Description

This is the list of messages related to German at the University of Michigan. You generally receive these messages on Tuesday via email, and you will see them posted on Canvas (German Advising Mail at University of Michigan). If you have any questions, please see the German Department advisors Kalli and Mary Rodena-Krasan.


Tuesday, July 15, 2025

German Advising Contact Information With Office Hours From Tuesday, July 15 - Wednesday, July 23

You can reach the German advisors through a general email: germanadvising@umich.edu

We have two advisors for German undergraduates:

* Mary Rodena-Krasan (MLB 3128; mkrasan@umich.edu)
Her office hours this week are:
Tuesday, July 15: 10-3:30 p.m.,
Wednesday, July 16: 10-3:30 p.m.,
Thursday, July 17: 10-3:30 p.m.,
Monday, July 21: 10-3:30 p.m.,
Tuesday, July 22: 10-3:30 p.m.,
Wednesday, July 23: 10-3:30 p.m.,
and by appointment
Mary's Link for Office Hours: https://umich.zoom.us/j/92765512004

* Karl-Georg Federhofer (MLB 3422; kallimz@umich.edu)
My office hours this week are:
I am available via email appointment only.
My Zoom Link for Office Hours: https://umich.zoom.us/j/909147087

It is best to schedule appointments, which you have to do by 4 p.m. on the previous day. You can schedule appointments with us here: https://myadvising.lsa.umich.edu/appointments/offices/GERM

If you would like to get in contact with a peer mentor in our Department, please write to: germanmentors@umich.edu.

"Deutschtisch": Friday, July 18, 12 p.m, Michigan League Courtyard Garden

Mary Gell and Silvia Grzeskowiak will offer "Deutschtisch" to students of German 232 (Summer 2025) and to all interested German speakers on campus. "Deutschtisch" will take place on Fridays from 12-12:45 p.m. in the Michigan League Courtyard Garden. 

In case of rain, the meeting will convene in Maizies.

Job Posting: - Language Program Officer for Goethe-Institut Boston (Part-Time): Friday, July 18 (Application Deadline)

Part-time (20 hours per week), temporary position until August 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.

Responsibilities:
* Organizing school visits, events, and motivational projects for German language students
* Serving as the point of contact for the German language community in the Greater Boston area
* Collaborating with local schools, colleges, universities, German teachers, and educational authorities
* Coordinating exams, school visits, events, and projects with PASCH schools in the New England support region
* Managing the SPARK network in New England
* Planning and organizing professional development workshops in cooperation with regional colleagues
* Handling the distribution of teaching materials and promotional items
* Networking with and reaching out to German teachers at regional and national conferences
* Supporting other projects as needed

Requirements:
* Relevant university degree
* Very good written and spoken German and English
* Experience in event management / financial processing (experience in project management desirable)
* Teaching experience within the U.S. education system, ideally in German as a Foreign Language
* Willingness to travel as needed. A valid driver's license and access to a personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided) is necessary
* Exceptional ability to perform well under pressure
* Outstanding interpersonal skills and a strong team-oriented mindset
* Holding a valid U.S. work permit

Benefits:
* Convenient Back Bay location with free on-site parking
* Flexible work schedule (by mutual consent)
* Annual leave of 17 days plus 13 public holidays
* Paid sick time
* 401(k) option (after a six-month period of continuous employment)
* An inclusive and supportive team environment
* Hybrid working arrangement (2 to 3 days a week in the office)

To apply, please send a resume, references, and email of interest to admindirector-boston@goethe.de.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The Goethe-Institut cannot provide assistance in obtaining a work permit or visa.

Website: https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/ueb/kar/bos.html

Job Posting - GAIN Program Officer for German Academic Exchange Service in New York (Part-Time): Friday, July 18 (Application Deadline)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), located in New York City, is looking for a Program Officer, part-time, 20 hours/per week.

The German Academic International Network (GAIN), is the network of postdocs of all disciplines from Germany, working at leading research institutions worldwide with special focus on the United States and Canada. GAIN helps its members maintain and build their international networks and facilitates transatlantic mobility and cooperation. It inform sabout career and funding opportunities and recent developments in science policy in Germany. GAIN is a joint initiative of DAAD, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) and the German Research Foundation (DFG), as well as a number of associated members, including the German Rectors’ Conference, the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, the Leibniz Association and the Max Planck Society.

