The Summer Course of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna (for German language and Austrian studies)

Classes are taught in small groups by a team of highly experienced trainers specially qualified for teaching “German as a Foreign Language”. By means of creative language learning, research projects and leisure activities, students can discover Austria in all facets as well as apply the new language skills acquired during classes. Additionally, lectures and excursions give participants the opportunity to learn about Austrian politics, history, society and culture.

Structure

• Methodology and Topics
• Classes are communicative, learner-oriented and based firmly on the needs of adults. Classes are based on levels A1-C2 of the Common European Framework of References. The trainers use the latest methodological and didactic insights of linguistics. Subjects chosen for the language classes make use of both topical and authentic materials, and include information on history, politics, economics and culture with of course, wherever appropriate, an Austrian slant.
• Small Groups
• Classes take place in small groups. Instructors take the individual needs and requests of the students into consideration as much as possible.
• Course Programme
• All classes have four hours of language training in the morning.
• The afternoon is reserved for lectures, research projects, creative language learning activities, career counselling, excursions and leisure activities.
• Research Projects
• An additional way to learn about Austria is through "Research Projects". These projects enable participants to discover by themselves the real Vienna beyond tourist clichés and, at the same time, to use and practice the language skills acquired in the classroom.
• Lectures, Excursions and Leisure activities
• In addition to language training, the DA Summer Course also provides lectures on various aspects of Austrian politics, history, economics and culture. Participants furthermore have the opportunity to visit international organisations based in Vienna as well as Austrian political, economic and cultural institutions, and to discuss issues with representatives from these bodies. An all-day excursion offers students the opportunity to discover a part of Austria outside Vienna. Moreover, leisure activities such as hiking, wine-tasting and a visit to a "Heuriger" (Austrian wine tavern) as well as Waltz lessons are organised.

Campus

• International Campus
• Summer Course participants come from all over the world and many of them live on campus. The living international spirit and multiculturalism of the DA may be experienced both inside and outside the lecture hall.
• Atmosphere
• The DA is located in a former Imperial Palace in the centre of Vienna. Its modern classrooms and computer-equipped workplaces, its popular common rooms and beautiful garden provide a great atmosphere to learn German during the Summer Course.
• Accommodation
• Participants are accommodated in comfortable and quiet single rooms with showers either at the Diplomatic Academy itself or in other accommodation in Vienna.