Hamburg is Germany's second largest city and lies on the Elbe River, for centuries a major port and trading center for central Europe. The city has a network of canals that rival those of Venice (it is said to have more bridges than Venice) and is centered on two artificial lakes that take up eight percent of its total area.

Hamburg is known as Germany's 'green city', sporting 1,400 parks and gardens. Modern buildings sit cheek by jowl with historic Baroque and Renaissance architecture, and by night the neon lights dazzle all-night revelers, particularly in the city's notorious red light district, the Reeperbahn.

Hamburg was founded in 810 by Charlemagne and earned its place in history by becoming the most strategic port in the Hanseatic League of North German cities, which controlled trade in the Baltic and North Seas between the 13th and 15th centuries. A great fire destroyed much of the city in 1842, and a century later World War II bombing raids again laid it waste, but Hamburg bounced back with style, thanks to the wealth garnered from its position as a trading center.

Today, Hamburg is now home to more millionaires per capita than any other city in Europe. Most of the sights of interest are centered on its maritime traditions, particularly in the harbor area, where the 'Warehouse district' has been transformed into an entertaining destination offering several attractions. Further afield Hamburg is the gateway to the seaside and spa resorts of the Baltic and North Sea coastline.

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.

The nearest airport is Hamburg, which is about 5 miles (8km) from Hamburg. The Airport Express runs frequent buses to the Central Station (Hauptbahnhof) or the Airport transfer service provides a door-to-door service within the local area. Hamburg Bus Lines service the city center and other suburban areas.

Hamburg can be reached quickly and easily via German Rail's new high-speed InterCityExpress (ICE) - just three and a half hours to Hamburg from Frankfurt, two hours from Berlin and five hours from Munich.
[return to top]

Altona Fish Market
Hamburger Kunsthalle
Blankenese
Reeperbahn: Hamburg's notorious red light district.
Local towns of Hamelin & Lubeck
The island of Sylt is Germany's most northern point.
[return to top]

Our school was founded in 1952 is located in the center of town in Colonnaden- a quiet pedestrian zone which has many cafes, shops, boutiques, etc.

The school is a officially recognized as a further education provider by Weiterbildung Hamburg e.V. which guarantees high teaching standards.

Facilities include: 70 classrooms, social area, reception and also offers a specialist language bookstore where modern course materials and foreign language literature are available.
[return to top]

Standard: 5 Lessons daily (25 lessons per week) Max. 12 students per class.
Intensive: 5 Lessons daily (25 lessons per week plus o lesson of private lessons) Max. 12 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. The minimum course duration is one week and even with this short stay you are assured a maximum of 12 students per class (with classes average 7 students).

Each student will be expected to take a short oral/written 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, Monday - Friday 8:50-1:00 or Monday- Friday 1:30-5:45

Our methodology is based on acquiring the linguistic and pragmatic functional aspects of the spoken language along with an understanding of the socio-cultural elements of the German way of life.

After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Our optional cultural and social activities allow you to make new friends among your new classmates, experience cultural activities together and practice your new language skills in real life situations. A teacher or school representative normally guides the optional school activities including, cultural trips, sporting events or weekend excursions, schedules are posted on the school bulletin board.

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. 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.

[return to top]

Host Family: (private room) with breakfast or with half board.

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 20 to 30 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. Your family will provide the use of a washing machine.

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.

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.
[return to top]