Responsibilities:
* Creating and editing monthly electronic German-language newsletter
GAIN Social Media
* Editorial oversight to GAIN website (www.gain-network.org)
* Administrative tasks such as invoicing, cost and budget checking
* Event planning for annual conference and other events
* Other administrative tasks as needed

Requirements:
* Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree preferred
* Fluency in German and English, native German speaker preferred
* Knowledge of science and research landscape in Germany and the US/Canada
* Outstanding communications skills, experience with Social Media especially LinkedIn
* Familiarity with WordPress preferred
* Experience with event management preferred
* Excellent organization skills with great attention to detail
* Work permit for the United States (the DAAD cannot sponsor a visa)

Salary:
* $40.830/year plus benefits. This is a hybrid position with some work from home possible.

Please send resume and cover letter via email to Ms. Solveig Berkman (berkman@daad.de) and Ms. Anna Oberle-Brill (oberle-brill@daad.de) with the subject “GAIN Program Officer”.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

Anticipated starting date: Summer 2025.

Website: https://www.daad.org/en/2025/06/26/job-opportunity-gain-program-officer-part-time/

Job Posting - German Teacher at Pioneer/Huron High School in Ann Arbor: Monday, July 21 (Application Deadline)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The following is a list of qualifications for the position, any one of which may be waived by the Board in exercising its prerogative to determine qualifications.

Education and Experience:
* Possess a valid Michigan teaching certificate with FB Endorsement.
* Able to proficiently communicate in German both orally and in writing

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
* Teach District approved curriculum.
* Meet and instruct assigned classes in the locations and at the times designated.
* Plan a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
* Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of the students.
* Encourage students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior.
* Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and --in harmony with the goals establishes clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects and the like to communicate these objectives to students.
* Diagnose the learning disabilities of students.
* Evaluate pupils' academic and social growth, keeps appropriate records and prepares progress reports.
* Conduct parent teacher conferences for education-related purposes outside the instructional day.
* Other duties may be assigned.

This is a full-time position requiring regular and reliable attendance on site to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Language Skills:
* Read, analyze and interpret documents such as professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations in German and English.
* Write routine reports and correspondence in German and English.
* Effectively present information before groups of people in German and English.
* Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Reasoning Ability:
* Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
* Interpret an extensive variety of statistical information and data related to student achievement.

Other Skills and Abilities:
* Interact with public and other staff as required.
* Apply knowledge of current replicated research and techniques related to sensory issues.

For more information and the application portal, please click here.

German Park Picnic: Saturday, July 26, 4-9 p.m., 5549 Pontiac Trail

The German Park Recreation Club hosts three picnics the last Saturday in June, July, and August. Admission gate opens 4-9 p.m.; the park closes at 11 p.m.

* Live Music
* Authentic German Food and Beer
* Live German Dance Performances

The German Park welcomes everyone to come enjoy traditional hospitality.

* Cash only Event
* $10 entry
* Tickets for food/drinks after entry

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/germanpark-annarbor/home

German Bundestag Internship Program 2026: Thursday, July 31 (Application Deadline)

The International Parliamentary Scholarship of the German Bundestag brings together democratically engaged people from around the world—fostering the spirit of international cooperation in a sui generis program where the lingua franca is German!

In the five-month program (March 1 - July 31, 2026) in Berlin, participants complete a three-month internship in the office of a Member of the Bundestag as part of a broader program of university courses, cultural events, and special enrichment opportunities.

Unique in the world as a large-scale international educational program run by a national parliament, IPS symbolizes Germany's distinctive commitment to transparency, multilateralism, and democratic internationalism. Through the cooperation of its international participants, IPS promotes democratic values and tolerance in a pluralistic society; deepens understanding for cultural diversity; and promotes peaceful coexistence in the world.

IPS also strengthens Germany's bilateral relations with the participating countries—including through the engagement of eight Americans currently partaking in IPS 2025 in Berlin!

Open to U.S. citizen college graduates under 30 with strong (B2+) German skills and an interest in international politics, IPS offers an immersive experience of the German federal parliament.

