Summer Course

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. As far as possible the trainers take into consideration the individual needs and requests of the students.

Course Programme

All classes have four hours of language training in the morning.

The afternoon is reserved for lectures, research topics and creative language training.

In addition, students have the opportunity to take the internationally recognised Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (ÖSD, Austrian Language Certificate) exam.

Detailed course programme of the Summer Course 2011. This information is available only in German.

Research Topics

An additional way to learn about Austria is through “Research Topics”. They make it possible for students to discover by themselves the real Vienna beyond the usual clichés and, at the same time, use the knowledge acquired in the classes.

Lectures and Excursions

In addition to language training, the DA offers a programme of lectures on Austrian politics, history, economics and culture for the Summer Course participants. Students may also visit international organizations headquartered in Vienna, Austrian institutions and cultural establishments, and discuss various topics with their representatives. On a day trip to one of Austria’s Federal States students can learn about the country beyond the borders of Vienna.

The Summer Course team of the DA consists of highly-qualified professionals with an education in German as a Foreign Language and long-standing teaching experience:

Robert Bösiger

Studies for Teachers’ Certificate in German and Philosophy/Psychology at the University of Graz;  studies for MA in German as a Foreign Language at the University of Vienna; foreign language assistant Leeds; since 2009 teaching in a number of adult education institutions

Mail: robert.boesiger(at)da-vienna.ac.at

Barbara Piller-Partsch

Studies for Teachers’ Certificate in French and German with a focus on German as a Foreign Language; since 2010 studies for MA in German as a Foreign Language at the University of Vienna; language and other courses in Geneva and France; teaching in lycées in France, for the ‘Schulbrüder’ in Vienna, at the French embassy and in adult education in Vienna; many years of experience in marketing in an international French company; trained examiner and trainer for ÖSD (= Österreichisches Sprach-Diplom)

Mail: barbara.piller.partsch(at)da-vienna.ac.at

Sandra Reitbrecht

Studied German and French with specialization in German as a Foreign Language at the University of Vienna. Since 2009 PhD student at the Institute of Speech Science and Phonetics at the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Lecturer for German as a Foreign Language and Austrian Studies at the Masaryk University in Brno (CZ) and at the University of Burgundy in Dijon (F). Further teaching experience in Vienna and Haguenau (F). Qualified ÖSD (Austrian Language Certificate) trainer and examiner.

Mail: sandra.reitbreit(at)da-vienna.ac.at

Denis Weger

Studied German and Slavic Studies with specialization in German as a Foreign Language as well as Language and Minorities Policies at the University of Vienna; study visits and teaching internships at the Univerisity of Venice (I),  Baku (AZ), Moscow (RF) and Ulan Ude (RF); since 2008 lecturer for German as a Foreign Language at the Technical University of Vienna. Qualified ÖSD (Austrian Language Certificate) trainer and examiner.

Email: denis.weger(at)da-vienna.ac.at

Tina Welke

Lecturer for German at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna and at the Language Centre and the Master programme European Studies of the University of Vienna; lecturer at the Institute for German Studies and German as a Foreign Language of the University of Vienna; teacher training and further education in Austria and abroad; qualified ÖSD (Austrian Language Certificate) trainer and examiner; studied Linguistics, German as a Foreign Language, Sociology and Political Science; teaching internship in Georgia, study stay in St. Petersburg.

Email: tina.welke(at)da-vienna.ac.at

Responsible of the DA Summer Course programme

Isolde Cullin

Lecturer and coordinator for German as a Foreign Language at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna; previously lecturer for German Language and Austrian Studies and Literature at the University of Orléans, at Paris I and at the Austrian Cultural Institute in Paris;  qualified ÖSD (Austrian Language Certificate) trainer and examiner; studied German and Romance Studies at the Universities of Vienna and Orléans;

Email: isolde.cullin(at)da-vienna.ac.at

Responsible for the programm and development of the DA Summer Course programme

Renate Faistauer  

Responsible for the programme of the Summer Course; lecturer for German at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna; active in teacher training and further education in Austria and abroad; member of the German as a Foreign Language department at the University of Vienna; previously lecturer for German Language and Austrian Studies and Literature in Egypt; qualified ÖSD (Austrian Language Certificate) trainer and examiner; studied German Studies and History at the University of Vienna.

Email: renate.faistauer(at)univie.ac.at

International Campus

Students of the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna 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

Students at the DA are accommodated in comfortable and quiet single rooms with showers.

As the number of rooms at the DA is limited, an early booking is recommended. The rooms can be booked during the application process.

Start online application

You can also send us your application by mail, fax or email:

Application form

Vienna - Studying in an International Atmosphere

With the United Nations and other International Organisations (IAEA, UNIDO, OSCE etc.) headquartered in Vienna, the city is an ideal place for studying and analysing European developments in the context of global relations.

Vienna - the City with the Best Quality of Living

In 2010 Vienna took the top spot as the city with the best quality of living in the world (Mercer 2010 Quality of Living Survey). Its wide array of cultural events as well as numerous leisure and sports activities provide an additional incentive for choosing it as the location of your studies.

Useful online information about Vienna

http://www.wien.info/en

http://www.wien.gv.at/

http://www.wien-konkret.at/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vienna

http://www.wienerlinien.at/

Before applying for the Summer Course, please take some time to do an online self-assessment test, which will give you an idea of your German knowledge and help the administration to carry out a preliminary course placement. You can do the self-assessment test as often as you wish. The suitable course level is determined in a written and oral placement test at the beginning of the Summer Course.

Start online self-assessment

Start online application

You can also send us your application by mail, fax or email: Application form

Application Deadline for Applications for a Scholarship: 30 April 2012

Make sure you secure your place on the Summer Course in time! The number of places is limited.