by the program leader. Credits apply to a German Studies major or minor. For detailed information on the course, visit the program leader's website.

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Eligibility
Student must have successfully completed four semesters of German or equivalent or have intrustor's consent with a minimum GPA of 2.4.

Students must be available for an interview with the program leader prior to acceptance in the program.

Participants MUST have a passport, valid for at least six months after their return to the United States.

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Costs
A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application. A deposit of $400 will be billed to your student account upon your confirmation of participation. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable. The program cost can be found here.

Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student (six credits is full-time for May/Summer). There are several study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students. Additional scholarships may be offered through the UMD Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures. Please inquire with the program leader about such scholarship opportunities.

Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience.

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Deadlines & Dates
The application deadline is February 20, 2012.

Early application is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the program will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis after eligibility criteria and interviews are completed.

Program dates are from May 14 - June 1, 2012.

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Orientation
At least two pre-departure orientations will be held. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid, classwork and travel tips. A general study abroad handbook will be emailed prior to departure.

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Housing
Housing facilities for students are arranged by the program. Breakfast and lunch are covered and prepared for participants while participants typically prepare dinner in rotating groups. To learn more about the arranged lodging, visit the program leader's website.

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What's Next?
Review the suggested steps to studying abroad. Familiarize yourself on financing, health and safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When you are ready to apply, complete the online application and upload the required accompanying materials (unofficial transcript and essay). A non-refundable application fee of $50 will be billed to your student account upon submission of an online application.

Contact Mike Mullins for program or itinerary questions. See the program leader website for more information. For application or registration questions, contact Arianna Austin.

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