Yale Summer Session in New Haven & Berlin: Intermediate German I & II

Description

[NOTE: Program details (overall status, dates, costs, etc.) are subject to change each summer, and the information on this page will be updated as such details become finalized.]

An intensive, content-based language program that teaches linguistic skills through a variety of texts and media, with special emphasis on the culture and history of 12 German, Austrian and Swiss cities. Participants spend the first four weeks in New Haven, on the Yale campus. They will improve their language skills and prepare for their upcoming stay in Berlin.

In Berlin, participants will live with host families and will have class from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as daily work outside the classroom. There will be excursions to museums, cultural events, and historical sites in and around Berlin in the afternoons. On weekends, the group takes trips to nearby cities, such as Leipzig or Dresden or Hamburg. Students will also have time for exploring Berlin on their own.

This program covers German 130 and 140 (L3 and L4) in one summer and is an excellent preparation for advanced language courses!

Budget

Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad updates program budgets in late January. Please note the year listed on the button below.

Summer 2024 Budget

Trips and Activities

In Berlin, the program will explore the diverse cultural scene by going to several museums, attending a cultural performance, and visiting important sites such as the German Parliament and the Berlin Wall. With a three-day museum pass, participants can spend as much time in their favorite museums as they like. There will have many opportunities for exploring the rich history of Berlin, for example by taking an “underground” tour of Berlin to see where former East Germans attempted to use tunnels to escape to West Germany. A visit to a former prison of the secret police in East Germany is also included. One afternoon will be spent visiting the former concentration camp in Sachsenhausen, just outside of Berlin. Weekend trips will be taken to Leipzig, Dresden, or Hamburg.

Exact program components depend on availability of local attractions and may differ slightly from this description.

Housing

[NOTE: New Haven Housing costs will be updated by 2/1/2024]

[NOTE: Students are required to stay in program-provided housing abroad.  There is no option for individually-arranged housing abroad.]

While in Berlin, participants will be housed with local host families who will provide breakfast and dinner on a daily basis and all meals on the weekend. Living conditions and distance to where classes will be held will vary amongst housing assignments.

Homestays are an integral part of this program. This living arrangement provides participants with the opportunity to learn more about the host culture, increase language proficiency, and form meaningful connections in the community. Students admitted into the program are expected to spend time getting to know their homestay family and be mindful of the need to balance time spent at home with time spent traveling or going out with friends. If you have any questions about living with a homestay family, we encourage you to reach out to the program instructor.

Participants must depart housing on the last day of the program.

Notes

The program starts with four weeks in New Haven at Yale, before moving to Berlin, Germany for the final four weeks.

Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements and are expected to arrive in Berlin on the first day of the program, and depart Berlin no earlier than the last day of the program (see 'Dates' above); additional information will be provided upon admission.

Questions

For course content questions contact the course instructor Theresa Schenker.  For general program questions contact the Study Abroad staff.

Important Information Before Applying

• All YSS Programs Abroad are intensive, highly structured academic programs for Yale credit and grades.
• Students may only apply to one YSS Program Abroad per summer.
• Admission is not guaranteed. Applicants should anticipate that more students will apply than there are spots available, and Yale College students should apply to a backup Non-Yale Summer Abroad opportunity.
• Ensure that your transcript reflects how you have met the pre-requisite, if applicable, prior to applying.
• Participants must commit to the full program dates. Late arrivals and early departures are not permitted.
• Participants are required to be enrolled in all program courses.
• Participants should expect evening and weekend requirements. Students who have questions about religious observance during a YSS Program Abroad are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.
• Program-arranged housing is required for all YSS Programs Abroad. Students are not permitted to secure independent housing. Students who have housing-related questions about placements, allergies, religious observance, or disability-related access are encouraged to Meet with an Adviser.

Apply to a YSS Program Abroad