We have exceeded our capacity to accept guest students into Alma
College International Study programs. At this time only students
enrolled at Alma College may apply for admission to these programs.
To submit an application directly through the program provider, visit the Europa-Kolleg's website at http://www.europa-kolleg.de. Knowledgeable staff at the school will assist you with the application process for direct enrollment in their program or in identifying a suitable host institution as you pursue your interest in study abroad.
Alma College students: If you're interested in obtaining more
information about this or any other off-campus study location, visit
Off-Campus Studies in the lower level of the Kehrl Library, next to the
Registrar's Office.
Why Kassel?
Kassel has attractions for every taste and mood. Enjoy the wonderful
museums, and explore the world of the Brothers Grimm, as Kassel is the
capital of the German fairytale route. If looking for relaxation, take
advantage of the extensive health resort programs and sports facilities
for everything from water sports to golf to skydiving. Kassel has
cultural richness, beauty and vitality all its own. It is well known
for its parks, castles, statues, waterfalls and
Kassel Application Deadline
Applications for off-campus study in the summer or fall semester are
due by the second Friday of classes in February. Applications for
Off-Campus Study in the spring semester are due by the second Friday of
classes in September. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Program Services
Program fees include pre- and post-advising, tuition, train station
arrival, books, room, breakfast and dinner, weekend lunches, on-site
orientation, laundry, official excursions, an international student ID
card, handbooks, and limited medical insurance.
Program Fees for Fall Semester 2007 and Winter Semester 2008
For programs beginning on or after April 1, 2007 Alma College
students will pay published Alma College tuition, fees, room and board
whether their studies take place on or off campus. For those
students enrolled in approved Off-Campus Study programs, Alma College
will pay on their behalf the tuition, room, board and associated
academic fees charged by partnering host institutions. In the
event that off-campus costs exceed on-campus costs for a particular
semester and program, the student will be billed for the additional
amount.
Program Fees and dates for Summer 2007 to be announced
Summer students have the opportunity of studying during any of the summer programs listed:
LENGTH
PROGRAM DATES 2006
THREE WEEKS: June 10 - July 2, 2006
FOUR WEEKS: July 1 - 29, July 29 - Aug. 26, Aug. 26 - Sept. 23, 2006
SEVEN WEEKS: June 10 - July 29, 2006
EIGHT WEEKS: July 1 - Aug. 26, July 30 - Sept. 23, 2006
ELEVEN WEEKS: June 10 - Aug. 26, 2006
The School and Facilities
Europa-Kolleg is a language institute that provides instruction of the German language and culture to students from around the world.
Located on the broad Wilhelmshoher Allee near the gates of the old city, the school offers a truly international setting. Sharing the same facility as the Volkshochschule Kassel, the school facilities constitute a meeting ground for students from the two schools, and students on the Alma College program are free to attend classes in the Volkshochschule for a fee, though not for Alma College academic credit.
Students that write essays as a program requirement receive university library cards. Library cards will allow Internet access at the university libraries.
Admission Requirements
The Kassel program is open to undergraduate students of sophomore status and above or graduates who want to enroll for undergraduate credit. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA on a four-point scale or the equivalent at their respective colleges and universities in order for their application to be considered for review. Completion of two semesters of college level German is required for semester/term participants. No language requirement is necessary for participation in the summer programs.
Class Structure and Credits
Germany Academic Information includes language course descriptions, credit information, and placement test details.
Europa-Kolleg has a language-based curriculum with all courses taught in German. Course descriptions are online at http://international.alma.edu. Classes are Monday-Friday from 8:15 a.m.-12:35 p.m. with regular breaks. In addition to periodical verbal and written assessments, students are given a final exam that correlates with the level of German studied.
Upon completion of the exam, students are officially certified by Europa-Kolleg at a specific language level. Students receive 9-15 semester credits for a semester or term program depending on course selection. It is important to follow the procedures of a student's home campus to have courses pre-approved for transfer upon completion of the program. All books used in the program are provided.
Travel Documents
A passport is required for study abroad and must be valid at least 180 days beyond the end of the program. A visa is not required for entry into Germany. Upon arrival students complete a police registration. A city registration also provides official permission to stay in Germany and information on nonimmigrant rules and regulations. Registration is required for all students staying over 90 days. Registration procedures differ by region or according to where a student's homestay is located. Students must notify the authorities of departure. Additional information regarding registration is distributed during orientation.