Website: https://www.bundestag.de/ips_global

Summer Sings: J.S. Bach's 'Magnificat': Monday, August 11, 7 p.m., Stamps Auditorium, Walgreen Drama Center

The UMS Choral Union invites you to take part in the return of Summer Sings. Just come as you are to this no-audition, no-performance evening of memorable music-making!

As many as 250 singers from southeastern Michigan, northern Ohio, and Canada have joined each session in singing through great choral repertoire with some of the nation’s most respected choral conductors and outstanding soloists. You will rehearse portions of the score during the first half, break for refreshments, and then re-convene to sing through the entire work.

Summer Sings costs $5.00 paid at the door (cash only). Please arrive early at 6:30 p.m. for registration.

Website: https://ums.org/performance/summer-sings-2025-j-s-bach-magnificat/

Fulbright U.S. Student Program 2026 - 2027: Sunday, August 24 (Campus Deadline)

The application for the 2026 - 2027 Fulbright U.S. Student Program is now open!

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers research, study, and teaching opportunities in over 140 countries to recent graduates and graduate students.

Enrolled students are required to apply through the University of Michigan. Recent alumni (those who last attended no more than 3 years ago) may also apply through the University of Michigan. By submitting your application before the campus deadline, you will have the valuable opportunity to participate in campus interviews and receive personalized feedback on your application package.

If you still have questions after reviewing the Fulbright Canvas Page, feel free to make an appointment with an advisor or utilize the drop-in advising hours.


Website: https://myadvising.lsa.umich.edu/appointments/offices/IIFG

Study Abroad in Germany - Winter 2026 in Tübingen: Monday, September 15 (Application Deadline)

The Tübingen program, which is organized through the Center for Global and Intercultural Studies (CGIS), takes place in the Winter term, and it is intended for students who have completed at least German 221/231 by the end of the Fall 2025 term. The German Department strongly recommends that you precede your stay in Tübingen by attending one or two four-week sessions at the Goethe Institut.

This Goethe Institut segment is not part of the CGIS program itself. Please talk with Mary or me about the Goethe segment (see Mary's and my contact information at the bottom of this email).

The CGIS portion in Tübingen will start early in March with a mandatory 'Kompaktkurs' (6 credits) or a 'Startkurs' (3 credits). While you will be enrolled for the Winter 2026 term at the University of Michigan, you will then take classes during the 'Sommersemester' at the Universität Tübingen (mid April - late July). You will earn 15-18 credits for Winter 2026: the courses that you take in Tübingen can be language courses for international students or regular university courses.

Various university courses outside the English Department are taught in English. Tübingen credits can be used to satisfy degree requirements for a German major or minor. For more information about the Tübingen program and to apply, use this link.

Study Abroad in Germany - Social Sciences and Humanities in Berlin (Winter 2026): Monday, September 15 (Application Deadline)

This program is designed for students without a German language background who are looking for an in-depth look at the culture and context of the metropolis of Berlin. German majors should consider the University of Michigan programs in Freiburg and Tübingen.

Previously known as Metropolitan & Urban Studies, this English-taught program uses Berlin as a case study to examine issues relevant to major cities today. Through comparative and interdisciplinary courses, you will study topics such as cultural identity, popular culture, and urban development to better understand the modern city and its culture.

Berlin will be your classroom. Imagine touring Berlin's neighborhoods and exploring the city's architecture as you learn about urban development and sustainable mobility, or attending and then discussing a local theatre performance as part of your pop culture class. Wherever possible, the courses take advantage of the city's many historical, artistic, and cultural sites.

Eligibility:
* Sophomore, Junior, or Senior standing
* Good academic standing
* Minimum 2.75 overall GPA
* No previous German language study is required

Academics:

Students must take 13-16 credit hours per semester. One German language course (4 credits) is required for beginning and intermediate students. All other courses are taught in English and worth 3 credits unless otherwise stated. Two week-long field trips will be included in the program, as well as day excursions that complement your learning in the classroom and contribute to a general knowledge of German culture and society.

Please see program website (IES) for details.

For more information about the Social Sciences and Humanities in Berlin program and the application material, go to: https://mcompass.umich.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=11723