Ratzenried

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Year-round intensive courses at Ratzenried Castle situated in the picturesque foothills of the Alps


The place
The village and castle of Ratzenried are situated in the Allgäu, the picturesque foothills of the Alps. Nearby are such historical cities as Wangen, Isny or Lindau on the shores of the beautiful Lake Constance. The Bavarian Castles built under the rule of King Ludwig II - Neuschwanstein and Linderhof - are just a two hour drive away. During the winter, cross-country skiing is very popular in and around Ratzenried; alpine skiing slopes are within easy reach as well. In the summer, hiking in the unique landscape is another of the many choices. The area offers relaxation in the pure mountain air (there are three recognized spa towns in the area). Ratzenried castle, built in the 15th century, hosts the headquarters for all Humboldt-Institut course centers since the founding of the Institut in 1977. All facilities of the castle are up-to-date and the class rooms bright and cheerful, furnished with modern teaching facilities.


Course description
The main emphasis in this intensive course, with 5 - 10 studenst per class, is put on the systematical training of correct pronunciation of German, combined with a training aimed at the adequate mastering of different speaking and writing situations. Feeling safe in applying grammatical structures, while using a modern colloquial vocabulary, is an additional focus of the Ratzenried course. Different professional fields such as Business German are added to this Basic German course to complete the Ratzenried syllabus which comprises 30 lessons per week.

The courses serve levels A1 - C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference.

Those prefering a one-to-one course with 40 lessons per week will find that the individual needs of the student, e. g. matching the existing vocabulary with the correct grammatical structure, are the center of this highly and individually tailored language training.

Our institute is a licensed test center for the officially recognized TestDaF exam. Comprehensive information about TestDaF and other exams can be found on our exam site.


Accommodation
Depending on the availability, students will be placed either in the castle, or in our modern guest house just next door. An alternative is the accommodation in local host families, providing the student with many "live" speaking situations every day. The castle and the guest house provide single, twin-bed, and a small number of three- and four-bedded rooms; most rooms are equipped with shower and toilet. Students of different nationalities are placed together so that German becomes then everyday language.

All students enjoy meals of excellent quality, prepared by our own professional chefs. The meals (full board) are served in the castle (except for breakfast with family accommodation).


Free-time activities
Apart from our regular choice of organized excursions, the surrounding offers numerous opportunities; whether it be at or on the famous Lake Constance, in the nearby mountains, or in the hospitable village itself. The nearby city of Wangen offers an outdoor swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and a squash center. Within the Ratzenried castle grounds one can play table tennis, volleyball, basketball, badminton and boccia on the well-kept lawns. The castle also houses a library, a TV room with DVD, and if you would like to join one of the privately organized parties, you're invited to do so; the castle's thick walls will make sure that no one will be disturbed. We also lend bicycles free of charge to our students.


Ages
The minimum age is 18 years.


Starting Dates for the Courses

Intensive courses
February 14, 2010
February 28, 2010 *)

March 14, 2010 *)
March 28, 2010

April 4, 2010 *)
April 18, 2010 *)

May 2, 2010 *)
May 16, 2010
May 30, 2010 *)

June 13, 2010 *)
June 27, 2010

July 4, 2010 *)
July 11, 2010 *)
July 18, 2010 *)
July 25, 2010 *)

August 1, 2010 *)
August 8, 20010 *)
August 15, 2010
August 22, 2010 *)
August 29, 2010 *)

September 5, 2010 *)
September 12, 2010 *)
September 26, 2010

October 10, 2010 *)
October 24, 2010 *)

November 7, 2010
November 21, 2010 *)

December 5, 20010 *)

Courses can be booked from two weeks up to one year. Other starting dates upon request.

*) Courses not meant for total beginners

Christmas holiday:
Between December 20, 2009 and January 02, 2010 as well as between December 19, 2010 and January 01, 2011 no lessons are held.


One-to-one crash courses
You can choose the date you like. Minimum stay is one week. Day of arrival is Sunday, day of departure Saturday.


Preparatory Course TestDaf
Dates for commuters:

September 13 - September 23, 2010 (2 weeks)
October 25 - November 5, 2010 (2 weeks)
January 24 - February 4, 2011 (2 weeks)
March 28 - April 8, 2011 (2 weeks)
May 23 - June 3, 2011 (2 weeks)
July 4 - July 15, 2011 (2 weeks)
August 29 - September 9, 2011 (2 weeks)
November 7 - November 18, 2011 (2 weeks)

Dates for participants with room and board:

September 12 - September 24, 2010 (2 weeks)
October 24 - November 6, 2010 (2 weeks)
January 23 - February 5, 2011 (2 weeks)
March 27 - April 9, 2011 (2 weeks)
May 22 - June 4, 2011 (2 weeks)
July 3 - July 16, 2011 (2 weeks)
August 28 - September 9, 2011 (2 weeks)
November 6 - November 19, 2011 (2 weeks)



Fees
All fees include 30 lessons per week in small classes (5 - 10 students), books, accommodation, full board (three main meals and one snack), excursions (except entrance fees) and certificate of studies.

Intensive courses (30 lessons per week:
EUR 670.- per week

Surcharge between June 20 and August 28, 2010: EUR 35.- per week

Long-term courses of twelve weeks or more:
EUR 540.- per week

Preparatory Courses TestDaF (2 weeks):
EUR 1,340.- course with room and board
EUR 1,080.- in combination with course of minimum 12 weeks
EUR 410.- course without room and board

One-to-one Courses (40 lessons per week):
EUR 2.010.- per week


Airport transfer
The fee for a one-way transfer from/to:
Friedrichshafen - EUR 40.- per person
Memmingen - EUR 40.- per person
Zurich - EUR 90.- per person
Munich - EUR 110.- per person


Travel Health Insurance
Participants can opt for a travel health insurance (see Frequently Asked Questions), the fee of which is EUR 2.- per day.


Gallery
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