Location

Fulda, Berlin, Würzburg, Weimar, Germany

Program Description

Have you always wanted to see the world, study a new language and culture, and have fun at the same time? Consider the summer study abroad program at the Fulda University of Applied Sciences. You will earn six credits and study both in the classroom and beyond through experiential learning modules. Courses include a German language course and a seminar on German culture.

In addition to a culture seminar and German class, students spend three days in the German capital of Berlin, visiting important historical sites such as the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust memorial, and museums of their choice. They will also take day trips to the northern Bavarian towns of Würzburg and Nuremberg, where they will participate in tours of the city and important historical sites, such as the National Socialist party ralley grounds. They will also visit the former East German city and cultural center, Weimar, which also encompasses a visit to the concentration camp Buchenwald.

Location Description

The program takes place in Fulda, a picturesque city in the heart of Germany, which was founded in the year 744. It is near the banking center and travel hub of Frankfurt and close to the former East German border and notorious Fulda Gap. With easy train access to many major cities in Europe, it is easy to combine an intensive study trip in this beautiful baroque city with European travel before and after the program. The JMU Summer in Germany Program is a four-week faculty-led language and culture program through the International Summer University at Fulda University of Applied Sciences. This four-week intensive language and culture program allows students to take language and culture courses while discovering German culture firsthand and visiting various parts of the country. The program includes a seminar, a German language course, and an extracurricular program featuring dancing, cooking, and fitness activities as well as excursions to Berlin, Würzburg, Nuremberg, and Weimar. Travel to other parts of Europe prior to or after the program are highly encouraged.

Director

Cynthia Chalupa | chalupcs@jmu.edu | World Languages and Cultures

Accommodations

Students stay in two-bed hotel rooms with another ISU student. Single rooms can be booked for an extra fee if reserved in advance. Breakfast is included. All rooms, which include a private bathroom, are at a hotel in Fulda’s city center within a 15-minute walk to classes, downtown, the train station and other amenities.

Students receive complimentary meals during the opening and closing ceremonies of the program. Breakfast is covered daily as part of their hotel stay (also on excursions). The university cafeteria (“Mensa”), which offers warm and cold meals at an affordable prices, is open from 7am – 9pm Monday through Friday and from 10am ­– 3pm on Saturdays. Lunch is served between 11:15am ­– 2pm on weekdays and 12pm – 2pm on Saturdays. Dinner is served 5pm – 8pm Monday through Friday and 12pm – 2pm on Saturdays. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are available every day. Other dietary needs can be accommodated. Day-long excursions include a meal.

Additional Items to Consider

Beginning in 2025, U.S. students will need to apply for a basic visa to visit countries in the European Union. International students may have other visa requirements based on their country of origin.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0.

Open to all class levels and majors, including graduate students.

No previous knowledge of German language is required.