Summer Study in Berlin, Germany

The Reichstag, or parliament, building

University Contact:

Prof. Mary Rhiel
German Program
Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Murkland Hall
University of New Hampshire
Durham, NH 03824-3596

Tel. (603) 862-0063
Email: berlin.program@unh.edu

Few cities match the historical importance of Berlin. Berlin served as the capital of Prussia, of the German Empire, The Weimar Republic, the Third Reich, and now after forty years of division, of the unified Germany. As the crossroads between eastern and western Europe, today’s Berlin is one of Europe’s most energetic capitals and offers students limitless educational and social opportunities. As part of UNH’s short study program in Berlin, students experience a cosmopolitan city. Youthful, artistic, and hip, Berlin has become a mecca for artists and intellectuals from Germany, Europe, and the world. Berlin offers a large selection of museums, art galleries, theaters, and a vibrant nightlife. A center for business, politics, and culture, Berlin is the driving force for Germany in the 21st century.

Curriculum

In this 5-week program, students earn 4 or 8 credits through German 586, designed to give students an immersion experience in the German language and culture. Students will receive eighty hours of intensive language instruction at the appropriate level (elementary, intermediate, or advanced) at the BSI Private Language School in central Berlin. No prior German language study is required. On designated weekday afternoons, students will gather for cultural excursions and discussions with the on-site UNH faculty member. Students enrolling for 4 credits can receive the UNH German Program language course equivalent of one semester of language study. Students enrolling for 8 credits will receive the UNH German Program language course equivalent of one semester of language study as well as engage in additional UNH faculty-guided cultural study, fulfilling German 525 and Discovery World Culture. Students may fulfill the College of Liberal Arts Language Requirement by taking the equivalent of Intermediate German at the BSI Language School or by taking the equivalent of the first semester of Elementary German with the Program and then independently continuing language instruction at the BSI for one month beyond the Program study period, for a total of 8 weeks. Required pre-travel meetings at UNH will prepare students for the Berlin experience. In line with UNH’s goals to educate students to become global citizens, this immersion experience will give students insight into what it means to experience a different culture and language.

Faculty

Students are taught by UNH faculty and by the teaching staff at the BSI Private Language School (www.bsiberlin.com).

Housing and Meals

Students are housed with host families arranged by the BSI Language Institute. Students arrange for their own meals.

Eligibility

Students must by matriculated and have at least 32 hours of credit. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required. Students must be in good standing with the University Student Conduct System.

Application and deadlines

The application deadline is typically February 1. Students are encouraged to apply early so that they can make their travel arrangements at the lowest possible cost.

The program begins in late May, exact dates TBA.

Tuition, Fees, Aid

Summer school tuition and a course fee will cover instruction, course materials, excursions, and housing. In addition to the fee, you will need funds for meals, for all personal and incidental expenses, and for travel to and from Berlin.

Travel and Insurance

Students must make their own travel arrangements to and from Berlin.

All students are required to hold health insurance that will cover them while abroad. Additionally, they are required to purchase the ISIC or iNext card that includes medical evacuation and repatriation of remains insurance in addition to supplemental health insurance.

I lived and worked in Berlin for over thirty years. To me Berlin is the most vibrant city I’ve known. It’s so alive in every way--culturally, socially--and it is changing all the time. I look forward to introducing our students to my city.

Prof. Johannes Frank
UNH German Program

A part of the Berlin Wall	Students in Berlin	Potsdamer Platz