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Goethe-Institut, Göttingen
Study Abroad
The Göttingen Summer Abroad Program
The Washington University German Department offers all students interested in studying German in Germany, regardless of their major, the opportunity to earn up to 10 (ten) Washington University credits in German on all levels by spending eight weeks at the Goethe Institute in Göttingen, Germany.
Göttingen-Tübingen Day (information session)
Each September, there is an information session (Gottingen-Tubingen Day) to answer any questions you might have concerning the study abroad program. For a copy of the handouts, or to ask additional questions, please contact Matt Erlin.
The Göttingen Program
Program Dates:
- Program dates: June - July, 2008
- Application deadline: January 18, 2008
Highlights:
- Five scholarships of $1,000 each for qualified freshman and sophomore applicants
- The Cecilia Hospes Scholarship (awarded each year to one junior or senior)
- Up to 10 credits toward the major
Application and Deadlines
Application deadline for Summer 2008: The application (with advisor's signature) must be returned to Professor Matt Erlin, German Department, Box 1104, by January 18, 2008. A transcript must accompany your application. The Undergraduate Committee will review all applications and inform you of acceptance by early February 2008.
Application forms: Students must fill out the intradepartmental application; these application forms are available online or in the German Department from Empress Sanders. To view the application online, you will need the free Adobe Reader. These are to be returned to the Gottingen Program supervisor, Matt Erlin.
Deposit (non-refundable): A $250 deposit will be due the last week in February 2008. This deposit is not refundable.
Final payment: The final payment of approximately $3,250 will be billed to students by the University in March 2008. Upon remittance of final payment the regulations of the Goethe Insitute apply regarding refunds for illness or no shows.
Eligibility
All students in good standing at Washington University may apply to the summer program. A minimum of one semester of German or the equivalent is required.
Instruction and Credits
There will be approximately twenty hours of instruction a week, every day in the morning; there is a language laboratory/library for independent study in the afternoons. Weekends are free. Placement in courses is determined by an interview conducted with students upon arrival. The number and level of Washington University credits depends on the students' performance during the summer. Credit is awarded retroactively. Performance is evaluated by the Program Supervisor. Failure to attend class will automatically reduce the number of credits awarded. All instruction is in German. Class size ranges from 20-25 students. Composition of classes will vary and fellow students will very likely not be speakers of English.
Housing
The Goethe Institute is housed in a Wilhelminian mansion which has been completely renovated. The grandeur and romance of the house have been maintained while adding all the modern conveniences. Each room has a sink. There are toilets and showers on every floor, two kitchens, refrigerators with private compartments which lock with keys, a TV-room, game room, film room, two grand pianos, a library, a reading room where daily newspapers are available, washing machines, and dryers. Most students live in double rooms. Their roommates may not speak English and students are expected to speak German at all times. Some students may be housed in private rooms near the Goethe Institute. Breakfast and a large midday meal (optional) are served in the Institute. There is a meatless as well as a porkless menu for those with dietary restrictions.
The Institute is a fifteen to twenty minute walk from the center of town and, although the Institute is removed from the downtown area, errands are easily accomplished. Across from the Institute is a huge park which extends to the city boundary.
Göttingen
Göttingen is a picturesque North German university town near the Harz mountains. It is located on a major north-south train line. Major cities such as Hamburg, Berlin and Hannover are within easy reach. The University of Göttingen was founded in 1734 and many houses in Göttingen are adorned with plaques bearing the names of famous German figures who once lived and studied in Göttingen. The town has many fine examples of half-timber houses preserved in its charming pedestrian zone. It is a city of parks, some of which follow the old town wall surrounding the inner part of the city. There are two theaters in Göttingen and six cinemas which show high quality films, both contemporary and from the film repertoire. Concerts and other guest performances are regularly scheduled in the town hall. In June, Göttingen hosts a Handel festival, and at the end of July the Göttingen fair takes place (Schützenfest). There are innumerable restaurants, cafés, and pubs which cater to students. The German spoken by the natives of Göttingen, unlike that spoken in many areas of Germany, is the High German which students are taught.
Cultural Activities Arranged by the Institute
In addition to instruction, the Goethe Institute provides cultural opportunities for students. Feature films are shown. Music groups and contemporary authors are invited. Students have the option of participating in one or two three-day trips for an extremely low price. In the past, these trips have been to cities like Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg. A number of German students also live in the Institute. They are paid to look after the students' needs, to speak German with them, and to help arrange the aforementioned outings.
Supervision
A Washington University staff member is in residence in Göttingen to serve as resource person, to encourage students to speak German at all times, to supervise the students' academic progress, and to arrange some activities for the students. Students are expected to meet with the supervisor once a week.
Cost
The fee of approximately $3,500 includes a $250 Washington University administrative fee, tuition, books, lodgings, and breakfast on weekdays. The exact cost varies slightly from year to year depending on fluctuations in the exchange rate. Please note that the Goethe Institute has strict policies concerning reimbursement of fees in case of illness, etc. These are listed in the Goethe Institute brochure. For further information, please contact the Göttingen Program Supervisor. The Cecilia Hospes Scholarship and five $1,000 scholarships are available for qualifying students; inquiries regarding the application process should be directed to the Program Director, Matt Erlin. Students on financial aid can apply for additional funds to cover the costs of the summer program by contacting the University's Financial Aid Office.
For more information, please contact Matt Erlin or Empress Sanders.
