Faculty-led programs
German language in Vienna, Austria
Austria
4 to 6 credits in German
July 3–31, 2010
Jessica M. Lonnes, M.Ed.
$2,095 plus airfare and applicable tuition
Registration deadline: March 22, 2010
Status: Program open
The Office of International Education and the VCU School of World Studies are pleased to offer an intensive German language summer immersion course in the beautiful city of Vienna, Austria. German language and culture courses will be offered in an intensive four-week session in the heart of Vienna. Museum and cultural visits, city excursions, several weekend tours and numerous activities will be included. One free weekend for individual travel will be made available.
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It is also considered a dream city for anyone with a romantic streak or an interest in history, music and art. The largest city in Austria, Vienna boasts outstanding infrastructure, is steeped in culture, and provides all the inspiration that you could wish for in order to discover central Europe.
The program is directed by the Coordinator of Advising in VCU’s School of World Studies Jessica Lonnes. Lonnes is also a member of the VCU German faculty. Having lived and worked in Vienna for six years and spending a total of 10 years abroad, she brings an extensive knowledge and passion for the city, the country of Austria, and the surrounding regions of Central and Eastern Europe to the program. This will be her third year leading the Vienna program.
Course and credit options
Participants may choose between GRMN 101 Elementary German (4 credits) or GRMN 102 Elementary German (4 credits) at the elementary level; or two classes from the intermediate and/or advanced levels: GRMN 201 Intermediate German, GRMN 205 Intermediate German Conversation, GRMN 305 Advanced German Conversation, or GRMN 491 Topics, depending on skill level.
German language courses: Students will participate in intensive German language instruction through Cultura Wien Language Institute at the beginner, intermediate or advanced levels. Four to six credits are available, depending on current proficiency in the German language. Students will be required to take a placement test prior to the beginning of classes.
Registration deadline: March 22, 2010
Applications will be accepted until the deadline, or until participant space is full.
Program cost
$2,095 plus airfare and applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $2,095 and includes the following:
- Accommodations
- Intensive German language courses (26 hours/week)
- Study visits, tours and activities
- Laundry card (to use in dorm)
- Austrian “Vorteilskarte” (reduced train rates — good for one year)
- On-site program director support
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International Student Identification Card
The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Airfare
- VCU tuition and fees
- Most meals
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $1,700)
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Eligibility
Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. All applicants are required to submit an essay and will be interviewed individually by the program director to be eligible for participation. The interview will be extremely important to the application process!
While in Austria
Included in the program are excursions on the Danube River through the Wachau, hiking and an overnight trip in the mountains, a visit to Schloss Schönbrunn, and a number of Viennese monuments, museums and cultural activities. In addition, excursions and other activities will be organized through Cultura Wien and open to all.
Participants will be housed in a centrally-located dormitory in the second district of Vienna (about a 10 minute subway ride from the language school and city center). Each student will have a private bedroom with shared kitchen and living room in the suite.
The majority of meals are not included. Students are encouraged to frequent student cafeterias offering warm meals for a reasonable rate. Students will be provided a number of tips and ideas on how to “eat for cheap” while on a student budget in Vienna.
Important facts
- Tuition
- Financial aid
- Passports
- Payment of fees
- Refund policy
Tuition and fees is charged separately and additionally at standard VCU rates for in-state students and at a 40 percent discount for out-of-state students. Estimated costs, based on current tuition per credit and fees, are as follows: undergraduate in-state, $221 (per 3 credit class: $655); undergraduate out-of-state, $439 (per 3 credit class: $1,309); graduate in-state, $455 (per 3 credit class: $1,357); graduate out-of-state, $567 ($1,693 per 3 credit class).
Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B at (804) 828-6669 or e-mail faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or see our Web site for further details.
If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time can take up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply for a passport, visit http://travel.state.gov.
The non-refundable registration fee of $250 is due upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting after May 2010 (both amounts may be billed at the same time).
All withdrawals must be made in writing and submitted to the Director of Education Abroad.
The refund schedule is as follows:
- Prior to April 15: I am eligible for a refund of the portionof the program fee that has not already been expended in payment of costs outlined on the individual program sheet in support of my participation. I understand that, as the spring progresses, the charges may reflect an increasing amount, depending on what payments have been made on my behalf. After April 15, I understand that the entire program fee may be due. I understand that the refund amount cannot be determined until I formally submit written withdrawal from the program.
- After April 15: I will be responsible to pay the entire program fee. In the event of an unexpected emergency that occurs after April 15, I understand that I must provide a physician’s certification that my condition prohibits participation. In this case, refunds will be limited to recoverable expenses.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs. The university reserves the right to revise or alter all fees, regulations pertaining to student fees, and fee collection procedures at any time.
