International Winter University Kassel

Living and studying in a foreign country can be an incredibly enriching experience. A study abroad program like the International Winter University (IWU) 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 IWU offers a three-week academic program focusing on the University of Kassel's core strengths: environmental engineering and German language and culture. 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 internationally renowned faculty, the IWU gives you the opportunity to study today's global environmental challenges from a German perspective.

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 outstanding museum landscape, but also the place where the Brothers Grimm's famous fairy tales originated. Kassel and the surrounding region offer plenty of opportunities to explore German history first-hand — an ideal setting for your introduction to, or continued study of, German culture.

We make sure you are well taken care of from the moment you arrive in Kassel, with pick-up service from the airport or train station and 24/7 availability. In addition, every member of the IWU team has personal study abroad experience, so we know exactly what you might need during your stay.

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.

IWU participants have internet access both on campus and at their host family's home, so 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.

While it certainly helps to have some grasp of the local language, no prior German knowledge is required. German is taught in our language courses at three different levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The language of instruction is English, and both the IWU team and the host families speak English.

Our programs combine academic seminars with an intensive German language course. Learning German in an intercultural setting is not only fun — it also helps you get the most out of your time in Germany. Living with a host family gives you an additional opportunity to practice what you have learned outside the classroom and take your language skills further than coursework alone ever could.

The current program fee is displayed on the entry page. Applications submitted on or before October 1 receive an early-bird discount of EUR 200.

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)

If you are studying at one of the Universities of Massachusetts, the Universities of Wisconsin, or a university in Queensland, scholarships are available that cover part of the tuition fee. Please contact the international office of your home university for further information. In addition, the University of Kassel grants a small number of full and partial scholarships.

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 you need a visa to participate in the IWU program. You can find contact information for German embassies on the German Federal Foreign Office website, or consult the official list of visa requirements by country.

Please note: visa processing takes six weeks on average, so plan accordingly.