The Rhine River is considered one of Europe's most important-and most romantic-waterways. Located on the banks of the Rhine River, in Northwestern Germany, is the city of Dusseldorf. The City, dating back to 1159, is the capital of the Rhine and a flourishing commercial City.
Today, Dusseldorf is a cosmopolitan City known for its automobiles, glass, textiles and boasts Germany's first skyscraper, the Wilhelm-Marx-Haus, built in 1924. It is home to many museums and countless theatres and the impressive German Opera House, which all attest to the city's standing as a major arts center.
Düsseldorf is also a paradise for shoppers - the Königsallee with its classy shops and pavement cafés is now firmly established as one of the world's most elegant shopping boulevards and the fashion capital of Germany.
If you want a bird's-eye view of Düsseldorf why not climb the 172m Rheinturm tower which dominates the skyline and offers a wonderful view of the city - on a clear day you can see all the way to Cologne. You can also choose to see Düsseldorf from the water and we recommend you take a river cruise along the Rhine. On both sides of the Rhine, steep hills are topped with ancient castles surrounded by fruit trees and the grapevines that produce Germany's renowned Rhine wines.
The historic Old Town of Dusselsdorf "Altstadt" is strewn with bars, excellent restaurants, traditional pubs and vibrancy found nowhere else in the city. Try "Brauerei im Füchschen" for some real German food and a great atmosphere, "Im goldenen Kessel", "Zum Schlüssel"... If you like beer you should definitely try the Alt beer, typical of Düsseldorf.
Just a short walk from the old town is the "Rheinuferpromenade" a pedestrian-only path where you can stroll along the river Rhine and take in the scenery or interesting restaurants and great nightspots.
Other interesting sites visitors must see include the Palace of Fredrick I, 1763 (where the towns historical collection is housed), the 13th century church St. Lambertuskirche, the old town hall "Rathaus" which was completed in 1588 and finally Barbarossa´s ancient Imperial Palace at Kaiserswerth.
Combining the legendary good cheer of the Rhineland people and its cosmopolitan charm, Dusseldorf offers the visitor a wealth of memorable sights and cultural experiences.
Those interested in investigating further can visit nearby cities such as Bonn, Cologne or Aachen. Neighboring countries such as Holland, Belgium or Luxembourg or all within a few hours traveling distance.
It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.
Frankfurt is the largest and most popular airport in Germany, you can catch a direct train from Frankfurt airport to
Dusseldorf (approx. time 21/2 hours). Dusseldorf also has a international airport which is located about 15KM outside of the city.
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Altstadt (The old town)
Basilica of St. Lambertus
Konigsallee (famous shopping district)
Deutsche Oper am Rhein
Schauspielhaus (theater)
Tonhalle (concert hall).
Numerous Theaters
Libraries and Museums
Aqua Zoo
Trips to Bonn, Cologne and neighboring
Countries, Holland, Belgium or Luxembourg
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Our school is housed in a "listed" historical 19th century brick building, encompassing the charm and splendor of its European heritage. It is located in the center of Dusseldorf and only 10 minutes walk from the famous old town and close to all amenities. The school building is quaint and very quiet, as the school is set back from the main road and is enclosed in a charming courtyard with mature tree's, picnic benches and in the summer, flower boxes.
The main school building has a social/cafe area where students can rest in between or after classes, it also has a cappuccino bar and 5 large classrooms. The school annex which is about a 2-minute walk from the main building, is quite different and is very modern with another social area and 6 classrooms. All the classrooms are very tastefully decorated, modern and comfortable.
The school directors and teachers all help to make the atmosphere friendly and warm, it's an ideal meeting place for international students. The school also offers ESL courses in the evenings, so if you wish you also have the opportunity to meet many of the locals, who are studying English after work.
Dusseldorf is a summer only program, normally running from May through to October.
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Standard: 4 Lessons daily (20 lessons per week) Max. 10 students per class.
Our programs cater for all language levels from absolute beginners to the more advanced, include the use of course materials and provide a variety of options to enhance your program. For more information please see Prices and Start Dates.
We also offer a "Split City" option with our Frankfurt program, which offers the student the opportunity to visit and study in both cities.
Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class. Lessons are usually held in the mornings, starting at 9 am, which leave the afternoons free for social or cultural activities, trips, workshops, short excursions or free time to relax or explore on your own.
Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. They will help enhance your speaking, listening, grammar and general comprehension skills. They will also use interactive techniques such as role-play, games and perhaps videos to support lesson content. Current political, social and cultural materials are integrated to add interest and increase knowledge of the host country and culture. Homework assignments are given and students will be tested. For more information please see Course Outline.
After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new international classmates, experience cultural and social activities together, and also practice your new language skills in real life situations. In some cases, a small additional fee will be charged to cover local transport and entrance costs.
At the weekend many students can arrange to take optional excursions to local cities or local places of interest. These excursions are slightly more expensive than the daily activities ($10-$40), as they are normally full day or full weekend excursions and could include (transport, meals entrance fees and even accommodation). If you are interested in sight-seeing by yourself or with other class mates, our school staff are more than willing to assist you with any questions you may have and help you book local travel or excursions.
NOTES: Private lessons and additional options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes in length and you will be studying with international students from around the world. Lessons run from Monday - Friday, you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take a placement test and orientation meeting. During class only the local language will be spoken, the emphasis is to speak and think in the new language, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. The school is closed on all public holidays. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.
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Host Family: (private or shared room) 2 meals daily.
Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As many of our host families live in the surrounding neighborhoods, the trip to school, is usually not more than 10 to 25 minutes away.
Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. If your family does not provide a laundry service, they may allow you to use the laundry facilities for a small additional charge.
Staying in a family is a truly wonderful experience and many students make lifetime friends with their host family. However, you should also have realistic expectations and recognize that an element of flexibility is required to adjust to the local customs and way of life. Your host family may not have the same comforts as your own home but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.
Self Catering Apartments: (private or shared room) no meals.
This is also a very popular option especially for those students looking for further independence. Our apartments are normally located within the same distance as the host families and are shared (with other international students studying at the school) so will be sharing with many other nationalities. Our apartments are co-ed, however rooms are shared with the same gender.
All apartments provide a well equipped kitchen (including cooking utensils), shared bathroom facilities and living areas. The apartments vary in size and number of bedrooms, depending on the location in the city but expect to share with 2 - 4 other students. All apartments are self-catering, which means meals are not included and students provide their own groceries and prepare their own meals or eat out. In many cases the cooking becomes a social event in the apartment and a great way to chat and make new friends. Many students have theme nights, where they take turns to prepare a meal from their home country for the rest of the students.
For the duration of the stay in the apartment, you will be living among other students. You are expected to comply with the 'mutual' house rules. This means that common living areas must be kept clean and tidy at all times. All students have keys to the apartment and can come and go as they wish.
NOTES: Airport transfers may be included or available, also extra nights can be booked before / after course (at an additional cost), please check price page for details. The Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included in the program price. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat.. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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