Summer Program in Communications Erfurt (SPICE)
Summer Program in Communications Erfurt (SPICE)
- Earn 6 KU credits in Communication Studies, Journalism or other related field.
- Wander the streets of one of Germany’s best preserved medieval city centers.
- Take classes with students from other U.S. universities and local German students.
- Program includes excursion to Berlin, cultural activities and ample free time to explore the best of summertime in Germany.
During this 8-week program hosted by the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Erfurt, students take two communications-focused courses taught in English and enjoy summer living in a charming German city. The program begins with arrivals and a welcome event, then the start of the first course session. Students will then travel to Berlin for several days and return to Erfurt for the second course session. Classes take place Friday-Sunday, allowing ample free time during the week.
The SPICE program (Summer Program in Communication Erfurt) is designed specifically for students from partner universities including KU, University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma. Students will live in Germany from mid-June to mid-August and experience life like a local, while earning credit for courses that deal with current topics in Communication Studies such as media and politics, communication ethics, and global public relations.
Erfurt (pop. 215,000) is the capital city of the German state of Thuringia. The city has one of the best preserved medieval city centers in Germany, giving it a quaint, old-world feel. Erfurt has a rich religious history, boasting one of the oldest synagogues in central Europe and having been home to Martin Luther during formative years. Erfurt is centrally located in Germany and a regional hub for train travel, making destinations such as Munich, Berlin, Zurich, Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Vienna and Prague easy to reach. During the summer, students can enjoy one of the many festivals Erfurt hosts, walk along the river and experience why it is a popular national destination for German tourists.
The University of Erfurt has a long tradition of education stretching back to the Middle Ages. Today the modernized university is located close to the city center and emphasizes interdisciplinarity, internationality and student mentoring. The Communication Studies department was recently ranked among the top three in Germany. It emphasizes small group teaching and uses innovative teaching methods.
Three courses are offered each summer over two consecutive course sessions. Students participate in both course sessions, taking two courses for a total of 6 KU credits. Each individual course lasts 4 weeks with an excursion to Berlin taking place between the two course sessions. View additional course information, including syllabi here.
Course Session 1
Choose one of the following courses:
- Communication Ethics [Approved as COMS 450 or JMC 608 (3 cr)]
- Media and Politics [Approved as COMS 335, JMC 409 or POLS 521 (3 cr)]
Course Session 2
All students will take the following course:
- Global and International Public Relations [Approved as JMC 409 (3 cr)]
Courses take place Fridays-Sundays. All courses are taught in English by faculty from U.S. universities and focus on state-of-the art issues in the field of communication studies. Courses will be attended by both U.S. and local German students.
Students will stay in shared apartments reserved for our group. Apartments are fully furnished and conveniently located close to the city center. All rooms have internet access and each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom.
Summer 2025 Program Schedule
June 16: Depart US.
June 17: Arrive in Germany and travel to Erfurt.
June 18-19: Settling in and welcome event.
June 20-July 13: Course 1. Classes held Friday-Saturday.
July 14-17: Trip to Berlin
- Guided city tour
- Visits to GDR Museum, Reichstag building, Holocaust Memorial and East Side Gallery
- Tour of the Museum of Communication
- Group meals, including the Golgatha Biergarten
July 18-August 10: Course 2. Classes held Friday-Saturday.
August 10: Farewell celebration.
August 11: Program ends
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 KU students sophomore level and above who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8. GPA exceptions can be considered after submission of a petition.
Program Cost for Summer Program in Communications Erfurt (SPICE)
Ashley Muddiman, Associate Professor of Communication Studies
Dr. Muddiman is Associate Professor of Communication Studies at KU. She earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research explores political media effects. At KU she teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses in political communication, mass media and politics, new media and politics and political campaigns.
For more information, contact:
Ashley Muddiman
Department of Communication Studies
Email: Ashley.muddiman@ku.edu
Jenna Hunter-Skidmore
KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement
Email: jmhunter@ku.edu