The focus of this program is a rich cross-cultural experience.  Students will be able to study various aspects of the history, language, politics, and culture of German-speaking Europe while experiencing that society as a living whole. 

Students will cultivate an understanding of Germany and Austria through formal instruction in German history, language, politics, and culture, lectures and discussion with outside speakers and/or groups, and visits to sites of historical, political, or cultural importance. 

The group will spend about a month in Vienna for intensive language training, while living with Viennese families and taking advantage of the rich cultural opportunities there.  Another two weeks will be spent in picturesque Augsburg in southern Germany, again staying with families and gaining language experience while touring the region and learning about its society, customs, and traditions.  After that we will tour several more historic cities in southern, central, and eastern Germany, finishing with about a week in Berlin which will afford even more cultural opportunities, including theater, concerts, museums, and more.