Admissions Requirements
The program is open to anyone who has a strong interest in immersing themselves in another culture. Qualified high school students 18 and older may be accepted into the program. Community members are welcome.
Orientation
A mandatory pre-departure orientation will be held at College of DuPage. This typically occurs on a Saturday in May.
Language Classes
All students are required to enroll in a German Language class. Classes will accommodate students at any level: Elementary I and II, Intermediate I and II, and Advanced I and II.
Prior the beginning of classes, all students will be tested and placed at the appropriate level. Changes can be made if a student progresses at a faster rate or shows different learning needs.
Civilization and Culture of Germany
All students are required to enroll in this class which covers the geography, history, political and social institutions and the art and architecture of Germany. This class first meets at the mandatory orientation session.
The course will continue with guided cultural excursions to theaters, museums and other places of interest that are integral components of this class, and therefore, attendance is required. Written assignments are required.
Program Directors/Faculty
All language classes will be taught by instructors from the language school. The Civilization and Culture of Germany class will be team-taught in German and English by COD Program Directors/Faculty, who are available daily to counsel, supervise and assist students.
Director
Miglena Nikolova is an Assistant Professor of German at College of DuPage. She holds a PhD in Germanic Studies from University of Illinois at Chicago. She has also earned a 6-12 Illinois Teaching Certificate. During her graduate studies, Miglena Nikolova was a Head Teaching Assistant at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She received the Excellence in Teaching Award and the Graduate Research Award from University of Illinois at Chicago. Currently she is the Language Program Director of the Language School at DANK Haus German American Cultural Center in Chicago. Miglena Nikolova also teaches German language at Dominican University and has taught for seven years English as a Second Language at Triton Community College. She was the co- director of last year's COD Study Abroad Program to Berlin. Her academic interests are in the area of Second Language Acquisition. In addition to dedicating a lot of time to her academic interests, Nikolova enjoys spending time with her family and traveling in Europe.
Credits
Upon successful completion of classes, students will receive credit for Elementary, Intermediate or Advanced German (3-4 semester credit hours) depending on placement and Civilization and Culture of Germany (3 semester credit hours).
Housing and Meals
Students will reside in a dormitory-like residence. Breakfast is included.
Activities and Excursions
Activities specified in the program schedule are included in the price of the program.
Optional Excursions
Information will be provided on a variety of optional excursions that are not included in the price of the program.
Program Cost
The program cost includes round-trip airfare from Chicago, room and board, airport transfers in Germany, admissions and excursions as listed and course materials.
Not included in the program cost is tuition (6-7 credit hours), passport fees, visa fees (if a non-US citizen), optional excursions, personal expenses, some meals, telephone calls and checked baggage fees.
Program costs may be subject to change due to increased costs of transportation or currency fluctuation beyond the control of the College.
Late Applicants
We welcome students beyond the application deadline, space permitting. Additional charges may apply.
Passport
Each participant must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after the anticipated return date to the U.S. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own passports. As passports can take substantial time to obtain, apply for it as soon as possible. Information can be obtained at http://travel.state.gov/passport/
Visa
U.S. citizens do not need a Visa to travel to Germany. Non-U.S. citizens may need a Visa.
Insurance
All participants are required to have medical insurance, which is valid outside the United States. Trip cancellation insurance can also be purchased to provide protection against cancellations and lost or damaged baggage.
Liability Release and Assumption of Risk Form
Participants in all Field and Experiential Learning/Study Abroad programs must complete the Liability Release and Assumption of Risk form.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
In the event that a participant withdraws from the program, a right to a refund is limited. All cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing and sent to:
College of DuPage
Field Studies/Study Abroad, Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
425 Fawell Blvd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599
Contact Information
Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education
Berg Instructional Center (BIC), Room 3520
General inquiries: (630) 942-2356
Email: fssa@cod.edu
Additional Contact Information