Germany - Summer Cultural Exploration

Explore

The Summer Cultural Exploration program in Berlin, Germany provides students with the opportunity to study German in a friendly historic atmosphere while experiencing a taste of German culture. Students attend language classes, experience German culture through organized activities, and explore Germany on the weekends through guided excursions. Participants will live with a host family.

Once the divided city of Germany, Berlin is a fascinating combination of old and new, East and West. As the capital city with roughly 3.4 million inhabitants, it bursts with energy and vitality. Its international and diverse population contributes to the unique flair the city possesses; this uniqueness is apparent in each of Berlin's different districts. Berliners especially enjoy the summer months when they can sit at outdoor cafés and spend an afternoon enjoying the sun. The AYUSA Summer Cultural Exploration program provides students with the opportunity to study German in an invigorating environment, while immersing themselves in German culture.

Learn

Intensive German courses take place in the morning, Monday through Friday, for four lessons per day (Each lesson is 45 minutes long). Students will be given a placement exam upon arrival and assigned to a class of the appropriate level. Teachers emphasize a very personalized, interactive and communicative approach and a maximum 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio is maintained.

Experience

Afternoon activities are offered two afternoons each week.  All planned activities are facilitated by the On-Site Coordinator.  AYUSA Study Abroad maintains a good balance between planned activities and free time throughout the program.  Potential activities include: a tour through Berlin’s underground, a bicycle excursion through Berlin’s historic city center and a boat trip along the Spree River.

Travel

Included in the program, the following excursions allow students time to enjoy other notable destinations in Germany.

• Berlin City Tour: Discover the historic sites of Germany's capital city, Berlin during a guided day trip.
• Potsdam: Day trip to Berlin's noble neighbor to the south.  Potsdam boasts a long history, beautiful villas, multiple parks and lakes to enjoy.
• Weimar: Known as the cultural capital of Germany, students will be able to learn the rich heritage of the country on this day trip.
• Program Finale: Dresden & Prague! - Once destroyed by firebombs during World War II, Dresden citizens have rebuilt their “old town” to fit its former grandeur.  Students will have the opportunity to see the famous opera house, explore the thriving university section and take a steamboat trip along the Elbe River. A short train ride away and you will arrive at the vibrant Czech capital of Prague. Students will experience its breathtaking views and fairy tale architecture.

Housing

AYUSA Study Abroad students will stay with carefully selected host families. Homestays allow for a deeper immersion into German culture and provide invaluable personal contact with native German speakers. Adjustment to host family life and German culture will be assisted by an On-Site Coordinator. There is an 11pm curfew for this program.

Requirements

• 16–18 years old
• 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
• Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences