International Summer Academy Kassel

Living and studying in a foreign country can be an incredibly enriching experience. A study abroad program like the International Summer Academy (ISA) at the University of Kassel opens up new worlds culturally and academically and helps you develop fresh perspectives.

By participating in our study abroad program, you are likely to make friends from around the world. International experiences are second to none when it comes to broadening your personal and academic development.

The ISA offers three to four-week academic programs, which feature the strengths of studying at a modern university in Germany. Getting in contact with the German language and culture is a rich experience. The University of Kassel plays a leading role in environmental engineering in Germany, and has contributed significantly to the advancement of renewable energy technologies worldwide through its academic research and innovative technology transfer. Taught by faculty members, ISA offers the best opportunities for you to study at a different university.

Germany’s cultural heritage lies in its history, arts, literature, music, and architecture. The city of Kassel is not only home to the world famous modern art exhibition “documenta” and an extensive and outstanding museum landscape, it is also where the origins of the Brothers Grimm’s famous fairy tales can be found. Kassel and the surrounding region also offer plenty of opportunities to explore German history first-hand. Here is some of the richest cultural heritage in Germany, which makes Kassel truly an ideal place for your introduction or further study of German culture.

We ensure that you will be well taken care of during your stay in Kassel starting from your arrival in Kassel by providing an airport or train station pick-up and also a 24/7 emergency number. Besides, each of our ISA team member has study abroad experiences, so we know exactly what you might need and feel during your stay in Kassel and therefore we are a perfect companion for you.

Kassel's unique homestay program offers the exciting chance to experience authentic daily life in Germany first-hand. Staying with a friendly and welcoming family is one of the quickest and most enjoyable ways to learn German through daily interaction and conversation. Your host family will also support you throughout your journey of exploring Germany, its customs, and its people — they will be your home away from home.

ISA participants will have internet access on campus as well as at the host family. This way you can always keep in touch with your family and loved ones.

Yes, you can use credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) and PayPal in many supermarkets and stores. However, smaller shops often do not accept credit cards or PayPal. If you need cash, ATMs can be found in the city center and on campus.

To feel at home in a foreign country, it usually helps to have a certain grasp of the native language. However, German knowledge is not required. You will learn this in our German courses that are offered on three different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The language of instruction is English and the ISA team as well as the host families speak English.

Our programs combine academic seminars with intensive German language course. Learning German in an intercultural setting will not only be a lot of fun, but will also help you to get the most out of your time in Germany. As an additional benefit, living with a host family will give you a great opportunity to put what you have learned into practice outside the classroom and boost the language skills beyond what you would be able to achieve through coursework alone.

The current program fee is displayed on the entry page. 

The fee includes:

• One seminar of your choice (40–45 contact hours)
• Language course (30 contact hours)
• Workshops
• Cultural program (excursions to Marburg and/or Frankfurt, opening and closing ceremonies, etc.)
• Accommodation with a host family, including two meals per day
• Ticket for public transportation in Kassel
• Health, accident, and liability insurance
• 24/7 emergency number

Additional expenses:

• Travel expenses
• Personal spending
• Lunch at the University of Kassel cafeteria (approx. EUR 2.40–4.00 per meal)
• Optional activities (e.g., a trip to Berlin)

We unfortunately have no scholarship programs available for the ISA Kassel.

Don't worry — you won't be left alone! The IWU team takes care of all organizational matters and is always ready to help — for example, accompanying you to the doctor if needed. We also provide a 24/7 emergency number. In addition, our host families, many of whom have supported the program for years, know exactly how to assist you if problems come up.

According to international rankings, Germany is a safe country, and there is no reason to be excessively concerned about crime. People move freely through German villages and large cities, day or night, without taking special safety precautions. The German police are regarded as helpful and reliable, and can be reached free of charge from any telephone in Germany by dialing 110. And of course, the IWU team is always ready to help as well.

Practically every country in the world maintains an embassy or consulate in Germany, so if problems arise, you can contact a representative of your home country.

Patients in Germany receive excellent medical treatment. With its dense network of highly qualified doctors, the German health care system is regarded as one of the best in the world.

The program fee covers health, accident, and liability insurance for the duration of the IWU. Please note that the health insurance does not cover chronic illnesses, allergies, or pregnancy. For further information, please contact the IWU office.

The German Embassy in your home country will inform you whether or not you need a visa in order to participate in the ISA Kassel. You can find contact information for the German Embassy on the German Foreign Office website. Or have a look here: Visa requirements - List of countries  

Please note: Visa processing takes six weeks on average.