Language Institute in Eutin, Germany


Image of Eutin, Germany
For fifty years students have studied German language and culture at the Summer Language Institute in Eutin, Lawrence's sister city.
Location: Eutin, Germany
Language of Instruction: German
Term: Summer
Program Type: Faculty-led
Open to non-KU Students: No
Fulfills KU Core 4.2: No
Fulfills KU Core 5: No

  • Study German language and culture in the historic, cosmopolitan capital city of Berlin, Germany.
  • Live in a student hotel perfectly located for exploring the city.
  • Earn 6 credit hours for GERM 201 & GERM 202.
  • KU students are eligible for the Krehbiel German Language Summer Institute Scholarship. See Further Reading below for more information.
  • Next program offering TBD. For German language summer options, explore Student Initiated Program (SIP) options or contact Jenna Hunter-Skidmore (jmhunter@ku.edu) in KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement.

Students will spend 6 weeks in July and August studying German language and culture in the vibrant city of Berlin. While taking classes taught by KU faculty director Dr. Ljudmila Bilkic, students will improve their German grammar, writing, and conversation skills and explore first-hand the history and culture of Berlin.  Courses are a combination of classroom time at a German language school and a variety of group cultural activities, museum visits, and walking tours intended to take advantage of the rich and diverse culture of Germany's capital city.  Accommodation is in a centrally-located student hotel allowing students to fully experience living like a local in Berlin.  A public tranpsortation pass is included for unlmited use on buses, trams, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn trains.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin is the vibrant capital city of Germany.  The city of 3.7 million inhabitants is known for its diversity, youthful vibe, urban green space, nightlife, and tangible history.  Berlin is home to several of Europe’s most prominent universities and a large student population, lending the city a youthful atmosphere and many student-friendly amenities.  The beautiful Mur River runs through the city center and there are numerous architectural, historic, cultural, and outdoor features to explore.  With an expansive system of public transportation it is very easy to get around.  Students will enjoy the relaxed feel and tangible history of this dynamic European capital.

All students will enroll in the following two courses for a total of 6 KU credits.

  • GERM 201: Intermediate German I (3 cr)
  • GERM 202: Intermediate German II (3 cr)

GERM 201 and GERM 202 are the third and fourth courses in the sequence of KU German courses aimed at developing your knowledge of German language and culture and enhancing your speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. Both courses provide a structured language review while also introducing advanced grammar commonly used by native speakers so that you become increasingly proficient at expressing your thoughts, feelings, and opinions on a variety of subjects relating to everyday life. You will not only learn how to interpret different spoken and written genres, you will be creating them yourselves as we connect the topics and texts discussed in the classroom to real-life situations and experiences with German culture.

The language of instruction for all classes is German. In addition, you are encouraged to use German as much as possible outside of class, including during group meals, excursions, interactions with locals, etc. Courses will take place four days per week.

Students will live in single-occupancy studios in a centrally-located student residence called The Student Hotel Berlin.  Each studio has a single bed, desk, en-suite bathroom, a TV, and access to a fully equipped shared kitchen.  Bed linens, towel, wireless internet, and a weekly cleaning service are provided.  The accommodations have good public transportation connections and students will receive a transit pass for unlimited bus, tram, S-Bahn, and U-Bahn rides in zones A&B.

Students will have access to a fully equipped shared kitchen and can easily purchase groceries. Many restrarants in Berlin also offer student discounts.  Some group lunches are included on class days.

2021 Itinerary

July 2: Depart for Germany

July 3: Arrive in Berlin, Germany

July 4 - August 12: Live and study in Berlin. KU faculty director and assistant will provide classroom instruction and lead the group on numerous cultural excursions in and around Berlin.

August 13: Depart Berlin

** Program itinerary, travel, excursions, and other arrangements are subject to change or modification in order to respond to the local context regarding COVID-19. **

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. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities 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.

Considerations for Germany

Germany has laws in place to protect ethnic and religious minorities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, the differently abled, and other groups. Same-sex marriage is available in Germany and most large city governments officially encourage and host LGBTQIA+ pride events.

Germany’s cities and public transportation are generally accessible to individuals with disabilities.  Older sections of the cities and smaller towns may be less accessible due to centuries-old architecture, cobblestone streets, and small indoor spaces. Germany offers services for people who are mobility, sight, or hearing impaired.

Source: U.S. Department of State country information pages and Diversity Abroad.

Additional Resources

Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.

Open to students from any accredited U.S. college or university who have completed two semesters of college-level German or the equivalent. Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition).

Ljudmila Bilkić, Visiting Assistant Professor of German Studies

Ljudmila Bilkić is a visiting assistant professor in the KU German Studies department. Dr. Bilkić’s research focuses on how the moving image, specifically film essays and digital-based installations, engage with constructed notions of migration. Dr. Bilkić loves being in the classroom and helping students make connections between current times and the larger global context. She spent several years living in Berlin and is excited to travel with students to Germany as she leads the Eutin program for the first time.

Krehbiel German Language Summer Institute Scholarship

Fund 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. Amounts up to $4,000. The scholarship application deadline is March 1. 
Krehbiel German Language Summer Institute Scholarship Application

For More Information, Contact:

Ljudmila Bilkić
Department of German Studies
Wescoe Hall
Department of German Studies website
Email: bilkic@ku.edu

Jenna Hunter-Skidmore
KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement
108 Lippincott Hall
Phone: 785-864-3742
Email: jmhunter@ku.edu