German Advising Contact Information With Office Hours From Tuesday, December 2 - Wednesday, December 10

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)

Mary's office hours this week are:

Tuesday, December 2: 10-1 p.m.,

Wednesday, December 3: 10-12:30, 3-4:30 p.m.,

Thursday, December 4: 10-1 p.m.,

Friday, December 5: 10-12:30 p.m.,

Tuesday, December 9: 10-1 p.m.,

Wednesday, December 10: 10-12:30, 3-4:30 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:

Tuesday, December 2: 9-12:30, 1-5 p.m.,

Wednesday, December 3: 12-3 p.m.,

Thursday, December 4: 10-1:30 p.m. (only via Zoom),

Friday, December 5: 9-1 p.m.,

Monday, December 8: 12-3 p.m.,

Tuesday, December 9: 9-12:30, 1-5 p.m.,

Wednesday, December 10: 10-5 p.m.,

and by appointment.

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.

'Nuremberg' (Director: James Vanderbilt, 2025): Tuesday, December 2, 10 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 3:35 p.m., and Wednesday, December 3, 10 a.m., 12:05 p.m., 3:35 p.m.; Cinemark Ann Arbor 20 and IMAX

The Allies, led by the unyielding chief prosecutor, Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon), have the task of ensuring the Nazi regime answers for the unveiled horrors of the Holocaust while a US Army psychiatrist (Rami Malek) is locked in a dramatic psychological duel with former Reichsmarschall Herman Göring (Russell Crowe).

Website: https://www.cinemark.com/movies/nuremberg

CGIS - Summer International Internships - Information Session: Tuesday, December 2, 12-1 p.m., Remote

CGIS has partnered with four internship provider organizations that maintain portfolios of placements around the world, offering the chance for undergraduate students to participate in quality international internships in the summer. This info session will provide a general overview of each program and provide additional details regarding financing your experience abroad and getting started on an application.

Website: https://lsa.umich.edu/cgis/news-events/all-events.detail.html/141546-21888991.html

Last German Conversation Opportunities for Fall 2025 - "Kreativwerkstatt:" Tuesday, December 2, 1-2 p.m., MLB 3117, and "Schokoladenstunde:" Tuesday, December 2, 2-3 p.m., MLB 3110, and "German Convo on the Go:" Monday, December 8, 2-3 p.m., Burton Tower

We have three weekly and informal conversation opportunities for all students who want to speak German:

"Kreativwerkstatt:" Chat in German and express yourself creatively. Crafting, coloring, painting, drawing, knitting, sewing, crochet, embroidery, origami? At the weekly German “Kreativwerkstatt,” which takes place on Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m., you will combine speaking German (any level welcome, beginners included!!) and creatively expressing yourself. You are encouraged to bring your own materials or (ongoing) projects, but we will also provide some materials and prompts each week. If you have questions about "Kreativwerkstatt" please contact Laura Okkema (lokkema@umich.edu) or Iris Zapf-Garcia (iriszaga@umich.edu.)

"Schokoladenstunde" convenes on Tuesdays from 2-3 p.m. in the German Department Lounge (MLB 3110.) There will be some German chocolate to snack on. Silvia Grzeskowiak (sgrzesko@umich.edu) will bring games, and the hour will be spent chatting and playing games in German (e.g. Tabu.)

 

"German Convo on the Go" meets on Mondays at 2 p.m. sharp at Burton Tower for a 1-hour walk and talk with Mary Gell (magell@umich.edu.) The walk will happen snow or no snow.

German Peer Mentors - Tutoring Hours: Tuesday, December 2, 3-4 p.m., and Thursday, December 4, 3-4 p.m. (by appointment only), and Friday, December 5, 2-3 p.m., North Quad, Language Resource Center, Alcove B

Our German Peer Mentor Arthi will have drop-in tutoring hours on Tuesdays, 3-4 p.m. and Fridays, 2-3 p.m. in the Language Resource Center, Alcove B.

Arthi will also be available on Thursdays, 3-4 p.m., if you request to meet her. Please send her an email (arthi@umich.edu).

