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FAQ's

Answers:

I don't have 6 weeks in the summer. Can I come for a shorter period of time?

Yes. The Sommerschule is a six-week program, consisting of two three-week sessions (June 23-July 12 and July 14-August 2nd). While most participants take the entire six weeks, it is also possible to attend either one of the two three-week sessions.
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Do I have to live at the Sommerschule?

Yes. Our program is a learning community and the learning outside the classroom is an integral part of the program. This is an immersion program and activities go on throughout the afternoon and evening in the house.
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Can I take other university courses at the same time or work-part time?

No. You are completing two semester's worth of language work in six weeks. The program is very intensive and requires your full attention.
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I want to go to Germany next year. How much will this help me?

A lot. Many of our participants are actively preparing for an overseas stay. We have found that learners make great strides in communicating in German, because of the German-only environment and the intensive instruction. Back to top
 

Where is Kingston, Rhode Island and how do I get there?

It's about three hours from New York and 1 1/2 hours from Boston. Kingston is on Amtrak's New York - Boston line. You can reach the campus by car from I-95, Exit 3 (in Rhode Island). The nearest airport is Providence, RI with direct bus service to the campus. The Providence airport is served by most major US airlines, including discount carrier Southwest Airlines.
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When should I arrive?

You should plan to arrive on Sunday, June 23 in the afternoon (Sunday, July 14, if you are coming for the second session only). The program ends late in the evening on Thursday, August 1st. You may depart anytime on Friday, August 2nd (for first session-only participants departure is Friday, July 12 after lunch).
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Do I need a car?

While it is certainly a convenience to have one, it is not a must. The instruction and all activities take place on campus. A small shopping center is within walking distance. Public bus service is available to the beach, to Providence and Newport.
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How much does it cost?

The fees covering room (double occupancy), meals, registration, tuition and cultural activities for the 2011 program are: $3,700 for six weeks, $2,100 for three weeks.
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I'm not sure what courses to sign up for.

The course(s) you write on the application form are tentative. We take great care in making sure you are placed in the level which is best for you. All participants except true beginners take a placement test at the beginning of the program and we follow up with a brief oral interview if necessary.
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How many participants are in the program?

In past years our program has had about fifty participants from all over the United States. Class is small, generally between eight and fifteen.
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What are the facilities like?

The home of the Sommerschule is the University of Rhode Island's Heidi Kirk Duffy Center for International Engineering Education. The center consists of two buildings, the TI (Texas Instruments) House and the IEP House, located side by side. It features a dining room, study areas, a media/library room, a recreational room and student rooms. All student rooms are air-conditioned and have a high-speed Internet connection. The core instruction will be held in nearby campus buildings.
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GERMAN SUMER SCHOOL

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