Location

Frankfurt an der Oder & Berlin, Germany

Dates

Summer 2023: July 22 - August 02, 2023

Application Deadline

April 27, 2023

Program Description

If you've ever wanted the opportunity to study abroad, but have been unable to fit it in, this is a great opportunity for you. This 10-day, fully-funded program as part of the online Adult Degree Program and the Online Virginia Network, will provide the chance for you to take your learning abroad to Germany and learn first-hand about the culture and migration of this European region. You'll also be able to meet other like-minded individuals who are taking online courses.

This program will focus on the challenges for society when it comes to migration in Germany and Poland – taking an in-depth exploration of the history, culture, and support of refugees in the surrounding areas.  Students will travel to Frankfurt an der Oder and take part in a program in conjunction with the European University Viadrina. Participants will engage in guest lectures, site visits and excursions, and interact with local and international students. Through these activities, participants will experience/learn about the positive and negative implications of migration for Frankfurt an der Oder, the history and politics in the Eastern part of Germany, and how Frankfurt an der Oder is supporting refugees. Participants will also spend three nights in Berlin where they will tour the city and compare perspectives and inhabitant growth to Frankfurt an der Oder. 

Course

UNST 190: The Exploration of Migration and Culture in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany (3 credits)

Location Description

The majority of this program will take place in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany at the European University Viadrina. Viadrina is a university in the heart of Europe with a unique international and interdisciplinary character. Their students and lecturers come from 80 different countries. The international aspects of law, economics and social and cultural sciences play a particularly important role in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the three Faculties.

The so-called “German gateway to the East”, Frankfurt an der Oder, is relatively small, with a population of approximately 74,000. Neighboring Slubice, Poland -- with its 17,000 inhabitants -- is just a short walk across a nearby bridge. There is a wealth of scenic and historic attractions around Frankfurt an der Oder. Surroundings are of great scenic beauty with its green forested areas and clear lakes. 

The capital of Germany, Berlin, with all its theaters, bars and historic sites is only 60 km away. It is known as a world city of culture, politics, media and science but also a stroll in the famous quarters Neukölln and Kreuzberg is worth its while. 

The geographic position of Viadrina right on the border of Germany and Poland means that students cross borders on a daily basis in their academic and private lives, creating an international atmosphere. At the same time, the German capital Berlin is only one hour by train. Prague is about 5 hours away.

Director

Donna Sharpes | sharpedv@jmu.edu | Center for Global Engagement

Cost

Participants will be fully funded by money available through the Online Virginia Network.

Accommodations

Participants will stay in hotels close to the university during their time in Frankfurt an der Oder and in hotels in Berlin.

Additional Items to Consider

Must have a valid passport. No visas needed to travel to Germany.

Participants will travel independently to Germany where they will meet the Program Directors. More details will be shared upon acceptance.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must be a current student in the Online Virginia Network (OVN) or the JMU online Adult Degree Program (ADP).

Application Process

This list serves as an application preview. To apply, students will need to complete the following:

• Study Abroad Online Application
• Short Essay
• Reference List with two references 

Further details and instructions about these application requirements will be available upon log-in. 

*Applicants must be a current student in the Online Virginia Network (OVN) or online Adult Degree Program (ADP).