Germany: Language & Culture
Please note: This program will not run for Spring/Summer 2023. Details below are subject to change.
Schwäbisch Gmünd, Germany - The Summer German language program offers six weeks of intensive language instruction and a seminar on the culture and history of Germany. Students spend five weeks in the medieval town of Schwäbisch Gmünd and participate in a week-long excursion to Berlin. Schwäbisch Gmünd is a medium sized town in eastern Baden-Württemberg near the Bavarian border with a history that dates back to a Roman settlement in the second century.
During your stay in Schwäbisch-Gmünd, you will live in the home of a local family, which will allow you to use your German in everyday situations and provide you with an authentic opportunity to soak up the ambiance of this beautiful town while living as Germans do. Classes will take place at GVSU’s partner university, Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd (PHSG), where courses will be taught by both local instructors and a GVSU faculty member. You will also take one class alongside German students. As a result of GVSU’s strong relationship with the host university, you will be given many opportunities to integrate into local student life. In addition to classes and campus activities, you will engage in numerous excursions that will allow you to explore this region of Germany, including Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Nuremberg, and Würzburg.
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Faculty-Led
2.0 GPA Required
German Language Requirement
Issue Friendly
Program Dates and Application Deadline
Spring/Summer 2023
Estimated Program Dates: May 2023 - June 2023
Application Deadline: September 1, 2022
(Closed)
(6 weeks)
Courses
Students will register for a total of 6 credits:
GER 385: Intensive Advanced German, Intensive
Intermediate German, or Intensive Beginning German (3 credits) AND
GER 386: German Culture and Society (3 credits)
Both courses will satisfy German major and minor requirements.
Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement.
Fulfills (1) General Education Issues course requirement. Reflection required
Language of Instruction: German
Housing
Program participants will be housed with local families near Pädagogische Hochschule Schwäbisch Gmünd (PHSG).
Cost and Scholarships
2019 PROGRAM COSTS:
Program Fee: $4,035
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from Grand Rapids
- Accommodation
- Most meals
- Field trips
- Local Transportation
Other Expenses
- GVSU Tuition (6 credits) ($3,282)
- Personal expenses ($600)
- Additional lunches ($200)
- Passport fees ($150)
- ISIC Card (Optional) ($28)
TOTAL PROJECTED COST (Program Fee + Other Expenses) = $8,295
SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS:
Students may fund study abroad by using financial aid, scholarships, grants and personal funds. A study abroad adviser can help you create a funding plan.
FACULTY-LED PROGRAM GRANT (Up to $1,500): All degree-seeking students who apply to their faculty-led program by the priority deadline are automatically considered for a grant of up to $1,500 from the Padnos International Center. Students must have a current FAFSA on file to be eligible. No application required.
Global Programs Scholarship (Varies): The purpose of this scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad or complete an internship abroad.
James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship: The purpose of the scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad. To apply, visit MyScholarships.
Visit www.gvsu.edu/studyabroad/scholarships for more information on these and other grants/scholarships.
FINANCIAL AID:
To contact the Financial Aid office, email [email protected] with “Study Abroad” in the Subject line. Include your G Number and Total Projected Cost of the program in the e-mail.
Non-GVSU Students: Non-GVSU students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for Financial Aid from GVSU. Check with your home school’s study abroad and financial aid offices for details on applying for financial aid from your home school toward study abroad program costs.
Eligibility
This program is open to all students with at least one year of college-level German or equivalent.
2.0 GPA required
GVSU is happy to extend this opportunity to Non-GVSU Students.
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Checkout CDC Report For Germany
US State Department Information
The first step to an international trip is to read our Traveler’s Checklist to find out things to consider before you go. Pay special attention to our safety and security information and assess for yourself the risk of traveling to a particular country or region. Some U.S. citizens with special considerations – such as students, women, and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges when abroad. If you do decide to travel, make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong overseas.
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