Summer Course in Modern Icelandic
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  • Reykjavik, Iceland
  • Dates May 26–July 3 , 2009
  • Open to U of M and non U of M freshman and above including graduate students
  • Resident credit
  • ICEL 1101 or ICEL 4101
  • No language prerequisite
  • Sponsored by the Department of German Scandinavian and Dutch

Description
The University of Minnesota and the Árni Magnússon Institute of Icelandic Studies offer a unique 6-week beginning course in Icelandic for undergraduate and graduate students. The 6-week course begins at the University of Minnesota for 3 weeks, then finishes at the University of Iceland. The course will be taught by a qualified Icelandic instructor from the University of Iceland.

Students have the option of taking an intermediate course in Iceland afterwards through the Sigurdur Nordal Office, which has separate requirements and deadlines which must be met. Acceptance into the University of Minnesota Modern Icelandic Summer Course does not automatically ensure acceptance into the intermediate course.

Curriculum
The course deals with the language and culture of Iceland. Language classes include instruction in grammar, conversation, and the reading of modern Icelandic texts. Lectures on Icelandic culture and society from the Middle Ages to the present supplement language instruction at both locations. In Iceland, there are also excursions to museums and sites of historical and contemporary importance. Undergraduates and non-degree seeking students register for 6 credits; graduate students for 3 credits.

Eligibility & Application
Open to freshman and above, graduate students, and non-degree seeking students.

Priority deadline: February 17, 2009. Space is limited to 15 students. In order for your application to be considered a $50 non-refundable processing fee (please make your check payable to German, Scandinavian & Dutch), an unofficial transcript and a short essay, including how the knowledge of Icelandic fits in with your professional plans and goals, must be submitted along with the forms on the "Apply Now" web page.

Those applying to the Sigurdur Nordal Office's summer intermediate course must have their applications in by this date. Applications received after this time may be considered for the 6-week course if there is space available. No applications will be accepted after March 6, 2009.

Academic Fit with a University of Minnesota Degree Plan
With good academic planning this program can fit well into the degree plans for many majors.
Search for courses that fulfill Liberal Education Requirements or submit a course you want to take for review. Study Abroad in Your Major advising sheets explain why study abroad is important for a major, indicate what the department wants students to consider when selecting a program, and provide academic planning hints. This program may appear as a special recommendation on an advising sheet. If your major is not listed, talk to an adviser—this program may still fit your academic, career, and professional goals.

Estimated Cost
The tentative program fee is $3,975. It includes tuition and registration fees, orientation, international health insurance, airfare, room in Iceland, day trips, and some instructional materials. Students needing dorm room and board in Minneapolis will pay an additional $770. The course qualifies for financial aid.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Most financial aid may be applied to study abroad. In addition, University of Minnesota students are eligible for more than $500,000 in study abroad scholarships. Visit the financial resources web page for additional information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad. Some scholarships are available from the Department of German, Scandinavian & Dutch. Graduate students applying for a FLAS (Foreign Language and Area Studies) fellowship must be accepted into the Modern Icelandic Summer Course by the priority deadline.

 

More Information
For additional information on this program, contact the Department of German, Scandinavian & Dutch  (612-625-2080; gsd.umn.edu) or visit their Icelandic program web site.

 
Last modified on April 13, 2009