Last Max Kade Events for Fall 2025 - "Deutschtisch:" Wednesday, December 3, 6-7 p.m., North Quad Dining Hall, and "Kaffeestunde:" Friday, December 5, 5-6 p.m., North Quad 2450

"Deutschtisch" is a weekly event in the North Quad Dining Hall for Max Kade residents and visitors from outside of Max Kade Haus to speak German during a meal. Visitors should look for a table with German/Swiss/Austrian flags and a bunch of students speaking German.

Max Kade "Kaffeestunde" is a weekly opportunity to mingle and unwind "auf Deutsch". It is a place to connect with other Max Kade residents, chat informally in German and participate in activities prepared by facilitators.

German students at all levels (101 and up) are welcome at all Max Kade events.

If you have any questions, please ask Viola Tietje (vtietje@umich.edu) and Vera Irwin (veremeev@umich.edu.)

German Club - "Stammtisch": Wednesday, December 3, 7-8 p.m., Mason Hall 2448

The German Club will hold its next Stammtisch on Wednesday, December 3, 7-8 p.m., Mason Hall 2448. 

You will have the opportunity to speak German with other students from the University of Michigan.

If you have any questions, please contact Kyle (kirschk@umich.edu).

KindleFest Market: Friday, December 5, 5-10 p.m., Kerrytown

Our KindleFest Market, or Christkindlmarkt as known in Germany, will feature artisans and vendors selling their holiday wares, plus traditional food and hot mulled wine, in a festive outdoor setting. In Ann Arbor, Kerrytown District retail businesses and restaurants stay open late on this evening as they participate in the festivities. You can expect a variety of artisans selling their wares, food and crafts as well as local food trucks & vendors. Beer and Glühwein will be available for sale, too!

Kids events 5-7 p.m.: Santa, balloon animals by Jeanette Brenner “The Balloon Lady”

Music 7-10 p.m.:
* 7 p.m. Pioneer Choir
* 8 p.m. Ann Arbor Concert Band
* 9 p.m. EMU Band

Featuring 53 artisan vendors with holiday gifts and fabulous creations from

6 vendors selling hot food - TeaHaus, Zingerman’s Deli, RiteSpice Kitchen, La Amapola, Tacos El Panda, and Simply Spanish.

Website: https://kerrytowndistrict.org/kindlefest

Handel's 'Messiah': Saturday, December 6, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 7, 2 p.m., Hill Auditorium

"Comfort ye, my people."

The first words sung in Handel’s Messiah invite us all into a world of hope, renewal, and transcendence.

Composed in 1741, Handel’s timeless masterpiece has enraptured audiences for centuries with its sublime beauty and profound spirituality. From the jubilant “Hallelujah” chorus to its stirring arias and evocative chorales, Messiah is a celebration of the season’s true meaning: comfort, hope, and the promise of joy. Led by conductor Scott Hanoian and brought to life each year by friends and colleagues throughout the community who perform with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the UMS Choral Union, this musical tradition continues to shine brightly — in fact, many attendees consider it the official start to the holiday season.

Website: https://ums.org/performance/handels-messiah-2025/

Max Kade German Residence 2026-2027: Sunday, December 7 (Application Deadline)

The application deadline for the Max Kade German-Language Residence for 2026-27 is coming up on Sunday, December 7! To apply, please visit the Max Kade Haus website. A very limited number of spaces may also be available starting January 2026. If you have any questions about the program or the application process, feel free to reach out to maxkade@umich.edu.


After the December 7 deadline, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis if spots remain available in the program, or for placement on the waitlist in case roster changes occur before Fall 2026.

International Programs in Engineering: Undergraduate Research Program at RWTH Aachen: Thursday, December 18 (Application Deadline)

RWTH Aachen is a top research institution in Aachen, Germany, and the largest technical university in the country. The summer undergraduate research program (UROP) pairs University of Michigan students with RWTH researchers on projects in various topic areas like Biomedical Engineering, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics. Research is conducted in English. At the end of the program, students submit a report and present their research at the UROP Colloquium.

