By The Keystone Newspaper The short-term study abroad program offers three courses in Germany
By Bethany McDonald
KU will provide a study abroad experience for 21 students, who will travel to Germany and the Alps from May 22 to June 17, 2025. Students attending must take one of the following courses: COMM 315—International Communication; PRWR 325—Travel Writing; or GERM 360—Study Abroad Experience (multiple German language courses offered).
Priority application acceptance will be given to those submitted by Dec. 13, otherwise, the deadline is Jan. 15. Selection will be based on student objectives, cultural adaptability and academic standing. The online application for the trip is available here.
Dr. Gregory Hanson, an Associate Professor of German at KU, will be one of three professors attending this trip. He noted that this marks the 18th year KU has provided this opportunity.
The trip will start with eight days spent in Munich, Germany traveling to sites in Bavaria such as Salzburg, Austria, the Neuschwanstein Castle, Nuremberg and the Dachau Memorial Site. The group will then travel to settle in the scenic alpine village of Fulpmes, Austria. Fulpmes will be the main site for class instruction, site visits and excursions.
“During the day trip to Salzburg, there’s a certain part of the train trip where you can see an overview of the whole city, people gasp. Visiting Salzburg has been a highlight for me or being able to hike,” Hanson said.
Extended weekends are permitted for students to pursue personal travel interests. Previous students have visited destinations such as Verona, Venice, Prague, Blanzo in Italy, Switzerland, Berlin and more. The Austria home base offers students the opportunity to venture in any of the four directions. Students can choose to explore independently or in groups.
“The first couple of days are longer, following professors around, but we encourage learning solo travel in Europe through public transportation in Munich. A scavenger hunt around Munich occurs for students to explore different places in groups,” Hanson said.
The program’s final cost has not yet been finalized, but estimates are available. The base fee for undergraduates is $2,990 in addition to tuition and fees for the 3-credit course, applicable for both in-state and out-of-state students. The program fee does not cover airfare, so students will need to arrange their own flights. Students are responsible for most lunches and dinners in Munich and all lunches and three dinners per week while in Austria. All other meals are included in the program fee.
Students must have a valid passport before departure. If without one, be aware that the application process can take up to two months.
Once accepted, an information session will be held in the spring for students and their families. At this session, the professors attending the trip will be present to discuss packing guidelines and additional details.
“Life comes along pretty fast, these are the golden years for students to have these types of experiences. Why pay for a $900 three-credit class to take in Lytle when you can take it abroad?” Hanson said.