Description

The Global Education Office and the School of World Studies at VCU are pleased to offer an intensive German language summer immersion course in the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria. German language and culture courses will be offered in an intensive four-week session in the heart of Vienna. Museum and cultural visits, city excursions, several weekend tours and numerous activities will be included. One free weekend for individual travel will be made available. (The registration deadline is mid- to late-March.)

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It is also considered a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history, music and art. The largest city in Austria, Vienna boasts outstanding infrastructure, is steeped in culture, and provides all the inspiration that you could wish for in order to discover central Europe.

Course and credit options:

7 VCU credits (depending on German proficiency level)

Participants may choose between GRMN 101 Elementary German (4 credits) or GRMN 102 Elementary German (4 credits) at the elementary level; or two classes from the intermediate and/or advanced levels: GRMN 201 Intermediate German, GRMN 205 Intermediate German Conversation, GRMN 305 Advanced German Conversation, or GRMN 491 Topics, depending on skill level. All students will be required to enroll in INTL 391 for 1 credit.

German language courses: Students will participate in intensive German language instruction through Cultura Wien Language Institute at the beginner, intermediate or advanced levels. Four to six credits of German are available, depending on current proficiency in the language. Students will be required to take a placement test prior to the beginning of classes.

The WRLD/INTL 391 Topics: Aspects of Austrian Culture course activities will be conducted in German while in-country. All course readings and assignments, however, will be in English.

Course description

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It is also considered a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history, music and art. The largest city in Austria, Vienna boasts outstanding infrastructure, is steeped in culture, and provides all the inspiration that you could wish for in order to discover central Europe.

The program is directed by Jessica Lonnes. Lonnes is the Coordinator of Advising in VCU's School of World Studies as well as a professor within the VCU German program. Having lived and worked in Vienna for six years, and spending a total of 10 years abroad, Lonnes brings to the program an extensive knowledge and passion for the city, the country of Austria, and the surrounding regions of Central and Eastern Europe. This will be her fourth year to lead the Vienna program.

Highlights

While in Austria

Included in the program are excursions on the Danube River through the Wachau, hiking and an overnight trip to Salzburg and the Austrian Alps, a visit to Schloss Schonbrunn, as well as a number of Viennese monuments, museums and cultural activities. In addition, excursions and other activities will be organized through Cultura Wien and open to all.

Participants will be housed in a centrally-located dormitory in the 7th district of Vienna (about a 10 minute subway ride from the language school and city center). Each student will have a private bedroom with shared kitchen and living room in the suite.

The majority of meals are not included. Students are encouraged to frequent student cafeterias offering warm meals for a reasonable rate. Students will be provided a number of tips and ideas on how to eat for cheap while on a student budget in Vienna.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• German

Cost in US$:

Approximately USD2,000 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee will be approximately USD2,000 and includes the following:

* Pre-departure semi-online coursework introducing Viennese history, culture and society
* Accommodations
* Intensive German language courses (20 hours/week)
* Study visits, tours and activities
* Laundry card (to use in dorm)
* Month-long public transportation pass for greater Vienna
* On-site Program Director support
* Pre-departure orientation
* International Student Identity Card
* VCU administrative fees
* Application deposit

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:

* Airfare
* VCU tuition and fees
* Most meals
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program (estimated at USD1,700)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip travel arrangements from the US to their destination city. Prof. Lonnes will meet with accepted students to go over specific travel logistics and may help students in identifying low-cost travel options. For best fares, students are encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to April 15.

Experience Required

yes

All applicants are required to submit an essay and will be interviewed individually by the program director to be eligible for participation. The interview will be extremely important to the application process! An academic letter of reference is required. Please submit this with your application materials after submitting the online form.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded

1838