Programs are held at the Academy of German Language in Heidelberg, a member of Fachverband Deutsch als Fremsprache (FaDaf) and International Certificate Conference (ICC). The Academy is also an official examination center for the European Language Certificates (TELC). Conveniently located in the heart of Heidelberg, the Academy is just 5 minutes walk from the main bus and tram stop, Bismarckplatz.
World Link Education's unique German Language Programs in Heidelberg are designed to provide total language immersion. Accelerated teaching methods allow participants at lower proficiency levels to acquire the language skills needed for effective communication in a short period of time, and advanced students to gain expression proficiency at an abstract level. The immersion programs integrate all aspects of the language: reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonetics, and vocabulary.
This immersion program has an integrated curriculum, providing students with the chance to learn much more than just the fundamentals of German grammar. We teach students how to integrate into German society, and how to interact with German people in both casual and formal situations. By combining our language lessons with the study of German culture and traditions, students are immersed in the German way of life.
- Total immersion in the German language
- Accelerated learning in small classes: average 10 to 12 students per class
- Start Dates: Total Beginners start on specified dates; non-beginners start on any Monday
- Total Beginner to Advanced classes available
- Intensive language classes
- Free after-class activities with German students
- Free guided tours and excursions
- Free cultural activities
- Native German teachers with degrees in teaching German and years of experience teaching foreigners
- US college credit transfer available
Language classes integrate all aspects of German including reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary. Topics studied include everyday situations, as well as German culture, society, and history. Listening and speaking skills are emphasized to enable participants to attain communicative proficiency.
The curriculum is based on the needs of each proficiency level (please see Placement Test and Proficiency Levels below) and designed to allow participants to progress rapidly and gain language fluency. Modern teaching methods focus on instilling linguistic, practical, communicative, and cultural aspects of the language, as well as the German way of life. Class work focuses on developing oral expression, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar. Up-to-date materials are used to introduce modern day Germany, its social and economic life, culture, history, and literature. Each class is 45 minutes long.
Long Duration students have the option of sitting for a Diploma of German Language, provided free in the Total Program. See Total Program Fees for Long Duration start dates.
Class Times
Intensive: 8:30 am to 12:45 pm, Monday to Friday
Super-Intensive: 8:30 am to 12:45 pm, Monday to Friday, plus two afternoons a week
| Program |
Intensity |
Classes a week |
Duration |
Proficiency Levels |
| Short Duration |
Intensive |
25 classes a week |
2 - 7 weeks |
Total Beginner to Advanced |
| Super-Intensive |
30 classes a week |
| Long Duration |
Intensive |
25 classes a week |
8 - 40 weeks |
Total Beginner to Advanced |
| Semester |
24 weeks |
| Academic Year |
48 weeks |
| Summer Programs |
Intensive |
25 classes a week |
2 - 7 weeks |
Total Beginner to Advanced |
| Super-Intensive |
30 classes a week |
For further information on each program, click on the programs in the above table.
The European Language Certificates (TELC) are a system of language examinations based on the Council of Europe's Common Framework of Reference for language training. They are offered at different levels of language competence. Therefore, the teaching materials used at the Academy follow the guidelines for the following optional language examinations.
- Start Deutsch
- Zertifikat Deutsch (ZD)
- Zertifikat Deutsch Plus (ZDPlus)
- Zentrale Mittelstufenprüfung (ZMP)
- Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)
For more information on these German Language Exams, click here
Excursions and cultural activities are an important component of learning, and provide participants with a deeper understanding of German culture. A wide range of free excursions to major attractions, museums, historic sites, and galleries are available and may vary depending on program intake. Guided tours and activities held on weekday afternoons are provided free for students enrolled in the Total Program.
For more information on excursions and activities, click here
There are 5 main proficiency levels. First, participants are placed according to the proficiency level they indicate on the application form. At the start of the program, non-beginners take a written and oral placement test. Second placements are made according to the results of the placement tests.
To test your current level of German, click here
Level 1: Total Beginner (Grundstufe I)
Level 2: Elementary (Grundstufe II)
Level 3: Intermediate 1 (Mittelstufe I)
Level 4: Intermediate 2 (Mittelstufe II)
Level 5: Advanced (Oberstufe)
- Total Beginner (Grundstufe I)
This level is for those who have never learned German or who have learned a few words but cannot express themselves in complete sentences. Classes focus on introducing everyday vocabulary and basic grammar. The curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of basic German, focusing on simple topics related to daily life, including introductions, starting and concluding conversations, asking for information, and understanding and filling out basic forms. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation.
- Elementary (Grundstufe II)
This level is for those who have learned German and have a grasp of simple sentence structures. Classes focus on building everyday vocabulary and grammar. Participants learn how to converse on simple daily topics, including expressing their opinions. Writing exercises include composing brief letters and messages. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn correct pronunciation and intonation.
- Intermediate 1 (Mittelstufe I)
This level is designed to build on participants' vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Participants are introduced to important colloquial expressions and more complex grammatical structures. Classwork focuses on enabling participants to use the language with confidence and the ability to communicate in structured conversation.