Students also take an intensive German course and participate in workshops on intercultural learning, scientific methods, and research practice in Germany. Students are greeted in Germany by their RWTH buddies who are friendly faces available to help during the first few days and throughout the program. The program is supplemented by numerous leisure activities and excursions with the buddies.

The credits for this program will count towards a German minor.

Summer 2026 Details:
* Program Dates: Friday, May 15 - Friday, July 31
* Program Cost: $2,060
* Housing Options: On Campus
* Application Deadline: December 18

Website: https://mcompass.umich.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=10993

UROP International at Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen - Summer 2026: Saturday, January 10 (Application Deadline)

UROP International is designed for students from North American universities who wish to gain research experience by conducting research projects at the RWTH Aachen University. It takes place during a ten-week research summer school between the middle of May and the end of July.

UROP International consists of three components: a research project at one of RWTH Aachen's research institutes or labs is at the core.

Additionally, students are offered a comprehensive accompanying program: an intensive German course and workshops on intercultural learning, scientific methods, and research practice to prepare them for their respective research project.

Furthermore, the international guests participate in a number of leisure activities to gain a look at German history and culture and meet German and international students at RWTH. Regular get-togethers, excursions in the region, institute visits, and much more, form the framework of the students' stay in Aachen.

The program’s duration is ten weeks. The first week is dedicated to a Fit for UROP workshop, introducing participants to research and culture, as well as to an intercultural training, which allows the students to gain an initial impression of German culture and informs about intercultural differences. Moreover, the first week is used to settle organizational issues and to make students familiar with RWTH Aachen University and with life in Aachen. Each student is assigned a RWTH student, who serves as a buddy and mentor during the first steps in Aachen.

From the second week to the end of the program, students work on their research project full time. The German language course starts during the first week and ends at the end of the eighth week. It takes place twice a week in the morning.

The program is supplemented by numerous leisure activities and excursions with the buddies. All communication is in English.

Students will receive a certificate for both their research project and the language class upon successful completion of the program, marked by the submission of a report and participation in the closing UROP Symposium, where students present project results as part of a research conference. A total of 60 students can participate annually in UROP International.

This program is open to all LSA students but is not administered through the University of Michigan. You will be eligible to receive German 351 credits (Fall 2026). Talk to a German advisor about language credits.

Engineering students should apply by Thursday, December 18, through the School of Engineering.

Website: https://tinyurl.com/vdf8rbzr

US Teaching Assistantship Program in Austria: Thursday, January 15 (Application Deadline)

The application period for the 2026–27 program year of the US Teaching Assistantship (USTA) Program administered by Fulbright Austria on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education (BMB) is now open!

Please note that this program is managed and funded entirely by the Austrian government and thus is not part of the Fulbright grant family – recent US funding cuts do not target the US Teaching Assistantship Program. It is scheduled to take place as planned.

Requirements for Applicants: 
* US citizenship (dual US citizens are welcome to apply),
* A required German proficiency level of B1/ Intermediate Mid or above by the time of application (applicants without the required proficiency cannot be considered),
* A completed bachelor’s degree (by summer 2026 for program year 2026–27) or any higher degree. No age limit applies.

Good to know:
* Applications can be submitted on the online application platform until 15 January 2026! Uploads: CV, personal statement (1,000 words), proof of German proficiency, current official transcript, two letters of recommendation (uploaded by recommenders), signed application form. Students can start their applications now.
* Program dates: 1 October 2026 – 31 May 2027 (Applicants will be notified of their status in spring 2026. Alternate candidates could be offered spots between spring and early summer if spots became available).
* A teaching assistantship is a temporary job placement at two (rarely one or three) Austrian secondary schools. TAs work with mentor teachers at their schools.
* Info sessions on Zoom with Q&As for students and recent graduates will be offered in November and December (starting on 21 November; each at 19:00 CET/13:00 EST/10:00 PST) – students can register here! (other session dates: 11/28, 12/05, 12/12)
* Students who might have already applied for a Fulbright grant this fall, recently completed, or are currently completing a Fulbright experience are welcome to apply due to the management and funding of this opportunity outside of the Fulbright Program!
* Students who applied for either one of the two U.S. Fulbright Student combined grants (Combined Award or Community-Based Combined Award) in Austria are welcome to separately apply to the USTA Program to enhance their chances due to more available spots on the USTA Program. The teaching portion would be the same on all programs (13 hrs.).
* Recent German department graduates with a completed bachelor’s or master’s degree and interest in teaching in Austria can apply as well.
* Applicants need to be independent, resilient, adaptable to different environments, open, communicative, and reliable – they will be fully immersed in Austrian daily life, bureaucracy, and working culture. Sufficient German language proficiency is therefore critical.

