Language Institute in Eutin, Germany

• Study German language and culture in Lawrence's sister city.
• Experience life with a German host family.
• Visit vibrant German cities (Berlin, Hamburg) and hidden-gem highlights (Kiel, Lübeck) during included day trips and travel portion.
• Enjoy a multi-day excursion to Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Earn 9 KU credit hours for advanced German language and culture study.
• KU students are eligible for a significant scholarship with the Krehbiel German Language Summer Institute Scholarship. See additional information below.

Note: This program alternates locations between Eutin and Holzkirchen, Germany. The Summer 2027 location is Eutin. For information about the program in Holzkirchen, offered in even numbered years, see program page here.

Since its founding over forty years ago, the Summer Language Institute in Eutin has been welcoming students of German into Lawrence’s sister city to experience life in Germany from an insider’s perspective. For six weeks students will immerse themselves in the language and culture by living with host families in Eutin while receiving KU credit for classes taught on-site by KU faculty that will majorly contribute to a German major or minor. What is learned in the classroom is experienced first-hand as students participate in cultural activities, attend social events, and explore the highlights of Northern Germany through multiple excursions, including Berlin, Hamburg, Kiel, Lübeck, and the Baltic Sea. Prior to the academic program at the institute in Eutin, students embark on a nearly two-week tour of Germany to truly experience the country’s cultural variety. The group will travel to Hamburg along the banks of the Elbe River and adjacent to the North Sea, before heading to Berlin, the high-energy European capital with iconic historical sites, massive green spaces, must-try street food and a legendary nightlife scene.

During the program, the group will spend an extended weekend in Copenhagen, Denmark's hyper-cool yet laid-back capital known for its multicultural energy, great street food, vibrant public spaces and waterfront hangouts and one-of-a-kind shipping experiences ranging from indie vintage to Scandi-chic.  

Credit & Courses Offered

Each student enrolls in three 3-credit hour courses (GERM 333, GERM 350 and GERM 400) for a total of 9 KU credits. All courses are taught by the program director, Dr. Andrea Meyertholen. Excursions, guest speakers and special field-based seminars designed to acquaint students with the local community complement classroom-based instruction. The language of instruction in all classes is German. Outside of classes students are expected to use German for all everyday purposes including group activities, meals, and excursions.

Course Descriptions

• GERM 333: German Conversation and Idioms (3 credit hours): This course will review basic skills for communicating in German during our study program so as to provide the linguistic tools necessary to communicate effectively and to gain a better understanding of life in Germany. Throughout the course, we will practice using German in everyday situations through role-playing, site visits, and classroom instruction that makes use of a variety of media that illuminate daily life in Germany. We moreover learn critical vocabulary for discussing contemporary topics, in addition to proper pronunciation and idiomatic usages.
• GERM 350: Special Studies in German Language, History and Culture (3 credit hours): What makes the culture of Germany, especially Northern Germany, unique? In this fun, interactive course, students will explore the region’s culture, traditions, food, history, music, and everyday life. From charming towns and coastal traditions to local festivals, regional specialties, and the famous North German sense of humor, we’ll go beyond the tourist experience to discover what life is really like in Northern Germany. Expect plenty of discussion, hands-on activities, cultural adventures, and opportunities to experience the region firsthand!
• GERM 400: Introduction to German Literary Masterpieces (3 credit hours): This course delves into the darker side of fairy tales as we re-discover their roots in the German folklore tradition. Doing so will also allow us to uncover the hidden cultural messages that shape our identity, behavior, gender roles, and desires. Along the way, we will seek answers to questions, such as: Why is the stepmother always evil? Why does the prince never have a name? Why do things always come in threes? The course will also teach us how to approach, read and analyze German literary fiction while learning important vocabulary and concepts to speak and write in German about literature.

Classes generally meet Tuesday through Friday mornings, with Mondays reserved for day-long group excursions. Lunch is provided at a local restaurant on instructional days.

Note: Students who are participating in the German Language Institute for the second time will have different class numbers assigned, but the course content will be the same as described above.

Course offerings may be modified to accommodate the needs and numbers of the group, but the number of credit hours will not change.

During their stay in Eutin, students will live with German host families. During weekend excursions and the travel portion of the program, students will stay in double occupancy hotel rooms. Breakfast is included with all overnight accommodations. On class days and on many excursions students eat meals together as a group. A meal stipend is provided for additional meals in the evening and on weekends.

A transportation pass is included for unlimited use of public transportation in Munich and train tickets for the travel portion of the program are included.

Summer 2027 Program Schedule

• May 21 - Depart for Germany
• May 22 - Arrive in Hamburg
• May 24 - Day trip to Eutin for initial orientation
• May 26-31 - Berlin excursion
• May 31 - Arrive in Eutin for home stay
• June 25-28 - Copenhagen excursion
• July 3- Program ends

Additional itinerary details coming soon.

All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more. 

SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process. 

Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program. 

• Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
• First Generation Students
• Physical and Mental Health Histories
• Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
• Sexual and Gender Diversity
• Students of Color Abroad
• Students with Children
• Students with Financial Need
• Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
• Visible and Invisible Disabilities 

Open to students from any accredited U.S. college or university who have completed four semesters of college-level German or the equivalent. Minimum 2.50 GPA and strong record of performance in German courses required. Exceptions considered after submission of a petition.

Note: Students who have previously participated in this program in Holzkirchen may participate again! Students will receive 9 credit hours and are eligible for the Krehbiel and departmental scholarships.

Program Cost for Language Institute in Eutin, Germany

Krehbiel German Language Summer Institute Scholarship

All KU students participating in this program can receive the Krehbiel German Language Summer Institute Scholarship. This fund was created with the generous contribution of Carl Krehbiel to provide support for KU students attending the German Summer Language Institute programs in Holzkirchen and Eutin, Germany. The scholarship amount varies each year based on the number of program participants, but has averaged $7,000 per student in recent years. The scholarship application deadline is February 15. 

Krehbiel German Language Summer Institute Scholarship Application.

Additional Scholarships

• Additional scholarship funding is available for KU German Studies majors and minors. The department will reach out to students directly with additional information.
• Students with a major in the KU College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) are eligible for the CLAS Study Abroad Scholarship.
• Pell Grant recipients are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship, a nationally competitive scholarship for Pell Grant recipients. Special consideration is given to students studying in Germany, so all eligible students are encouraged to apply. Contact KU Study Abroad for more information.
• Students in the KU Honors Program may apply for an Honors Opportunity Award.
• Visit the KU Study Abroad Costs & Funding page for additional information. 

Program Director

Andrea Meyertholen, Associate Professor of German Studies

Dr. Meyertholen is Associate Professor of German at KU. She studied abroad in Würzburg and Berlin, interned in Munich, traveled extensively throughout German-speaking Europe, and has previously served as director of study abroad programs in Krefeld, Berlin, Eutin and Holzkirchen, Germany and in Graz, Austria. Dr. Meyertholen has led KU's advanced German Language Institute since 2022.

Study Abroad Program Coordinator: Jenna Hunter-Skidmore  
Have a quick question? Email me at: jmhunter@ku.edu  
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