AATG College Summer Program
Applications for 2026 are open!
This four-week summer program offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in German culture while improving their existing language skills and expanding their knowledge about German history and the “German way of life.” During your time in Bonn, you not only learn German in the classroom, but also participate in intercultural workshops and learn about German culture on field trips and local outings.
For this program, AATG is partnering with the Akademie für internationale Bildung (AiB).
Dates & Location
The 2026 AATG College Summer Program dates are July 1-31, 2026.
The city of Bonn is a college town and home to over 35,000 students from all over the world. It is also a city full of history with a modern, international flair and a welcoming atmosphere. The former capital of Germany is centrally located within Europe and provides access to several airports and Germany's well-developed rail network. In addition, Bonn is known for its very high quality of life and low crime rate.
Course Offerings
You will take two courses, each worth 3 credits (6 credits total) - one German language course, based on your level of German, and one culture and history course in English. Classes are taught by experienced and engaging certified German instructors and an accompanying US faculty member. Course credit is awarded by the Ibugi Institute at Alanus University Bonn, a fully state-accredited university for arts and social sciences with Bachelor, Master, and PhD programs recognized by the Ministry of Education of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
You will receive an official transcript of records from Ibugi and Alanus University that meets US guidelines for transfer credits.
The program also includes intercultural workshops and information sessions on studying and working/interning in Germany.
Please note: Prior knowledge of German is recommended but not required for this program. If you haven't had any German instruction, we strongly recommend taking an introductory class and/or self-study prior to the beginning of the program.
GL 101/102: Elementary German. Elementary language study with oral, written, and reading practice. Preparation for conversation. If needed, the course may be split into sections depending on students' level of German. Class meets daily.
GL 201/202: Intermediate German. Readings of average difficulty. Review of grammar; practice in conversation and composition. If needed, the course may be split into sections depending on students' level of German. Class meets daily.
GCH 101: German Culture and History. Introduction to German Culture and History; includes intercultural components. Academic study trips will be incorporated into the classroom schedule. This course is taught in English. Class meets 2-3x per week. Homework and/or readings will be assigned for each class meeting and class excursion.
Additional options for course credit are available for students with advanced German skills. Please contact veronika@aatg.org for more information.
Accompanying Faculty
The group is accompanied by the Academic Director, a U.S.-based faculty member from an institution of higher education. The Academic Director will also teach the German culture & history course on site and join the group on trips and excursions. For 2026, our Academic Director is Christina McDade (Diablo Valley College).
Housing
Please note: Host family accommodations are only available during the program dates listed above. If you arrive early/stay longer, you will need to make your own arrangements.
Transportation
Program Costs
This fee is required of all Summer Program participants and includes your comprehensive insurance coverage for the duration of the program. Please note that this fee is charged in addition to the program cost and is non-refundable.
Scholarship Support
A limited number of scholarships covering part of the program costs is available to students with financial need. Students may indicate their interest in being considered for an Endowed Fund scholarship as part of the general program application. No separate application is required for this scholarship.
Additional scholarship opportunities, including the AATG Study Abroad Scholarship for College Students, can be found here. We also encourage you to check in with your school's financial aid and international offices about scholarship support.
AiB typically offers a scholarship opportunity for participants in this program as well. More details will be shared with accepted applicants once updated information from AiB is available.
Payment structure & deadlines 
Payment links will be available in early 2026 and will be posted here and on our Summer Program Products page.
Payment can be made by credit or debit card in our online store, or by sending a check or money order to
AATG
c/o John Capasso
112 Haddontowne Court #104
Cherry Hill, New Jersey 08034
Cancellation Policy
Late cancellation fees will be charged as follows:
- Individual participant's cancellation later than six weeks prior to program: 40% of the total cost
- Individual participant's cancellation two weeks or less prior to program: 60% of the total cost
Eligibility
Students currently enrolled in any US college or university who have completed at least one semester of college prior to the beginning of the program are eligible to apply.
Application materials
• Unofficial transcripts (to be uploaded with application)
• Recommendation form (filled out by a faculty member)
Note: Partial progress on the Online Application Form cannot be saved. Please make sure to have all your documents ready when beginning your application. The application can be previewed here.
Apply today!
Our Partners
The Akademie für internationale Bildung (AiB) is a private, non-profit, and independent organization for higher education located in Bonn, Germany. Founded in 1993, AiB specializes in the design, planning, and implementation of education abroad programs for U.S. students. AiB’s programs provide students with new professional skills, international experience and intercultural awareness. AiB is an international academic forum that brings people and cultures together and enables them to engage in an open exchange with a view to social perspectives for the future.
This program is designed to be accessible for students of various economic backgrounds. AATG and AiB are committed to providing a diverse and open-minded setting for students to learn about themselves and others. Through interactive classroom instruction, study tours, outings with German students, and homestay with German families, the program creates a welcoming and stimulating environment that allows students to immerse themselves in the German culture and experience a summer in the Rhineland region.