* Watch former teaching assistants Caroline, Jared, Josephine, Rory, Sawyer, Jacob, Michael, and Kaj speaking on their experiences on the USTA YouTube playlist!

* Teaching assistants are insured and salaried instead of receiving a stipend or grant (numbers as of 2025–26: monthly gross salary of approx. €2.012/ $2,328; monthly net salary of approx. €1.631/ around $1,887). The USTA does not offer support for dependents, and the salary supports one person only.
* Selected candidates should be prepared to incur expenses and fees before and during their time in Austria. Please find a list of applicable costs here.
* Possible secondary school types to work in would be Gymnasium (academic secondary school; students’ age range: 11 to 18 years, 11 to 14 years, or 14 to 18 years) or vocational secondary school types focusing on business, engineering, preschool teacher training, hospitality/tourism, nutrition, etc. (students’ age range: 14 to 19 years).
* USTA also offers a limited number of placements at vocational secondary schools focused on agriculture, agricultural engineering, the environment, sustainability, biotechnology, animal husbandry, nutrition, horticulture, viticulture, and fruit/vegetable farming, managed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK). Please indicate interest in the personal statement and in the application form (school type preference).

Previous teaching experience is not required but can be beneficial – this includes (but is not limited to) tutoring, summer/language immersion/sports camp counselor duties, resident assistant in dorms, social/YMCA involvement, church or faith group leadership, Boy/Girl Scout leadership roles, previous TA jobs, or any other relevant career opportunities.

You can find a roadmap to the application here and this page by Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD) provides an overview of the Austrian education system.

Students are cordially invited to apply online via the USTA application website and to check their email frequently in case additional information is requested for review of their applications.

VORsprung - Preparatory Program for Non-EU Students Interested in STEM Field Studies in Germany: Thursday, January 15 (Application Deadline)

VORsprung offers an eight-month digital preparatory program for non-EU students interested in pursuing engineering and science studies in Germany. It is a closely supervised, free online course that participants can complete from their home country, including taking the TestAS and TestDaF entrance exams. Upon successful completion, the graduates can apply for a place at a German university in a scientific or technical subject.

Website: https://ow.ly/CEQz50XmS2C

Martin Luther King Event - 'Afro.Deutschland' (Directors: Susanne Lenz-Gleißner, Jana Pareigis, Adama Ulrich, 2017): Tuesday, January 20, 5-6:30 p.m., North Quad 2435

The film showcases personal stories of exclusion and racism, while also highlighting empowerment and the achievements of Black Germans throughout history. From Nazi survivor Theodor Wonja Michael to contemporary figures like rapper Samy Deluxe, the series challenges the question of "Where are you from?" and examines the colonial past and present-day issues of identity and belonging for Black Germans that parallels the struggles of Black-Americans which Martin Luther King Jr fought so hard to bring to the forefront of American consciousness.

ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships 2026: Saturday, January 31 (Application Deadline)

ThinkSwiss Research Scholarships offer students studying in the United States and Canada research grants at a Swiss research institution of their choosing. The duration of the scholarship is for a minimum of two months and up to a maximum of three months.

Eligibility Requirements:
To apply for a ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship you must:
* Currently be enrolled at an accredited U.S. or Canadian university/college,
* Be a graduate student or an undergraduate student who will have completed their sophomore year by the time the research stay in Switzerland begins, and
* Provide a written confirmation from a professor at a Swiss university that they will accept you for a research stay in their group.

