Faculty-led Program in Germany (Prof. Ergul)

This course takes students on a 2-week journey across Southern Germany and Austria where they get a chance to partake in intercultural communication and experience the culture of different countries. Students study the linguistic and sociocultural aspects ethnographically to discover the intricacies that are embedded in the communication between cultures.

An interdisciplinary approach for understanding intercultural perspectives and developing effective intercultural skills for meeting the challenges of today's interconnectedness of societies and cultures both locally and globally.

Dates & Deadlines

App Deadline: December 15, 2024
Program Dates: May 24, 2025 to June 5, 2025 (Dates tentative)

To get started for Summer Break-Germany 2025, schedule a meeting with an advisor using the link below.

Schedule First Steps Meeting

Interested in studying abroad in the summer of 2025 or later? Please fill out the waitlist form below and the study abroad center will notify you when applications for future terms open. If you are still deciding where or when you want to go abroad, you can also schedule an informational meeting with our office to learn more about the programs we offer and find one that works best for you!

Study Abroad Waitlist Schedule Info Meeting

Unsure where to begin? Visit our Application Process page to learn more!

Course Leader

Hilal Ergül, Assistant Professor

Department: Languages and Literatures
Phone: 319-273-2729
E-mail: hilal.ergul@uni.edu
Campus Address: BAR 2015

I am an Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and the Coordinator of TESOL Programs at UNI. I received my PhD from Texas A&M University - Commerce. Topics in applied linguistics fascinate me! I teach and study second language acquisition processes in the classroom, and language in use in different contexts. I also love traveling and learning about different languages and cultures, and I look forward to sharing my passion on these subjects with you.

Academics

TESOL 3565: International Perspectives (3 credit hours)

The course is delivered in three phases; the pre-departure phase before we embark on the trip, the on-site phase in Europe, and the post-arrival phase that takes place after we are back in the U.S.A. We will meet 4 times in the pre-departure phase, for 2-hour sessions. We will have reflection sessions in the on-site phase where we discuss insights, concerns, and questions as a group. We will also meet once for a 2-hour session in the post-arrival phase to present final projects.
To view the tentative syllabus, click HERE.
This is a UNIFI: Human Condition Global category course. The course can also fulfill other credit needs, such as UNIFI elective credit.

No prerequisites. All majors welcome. Participation in this program requires several class meetings during the fall semester, although the course is scheduled as a winter session course. The Study Abroad Center will enroll participants in the course. Please contact the program's course leader for more information on academic requirements. Course meetings will cover important travel/preparation information as well as academic content to help with the project you will complete abroad.

Talk to your academic advisor about how this course would work for you!

NOTES:

Students planning to participate in the spring commencement ceremony in May can enroll in this summer term program, however, their degree will not be conferred until the end of the summer term and is contingent on the successful completion of the program and all required coursework.
Students attending colleges and universities other than UNI are welcome to participate in this program. If you are not currently a UNI student, but would like to participate in this program, please contact the UNI Study Abroad Center prior to starting your program application.

Itinerary

Tentative Program Dates: Saturday, May 24 - Thursday, June 5, 2025. (Dates do not include travel to/from destination)

Sample itinerary is subject to change. Activities will be scheduled according to availability.

Day 1: Arrive at Munich Franz Josef Strauss International Airport and travel to housing on your own via public transportation; group dinner in evening.

Day 2: Visit the Marienplatz and explore the Viktualienmarkt. Option to climb the Alter Peter Tower to take in the scenery from above. Enjoy a tour of the city to get your bearings and learn about Munich's history and culture. Optional in the evening: Dine at a traditional beer garden.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Zugspitze, the highest Alpine peak in Germany. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit. Return to Munich in the evening.

Day 4: Explore Nymphenburg Palace's grand interiors in the morning. Spend the afternoon strolling through Nymphenburg Park, visiting the Botanical Garden, and exploring the Marstallmuseum.

Day 5: Explore BMW Welt for interactive exhibits on BMW's technology and history. Tour the BMW Museum to see iconic cars and learn about the brand's evolution. Enjoy a factory tour to witness production.

Day 6: Travel to Salzburg. Visit the Hohensalzburg Fortress for panoramic views, explore the Old Town, and tour Mozart's birthplace.

Day 7: Spend a full day at Königssee, known for its crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains. Take a boat tour to visit St. Bartholomew's Church.

Day 8: Return to Munich from Salzburg and spend the day at leisure, perhaps visiting some of Munich's museums (consider the Deutsches Museum highlights tour for first timers).

Day 9: Visit the Residenz Munich, the former royal palace of the Bavarian monarchs. In the afternoon, head to the English Garden, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Optional: Rent a paddleboat across the Kleinhesseloher Lake.

Day 10: Free Day

Day 11: Take a day trip to the Neuschwanstein Castle and explore its fairytale-like surroundings. Return to Munich in the evening.

Day 12: Take a relaxing day in Munich, exploring your favorite spots or engaging in some shopping. Group dinner in the evening.

Day 13: Departure; group travels to airport on their own via public transportation.

Participant Info

Meet your Advisor:

Stephanie is a full time study abroad advisor who will help you throughout the application process to Germany, including documentation, finances, scholarships, and more. From your first steps meeting until you take off for your new adventure, Stephanie will help you every step of the way.

Important information to review:

Study abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be challenged by new experiences in new environments and cultures. UNI study abroad programs are designed to prioritize educational opportunities for students. Students are encouraged to embrace the adventure of exploring how housing, meals, and daily routines differ abroad.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Review and follow the travel recommendations of the U.S. State Department for travel to Germany

Housing & Meals

Students will stay in hotels arranged by the Study Abroad Center while abroad. The cost of these hotels are included in the “Program Cost” line item of the program cost estimate. A few meals are built into the “Program Cost” (example: all breakfasts at hotels and 2 additional group meals in Germany). Students will pay for the remaining meals out-of-pocket while traveling and are encouraged to try the local foods.

Program Costs

Estimated Program Cost: $6,461*

*estimated total cost of participation, actual amount depends on type of housing accommodation selected, actual airfare purchase price, personal spending habits, and other factors

Estimated Total Program Cost	$6,461
Estimated U-bill Charges	$4,182
Estimated Out-of-Pocket Costs	$2,279

Germany/Austria Summer 2025 Cost Estimate (PDF)

Cost of Studying On Campus at UNI*

*per semester, estimated, will vary per person

Tuition & Fees	$4,864
Room & Board	$4,824
Books	$400
Personal Expenses	$878
Transportation	$320
Total	$11,325

Source: https://admissions.uni.edu/cost-aid

‌Eligibility Requirements to Study Abroad

The Study Abroad Center reserves the right to determine participants' eligibility to study abroad. Students must have a completed study abroad application, including supportive recommendation form(s). Additionally, students must meet all of the following in order to be eligible to study abroad:

Have a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application and maintain this cumulative GPA prior to departure and throughout the study abroad process
If your cumulative GPA is lower than 2.5, submit the following to the Study Abroad Center (103 East Bartlett):
- Letters of reference from two academic contacts (e.g. academic advisor and former or current professor) supporting your pursuit of study abroad. If you are attending a faculty-led study abroad program, one of the letters must be from a course leader. However, if the program has two course leaders, only one of the letters can be from one of the course leaders.

Must be over the age of 18 years old
Must meet the course prerequisites (participation in the program is dependent upon meeting these)
Must be in good standing with the university
UNI's partner institutions may require additional eligibility requirements to be met, these vary from institution to institution. Please consult with the Study Abroad Center staff to discuss these additional requirements, if applicable.
Applicants traveling to a region of a country or a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel) will not be eligible.