Overview

Program Type: Affiliated Studies
Dates: Summer Whole (June 14 - August 12, 2010)
Application Deadline: December 1 is the priority deadline. The secondary deadline is February 15, on a space available basis.
Language(s) of instruction: English
UT instructor: Professor Mark Knapp
Information Session Schedule

The SPICE program is an intensive summer study abroad program in Erfurt, Germany, offered through The University of Texas at Austin College of Communication and the University of Erfurt Department for Media and Communication.

The University of Erfurt Campus

The program includes two courses, taught by U.S. faculty on the campus of the University of Erfurt, and a one-week visit to Berlin featuring company and site visits. Participants are students from the University of Southern California (Annenberg School), Washington State University, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Erfurt and The University of Texas at Austin. UT-Austin students will share classes and living arrangements with German students, making this a unique learning and cultural experience.

The University of Erfurt was recently ranked among the top three media and communication studies departments within Germany. The department's emphasis on small group teaching, personal contact and innovative teaching methods is reflected in the summer program.

Located in the heart of Germany, Erfurt is Thuringia's largest city (with 200,000 inhabitants) and one of the oldest cities in the area. Erfurt boasts one of the best-preserved medieval town centers in Germany and is considered a vibrant political and cultural center. The famous German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said with passion about his adopted Thuringian country: "Where else can you find so many beautiful things in one place?"

Eligibility

Courses and Credit

Two courses will be offered and taught in English. Participants are required to enroll in both courses.

Nonverbal Communication in Human Interaction (New for 2010!)

Credit: Transfer credit -- CMS 334K
Instructor: Dr. Mark Knapp, The University of Texas at Austin
What students said about this instructor:
“One of the best classes I have ever taken. I feel like I was lucky to have an opportunity to work with Dr. Knapp.”
“Dr. Knapp is a fantastic professor and it was a great opportunity to be in such a small class with him.”

Global and International Public Relations

Credit: Transfer credit: PR378 or COM329S or IB372
Professor Katerina Tsetsura, University of Oklahoma
What students said:
“I am amazed how much I learned during this course. I am really interested in public relations and can imagine working in the PR field. So, I am so happy that I had the opportunity to participate in this program and got a first, very good, impression of what it’s all about.”
“I found the professor highly impressive and inspiring. I learned a lot and I’m very satisfied with what I’ve done in this course.”

Curse syllabi are available upon request. The SPICE Program is an Affiliated Studies Program; coursework is credited as transfer credit, but is considered in-residence for most requirements. All participants are encouraged to obtain approval from their academic advisor prior to participation in order to determine how the course credits will apply toward their UT degree. Courses are subject to change.

A view of the Communication Studies Building

Accommodations

All participants will be housed on the campus of the University of Erfurt in student apartments located a short distance away from the lecture hall, grocery store and the city center. Apartments are fully equipped, and students will share a bedroom, a kitchen and bathroom with other students in the program.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students may use any federal, state, or institutional aid they would normally be awarded by the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS), excluding work-study, to help pay for study abroad. Financial aid awards can also be recalculated to cover increased costs associated with study abroad. Additionally, most private scholarships are applicable to study abroad - however, students must confirm that with the donor. Learn more about funding for study abroad.

Student Expenses

An estimated budget for participation in the SPICE program is included below.

Application fee: $50
UT Affiliated Studies fee: $400
Program fee: Estimated at $3,100 for 2010 (Includes a $500 deposit)*
Meals: $1,300-1,500
Airfare: $1,400
Airport transfers (Round-trip, Frankfurt-Erfurt):$130
Local transportation $100
Medical Insurance (Required): $96
International Student ID card (Required): $23
US Passport:$90
Visa (Not required of U.S. citizens)
Emergency Funds:$500
Total estimated budget:$7,189-7,389

* The program fee covers tuition for 6 hours of credit, course materials, accommodations in shared dormitory rooms, transfers (by train) to and from Berlin, accommodations in Berlin, and selected entrance fees for site visits. Additional costs for recreational travel/sightseeing and personal expenses are not included in this budget.