The
Humboldt Institute was founded as a non-profit in 1977 and has fast become
one of the leading German language schools in Europe. They have over 22
centers for learning throughout Germany, but they have retained the personal
touch, unlike many of the other city-based day schools like the Goethe
Institute.
The
schools have excellent summer programs primarily met for teenagers, but they
have an equal strength in their adult programs run year around.
My experience is with the town and castle of Ratzenried - their main offices.
You live and study in a 15th Century castle, immersed in the language and
culture. I suggest a minimum of 3 weeks, but 4-6 weeks will give you an
excellent refresher course from 'high-school' German classes!
The
cost of the course includes room
and board (3 meals a day served in family style
in the castle dining hall. Marcus, the cook, is one
of the best in Germany and will tend to your sensibilities - you need only ask.
Along
with courses (from one-to-one 'intensive' 5 hr/day teaching in
groups of 5-10),
the
fees include afternoon and weekend excursions with a 'Betreuer' - the person
assigned to keep you out of trouble and answer your every question.
A
typical week would include daily excursions to nearby towns for shopping and the
disco.
The
weekend trips may be to Munich, Ulm or Lindau on Lake
Constance. All of the Bavarian castles are within reach as well (Neuschwanstein is the closest). No
matter where you go, though, you speak only German - and that is a necessity since your classmates have
native languages other than English!
And
how much is all of this to cost? Well, as of this writing (2004) the
dollar is very week. But even so, the cost of a round-trip flight
to Munich and train to Ratzenried, all course materials, room, board,
excursions... all comes to about $80/day; and that includes at least one
Bavarian beer every night!). For the price of a nice hotel room, you have
German and Germany right at your doorstep.
And
don't forget to thank Anne Marie when you leave. She will have cleaned
your room and changed the sheets every Monday. And you can also drop your
laundry off - she'll have it back by Wednesday! Interested? Call Norbert or Mau Güthling, the proud owners of Humboldt Institut.
The
founders (Martin and Bernard) pride themselves on being 'bureaucrat-free'! The
application process that starts with your e-mail or phone call to the school is
surprisingly quick.
If you are feeling hesitant about your language skills, don't worry! The
founders or their assistant (Sabine) will quickly walk you through the
application process and before you know it, you are set.
of
the high standards that the school has in its teachers & courses. All
are certified, and have taught at the school for years; they and will take an extra few
minutes to make sure that you are comfortable are ready for the next
step.
But
what is unique about Horizonte is Regensburg- the best kept secret in Bavaria -
this medieval city is on the Danube River; a key to German
commerce up to the 19th century. Horizonte is located in the heart of the
old town.
A
dorm-like atmosphere with rooms that have their own showers and WC's along with
a small refrigerator for food & drink. The home-style kitchen and dining
area - along with several DSL-connected computers makes for an excellent,
supportive atmosphere.
Classes are in the morning
and you may continue them in the afternoon under a unique 'one-on-one study time
in any one of several specialty areas (from business to a teacher
refresher). Otherwise, you and your colleagues have the afternoon at
your disposal. The school has an activity program - and many historic
cities are a train-ride away.
Many
students stay for months at a time (as beginners), but the strength of this
school is that you can stay for 2-3 weeks at a time - refreshing skills in
German while staying in such a beautiful town that loves students of all ages. 