In order to apply, please fill out the online contact form on https://thinkswiss.org and upload all supporting documents in PDF format by January 31, 2026.

Each application must contain:
* The completed application online form
* A research project outline (e.g. an overview of the tasks and milestones of your project that you agreed on with your host professor, max. 2 pages)
* A letter of motivation/explanation of why you should be awarded the ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship, why you would make an excellent “student ambassador” in the future, and why you choose Switzerland as your research destination (please keep this within 2 pages)
* A CV (no more than two pages)
* A copy of your current university transcripts and diplomas (if applicable)
* A letter of acceptance from the host professor and/or hosting institution in Switzerland (this letter should highlight the relevance of your research)
* A letter of recommendation from a current professor who can attest to the applicant’s abilities

The ThinkSwiss Research Scholarship provides a prorated amount based on the length of your stay (a maximum of up to three months). The students will get a stipend of 60 CHF/day from the start to the last day in the University, +3 days for arrival and departure up to a maximum of 90 days (5,400 CHF maximum). Please note that this amount covers only a portion of the average student’s living expenses and that you will be asked to prove sufficient financial means to the Swiss cantonal authorities before a visa can be issued (see information on visa below). The whole amount of the scholarship money will be transferred to the bank account of the recipient shortly before the departure date.

Website: https://thinkswiss.org

International Internships with IES Abroad: Sunday, February 1 (Application Deadline)

IES Abroad provides independent, hands-on learning opportunities through a variety of internship offerings. Rather than scroll through countless listings and submit application after application, work with IES’s career services team to discuss your career goals and IES will guarantee you a placement in the field of your choice.

Career fields vary by internship site. Some popular fields include: Arts, Business, Climate Change, Communications, Computer Science, Education, Fashion, Health (non-clinical), International Relations, IT, Journalism, Law, Marketing, Public Health, Technology, Tourism. & more!

Michigan students may apply to any of the following locations:
* Australia: Sydney
* Austria: Vienna
* Chile: Santiago
* France: Paris or Nantes
* Germany: Berlin
* Italy: Rome or Milan
* Morocco: Rabat
* South Africa: Cape Town
* United Kingdom: London

Website: https://mcompass.umich.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=12289

Global Individual Grants for International Internships or Research Abroad: Sunday, February 15 (Application Deadline)

The International Institute Global Individual Grant is designed to support University of Michigan-Ann Arbor students who will take part in international internships or conduct research abroad.

Award amounts are up to $5,000.

There is no preference for particular fields of study and the International Institute aims to fund a diverse array of students and projects.

Eligibility Criteria
- Academic Levels:
* Undergraduate and master’s students in all schools/colleges
* Professional school doctoral students

* Applicants must be enrolled University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, students.
* International students are eligible to apply.
* Awardees must return to campus for at least one term before graduation.
* All travel must follow current guidelines, outlined in the International Institute Travel policy.
* Projects cannot begin before May 1, and cannot extend past May 31 of the following year.
* Projects must take place outside of the U.S. and U.S. territories.
* Projects must be at least 30 days (1 month) in length and internships must be at least a 30-hour/week commitment
* All travel must follow current guidelines, which are detailed in the International Institute Travel Policy.

Website: https://ii.umich.edu/ii/funding/iisf/global-individual-grants.html

International Internships with Sage Corps: Sunday, March 1 (Application Deadline)

Sage Corps sends college students to work with startups. Work full-time alongside CEOs, CMOs, and CTOs to build real solutions to real problems. They provide opportunities for specializations including, but not limited to, business strategy, data analytics, graphic design, marketing, software development, and UI/UX design.

Career fields will vary by internship site. Please follow this link for a list of internship career fields by location.

Michigan students may apply to any of the following locations:
* Amsterdam
* Barcelona
* Berlin
* Lisbon
* Madrid
* Paris
* Sydney

Website: https://mcompass.umich.edu/_portal/tds-program-brochure?programid=12286