Arrival Information
Students need to arrive in Kassel on the beginning date of the program as indicated in the acceptance packet. This is the date housing becomes available. To be met at the train station in Kassel by a host family, return the Airport/Train Station Meeting Request Form to OCS. This form is included in the acceptance packet.
Students should plan to arrive in Frankfurt, then travel by an Inner City Express (ICE) train 90 minutes to Kassel's Wilhelmshoher train station. Signs and information are in English. To determine train schedules, consult www.travelnotes.org/General/eurotrains.htm. Students are responsible for their own train and airfare.
For arrivals before the beginning date of the program, fees associated with housing and transportation from the airport are the student's responsibility. Students should contact a host family two weeks in advance and from the Frankfurt airport to inform them of arrival plans.
Orientation
On-site orientation begins on the Monday following arrival. A member of each host family accompanies students to Europa-Kolleg on the first day of school. School staff formally greets all study abroad students. Orientation includes a brief tour of campus, lunch at the mensas, and details on purchasing city transportation passes. In the afternoon a formal bus tour of Kassel takes place. A placement exam determines each student's level of proficiency in German. the following day students receive their class assignments.
Administrative Staff
Alma College staff is available in the event of an emergency 24 hours a day. Students can call 989.463.7055 to reach an OCS staff member. The Kassel on-site Resident Director is Fr. Almut Nickel (0561.776.788). She is available throughout the program to answer any questions.
Excursions
Excursions are provided in conjunction with the cultural program at Europa-Kolleg. School staff accompanies students to the Gemalde-Galerie, the Volkswagen factory, Marburg, the Cathedral of Fulda, Weimar and Hannover-sche Munden. In addition, students are kept up to date on cultural offerings such as concerts, exhibitions, etc.
Vacation
Personal travel can be done on weekends but should not interfere with class work. There are two formal vacation periods during the academic year. Spring vacation usually begins in late March and will continue for two - three weeks. Christmas vacation begins in December and continues until the start of the winter semester.
Extended vacation plans that do not fit into the winter or spring vacation should be conducted before or after the semester of study. Housing is provided during the spring vacation but not during the Christmas vacation.
Computers/E-mail
E-mail service is available at cyber-cafes throughout Kassel. Hourly and half-hourly packages for access are relatively inexpensive, but often require the purchase of food and/or drink while using the computers. Europa-Kolleg has computers for students to use, but there may be limited opportunity for using the Internet.
Transportation
Most host families do not live within walking distance of the school. Students are expected to utilize public transportation. Kassel has an excellent network of streetcars and buses that allow for easy passage to and from a place of residence and around the city.
Housing and Meals
In Kassel, students have the opportunity to live, interact and build a relationship with a German family. Students are considered not only a guest in the house but a member of the family. Host families assist students with the non-academic aspects of German life.
Homestays include breakfast, dinner, weekend lunches, private room, laundry once a week and bedding. Students need to provide their own towels. Lunch during the weekdays can be purchased at the University mensa for a reasonable price, and are not included in the program.
Courtesy requires that host families be notified whenever a meal is missed or a student leaves for an extended period of time. Refunds are not given for meals not taken.
Local or international phone calls from a homestay are not permitted. Incoming calls are acceptable at reasonable hours, usually no later than 10:00 p.m., details should be discussed with the host family in advance.
Telephones
Telephone rates are relatively expensive in Germany. Students can make personal calls from public phones with phone cards purchased locally. It may be worthwhile to investigate discounts that a phone company in the U.S. can provide while abroad. Students might consider purchasing a mobile phone, which are reasonably priced and practical in Germany.
If family or friends wish to send correspondence, do not have mail sent to the homestay address. Mail should be sent to the following address:
Student's name
Europa-Kolleg Kassel e.V.
Wilhelmshoher Allee 19
34117 Kassel
Germany
Health Insurance
Limited health insurance is provided as a part of the program cost. It is recommended to keep existing
Alma Travel Agent
Airfare is not included in the cost of the program and all students
must purchase their own plane ticket. Students may purchase
airline tickets at rates below regular airline prices using the
International Student Identification Card provided with
the program. STA Travel Agency provides student discounts with the
card; view their website at www.statravel.com. Also
available for purchase at student rates are Eurail, Britrail, and other
country rail passes. Students may work with any travel agent to find
airfare. Travel Jems in