- Intermediate 2 (Mittelstufe II)
This level is designed to complete the program of grammar and colloquial expressions while building on participants' vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Classwork focuses on a wide range of topics encompassing German culture and society, improving communication skills, and the ability to express instructions clearly and functionally in different contexts from social to work-related situations.
- Advanced (Oberstufe)
This level is for those who can discuss general topics, raise complex questions, and express their viewpoints clearly using correct pronunciation. The advanced curriculum is focused on enabling participants to express themselves proficiently at an abstract level. To improve participants' fluency, classwork uses advanced texts and exercises including German non-fiction, articles, and financial texts. To build on writing skills, participants learn how to write commentaries, essays, speeches, and debates. Classwork focuses on a wide range of topics developing a greater awareness of German culture and society, including current German events, civilization and literature to build linguistic skills, while at the same time developing a greater awareness of the culture and society. Classes aim to enable participants to converse fluently and produce written texts in any given facility.
Teachers are native German, and are highly qualified and experienced in teaching German. They hold a degree in teaching German as a Foreign Language. Up-to-date, carefully selected materials are used in class, giving participants valuable information on modern-day German culture and society while at the same time developing their language and communication skills.
Participants' progress is assessed by continuous homework assignments and tests throughout the program. Attendance is mandatory. Participants are awarded official certificates and transcripts at the end of the program.
Participants may obtain credits to be transferred to their home college or university. For credit transfers, participants should contact the study abroad advisor or German Language department at their home college or university. Details of the program's total class hours, curriculum, and duration should be given. World Link's programs advisors are available for further information and, if required, can contact the study abroad advisor or relevant person.
On your first day at school, you will attend a detailed orientation session where we will cover topics such as classes, public transportation, banks etc. Our helpful and friendly staff will be available to assist you through your time in Germany.
A range of housing centrally located and close to the academy are offered and included in the Total Program Fees. Special attention is given to the accommodation offered to our students. Accommodations have been inspected and visited by on site Accommodations staff. They have been selected on the basis of cleanliness, location, safety and facilities. Accommodation starts at 12 pm on the Sunday prior to the first day of program, and ends at 12 pm on the Saturday after the last day of the program. Extra nights accommodation is available for an additional fee and is subject to availability. Accommodation options include: Host Family Bed & Breakfast, Host Family Half Board, Student Residence Double or Single, and Hotel.
For more information on accommodation options, click here
Participants enrolled in the Total Program are greeted at the Frankfurt International Airport and accompanied to their chosen accommodation. The following important details are required at least 10 days before your arrival: Arrival date, Arrival time, Arrival place, Bus/Train/Flight Number, Airline/Bus company, Place of departure
An emergency number is provided in the Welcome Pack for any last minute arrival delays.
The Academy will be closed on the following holidays.
2007
Public Holidays: Apr 6,9; May 1, 17, 28; Jun 7; Oct 3; Nov 1; Dec 25, 26.
Christmas Holidays: December 22, 2007 - January 11, 2008.
2008
Public Holidays: Mar 21, 24; May 1, 12, 22; Oct 3
Christmas Holidays: Dec 20, 2008 -
Jan 11, 2009.
For peace of mind, Total Program fees include Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance. StudentCare Insurance covers emergency medical and dental treatment, pro-rata return of program fee in case of curtailment, personal liability, and more. Participants are insured for the duration of the program.
For terms and conditions and further information, click here
Participants are required to contact the German Consulate in their home country regarding applicable visa regulations. If a visa is needed, WLE provides participants with the documents required by the German Consulate:
- A Letter of Admission (verifying that full program fees have been paid)
- A Travel Medical Insurance Coverage Letter.
These documents will be provided as soon as the total program fees are paid and enrolment is completed. EU citizens do not require a visa to enter Germany. US citizens do not require a visa for stays shorter than 90 days. For the semester or academic year programs, US citizens are required to apply for a visa.
World Link German Language Total Program Fees include Language Classes, Accommodation, Textbooks, Registration and Enrollment, Placement Test, Certificate and Transcript, Visa Support Documentation, Airport Pickup and Transfer to Accommodation, Orientation, Welcome Pack, Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance, and more. Social activities, free guided tours and activities with Native German Speakers are organized.
For Total Program Fees and program dates, click here
For Tuition Only Fees, click here
Our German Language Immersion Programs are offered to persons from all over the world from 18 years (17 during the summer) to 75 years of age. For exceptions contact WLE.
For the How to Apply Guide, click here
For the Application Form, click here
Other World Link Locations:
wle-spain.com,
wle-france.com,
wle-italy.com,
wle-korea.com,
wle-china.com,
wle-australia.com,
wle-japan.com,
wle-germany.com,
wle-uk.com,
worldlink-education.com
Global World Link Partners:
mystudyadvisor.com,
wle.co.jp,
wle.co.kr,
wle.se,
worldlink-education.de,
abroadspanish.com,
study-in-china.com,
abuks.com,
wushuacademy.com,
ac-madrid.com,
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