Constance

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Year-round intensive courses in a city full of traditions and modern life, at Lake Constance


The place
In medieval times, as trade increased, the traveller on his way from Scandinavia to Southern Europe had to cross the oldest German Rhine bridge in Constance, and so the city gained its wealth and cultural prosperity. Many buildings of that time still exist and are, alongside those from Renaissance and the Baroque, beautifully preserved in the old part of the town. Due to the direct proximity to Constance's Swiss counterpart Kreuzlingen, the town was spared from destruction in World War II. The university, founded in 1966, forms a vibrant contrast to the historical city.


Course description
Within walking distance from the university and only five minutes from the lake, the Humboldt-Institut is running year-round courses in its own, completely renovated school. Our courses are mainly aimed at and designed for university students and participants with an academic interest, who want to, e.g., consolidate their German skills towards studies or research at a German university.

On request, we also include special exercises that help students to write academic texts in German and to improve their comprehension of complex technical texts. If our students would like to include particular topics, e.g., German politics or culture, in the course, we will focus on these areas in accordance with the corresponding course level.

Another focus of our practice-oriented classes is on business German. We explain to our students the vocabulary, expressions and text types that are used in business transactions and help our students to become familiar with them. A particular asset in this regard is the fact that our students are free to make use of the university's facilities such as the excellent library. The daily routine offers many chances to get in contact with German students and participate in work groups like video production or theater groups.

The courses serve levels A1 - C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference as well as the Humboldt-Proficiency course.

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
During our year-round courses, students are accommodated in the Humboldt-Institute's school, which is run like a university's dormitory. They will stay in single and double rooms, which are all equipped with modern bathrooms and showers. Students who bring their own laptop have free access to the world wide web from their room. All classrooms are bright and large. A TV room and a laundry room are at students' disposal.


Free-time activities
Our students have the opportunity to join our fortnightly full day excursions, which bring us to destinations such as Stuttgart, Freiburg, Friedrichshafen, Lindau, Tübingen, Schaffhausen with the Rhine Falls, Zürich, Basel, St. Gallen and the Alps.

There is also a variety of leisure time activities at the university, the city or at the lakeside, such as:

Alpin Skiing *)
Badminton
Barbecue
Basketball
Billard *)
Bowling *)
Bicycles
Climbing *)
Disco
Horse riding *)
Internet in all rooms
Movie theater
Rowing *)
Swimming in a public pool (indoor, outdoor) *)
Swimming in the lake
Soccer
Squash *)
Tennis *)
TV room with DVD
Volleyball
Water skiing *)
Windsurfing *)
*) not included in the course fees

Constance also offers a wide range of cultural events, e.g., music, theater and film festivals, jazz performances and literature meetings. Many cafés and wine bars offer our students the possibility to rest and relax a while. Since Constance is located close to the Swiss border, students not only immerse in German culture but also have the chance to get an insight into Swiss life and traditions.

The Humboldt-Institut will assist students in obtaining reduced fares for commuting between our institute and the city center by public transportation (passport photo required).


Ages
The minimum age is 18 years.


Dates

Intensive Courses
April 13, 2008 *)
April 27, 2008 *)

Mai 11, 2008
Mai 25, 2008 *)

June 8, 2008 *)
June 22, 2008 *)
June 29, 2008

July 6, 2008 *)
July 13, 2008 *)
July 20, 2008 *)
July 27, 2008 *)

September 7, 2008 *)
September 14, 2008 *)
September 28, 2008

Oktober 12, 2008 *)
Oktober 26, 2008 *)

November 9, 2008
November 9, 2008 *)

Dezember 7, 2008 *)

January 4, 2009
January 18, 2009 *)

February 1, 2009 *)
February 15, 2009

March 1, 2009 *)
March 15, 2009 *)
March 29, 2009

Courses can be booked from two weeks up to one year.

*) Courses not meant for total beginners

Christmas holiday:
Between December 21, 2008 and January 03, 2009 no lessons are held.


Preparatory Courses TestDaF
Dates for commuters:
May 19 - June 13, 2008 (4 weeks)
June 23 - July 18, 2008 (4 weeks)
August 25 - September 19, 2008 (4 weeks)
October 3 - November 7, 2008 (4 weeks)

January 12 - February 06, 2009 (4 weeks)
March 23 - April 17, 2009 (4 weeks)
May 11 - June 05, 2009 (4 weeks)
June 15 - July 10, 2009 (4 weeks)
August 17 - September 11, 2009 (4 weeks)
October 12 - November 06, 2009 (4 weeks)

Dates for participants with room and board:
May 18 - June 14, 2008 (4 weeks)
June 22 - July 19, 2008 (4 weeks)
August 24 - September 20, 2008 (4 weeks)
October 2 - November 8, 2008 (4 weeks)

January 11 - February 07, 2009 (4 weeks)
March 22 - April 18, 2009 (4 weeks)
May 10 - June 06, 2009 (4 weeks)
June 14 - July 11, 2009 (4 weeks)
August 16 - September 12, 2009 (4 weeks)
October 11 - November 07, 2009 (4 weeks)


TestDaF Examination Dates
April 22, 2008 (Registration until March 25, 2008)
June 19, 2008 (Registration until May 21, 2008)
July 22, 2008 (Registration until June 24, 2008)
September 23, 2008 (Registration until August 26, 2008)
November 13, 2008 (Registration until October 14, 2008)

February 12, 2009 (Registration until January 14, 2009)
April 22, 2009 (Registration until March 24, 2009)
June 09, 2009 (Registration until May 12, 2009)
July 15, 2008 (Registration until June 16, 2009)
September 16, 2009 (Registration until August 18, 2009)
November 10, 2009 (Registration until October 13, 2009)



Fees
Intensive courses (30 lessons per week:
EUR 635.- per week

Surcharge between June 22 and August 23, 2008: EUR 35.- per week

Long-term courses of twelve weeks or more: EUR 510.- per week

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.

Preparatory Courses TestDaF (4 weeks):
EUR 780.- Course only (commuters)
EUR 2,540.- Course including accommodation and full board
EUR 2,040.- in connection with a course of 12 weeks or more

One-to-one Courses (40 lessons per week):
EUR 1,945.- per week


Airport transfer
The fee for a one-way transfer from Friedrichshafen is EUR 40.- and from Zurich is EUR 50.- 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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