Summer in Germany (in German, English) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover Marburg, a storybook university town where castle views, cobblestone streets, and a strong student presence create an immersive German-language environment that feels both historic and youthful.
• Earn up to 6 U.S. credits over four weeks through German language courses and academic discussion-based seminars focused on German history, politics, society, and culture.
• Participate in three guided excursions to cities such as Weimar and Kassel, all included in the cost of your 4-week program.
LIFE ABROAD
Spend your summer in Marburg, a true university town where nearly one-third of the population are students, and daily life unfolds between half-timbered houses, castle views, and riverside cafés. Compact, walkable, and well-connected by train, it’s the kind of place where you quickly feel like a local rather than a visitor.
Experience & Cultural Engagement
The university’s International Office and Welcome Center help you navigate Marburg through orientation programming, a buddy system, and ongoing guidance and support. With organized excursions built into your 4-week program, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Weimar, Kassel, and Wiesbaden and learn more about Germany’s cultural and political history.
The university also supports you to go out and explore on your own by offering free local transportation via your student ID. Compact, walkable, and well-connected by train, living in Marburg makes it easy to navigate the Oberstadt’s cobblestone streets and meet with classmates at weekly markets or riverside cafés.
Live & Dine
You’ll live in a single room within a student residence hall, typically sharing a kitchen and bathroom with a small group of students, depending on your placement. Residences are about 15-30 minutes from campus by public transportation — free with your student ID — making it easy to move between classes, shop for groceries, try new cafés, and explore the city center.
On days when you’re not enjoying wurst, sausages, and döner kebabs in the city, the campus Mensa and Bistro offer affordable weekday meals with multiple main dish options for just a few euros.
Explore Germany
Filled with rich culture, history, and things to see and do, Marburg is the perfect place to spend an afternoon paddling down the Lahn River or hiking up to Kaiser Wilhelm Tower for panoramic views of the city. Direct train connections make weekend trips to cities like Cologne, Berlin, or Munich easy, and Frankfurt Airport is within quick reach for broader European travel to places like London, Paris, Zurich, and Amsterdam.
What We Love About This Program
We love how Marburg’s university-town energy makes it easy for you to connect and build friendships in a short amount of time. If you’re seeking a truly immersive cultural experience, Marburg offers the chance to live German daily life in a setting that feels authentic, welcoming, and deeply rooted in academic tradition.
SCHOLARSHIP
This program qualifies for the ISEP French and German Language Annette Kade Fund Scholarship. The scholarship awards $500 - $1,500 USD to students who are from a U.S. institution and studying French or German language in Austria, France, Germany, Reunion Island, or Switzerland. Learn more here.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses
Course Description
The program includes:
- Language intensive courses are taught in small groups and offered at various levels for a total of 6 ECTS (72 contact hours)
- Two academic seminars
- A supplemental course on German culture and politics
- Field trips on the weekends; students are welcome to participate in all trips at no extra cost
- Students can earn up to 12 ECTS
- As outlined in the chart below, students can expext to spend a considerable amount of time in class during this condensed summer intensive program.
|
Weeks 1 & 2 |
Weeks 3 & 4 |
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German Language Course 72 Hours (6 ECTS) |
|
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The History of European Integration |
Democracies in the Ancient and Modern Worlds |
|
The EU and its Institutions |
Population Movement in International Politics |
|
Germany's Colonial History in a Global Context |
Germany and its Neighbors: German Foreign Policy Towards the Countries of Central-East Europe |
|
Turbulent Times on the German Stage and Screen |
Cinematic Visions of Human Rights |
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Supplement Course 1 OR Supplement Course 2 |
|
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
Students of all German language proficiency levels are encouraged to apply for this program.
An online placement test will be offered before the start of the official program to ensure that students will be assigned to the right study group for the German Language Course (A1-C2).
PASSPORT: All students must have a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a valid passport, we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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