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For many, Germany is largely associated with the month of October due to the annual tradition of Oktoberfest. But if you’ve always wanted to go there, don’t sleep on German summer — especially for a study abroad or internship program! You can experience all the culture and traditions of Oktoberfest, but with better weather and less crowds.
Here’s why doing a study abroad program in Germany during the summer is wunderbar:
Longer days, more getaways
In German summer, the sun stays out until around 9 PM, meaning there’s more Germany to explore! Germany’s vast train system can get you pretty much anywhere in the country, and fast, so you’ll have extra daylight to see all the sights. Down south you can find Neuschwanstein Castle, a Bavarian fortress straight out of a fairy tale. In fact, it was the inspiration for Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle! Or there’s the nearby Black Forest with farmhouses and villages perfect for hiding, say, a princess from an evil witch. Needless to say, doing a study abroad program in Germany during the summer means you’ll have ample opportunities for exploring the region outside of your class schedule.
Beer Garden Culture
Without the Oktoberfest crowds filling the bier gardens, you’re free to raise your stein without elbowing anyone. Biergärten (Beer Gardens) have been the center of Bavarian culture since the 19th century, and it’s imperative you respect the customs and traditions, and their importance. The Gardens are known not only for their bier, bratwurst, and pretzels but for their gemütlichkeit, a feeling of warmth and friendliness. Don’t be surprised if a German stranger joins you and your fellow study abroad friends for a chat.
Snow-Free Alpines
No need to bring your skis! Germany’s range of the Alps come to life in the summer, where the snow-free alpine trails are a hiker’s delight. Then after a long trek, you can cool down with a nice swim in one of the gorgeous, refreshingly blue lakes, such as Walchensee.
German Cuisine
Just like their American cousins, there’s nothing Germans love more than grilling on a warm summer day. In cities such as Berlin, parks offer public grills, so you can bring your own bratwurst and start cooking in the open air. Nothing goes better with brats than a cold side of krautsalat. Then of course there’s the bier, which due to a law called the Reinheitsgebot, is prohibited by law to have any other ingredients besides water, barley and hops. This helps to curb the dehydrating effect most beers in America tend to have. Germans take beer culture incredibly seriously, as it’s an integral part of their history, culture, and traditions.
Wine in the Rhineland
In Western Germany you’ll find one of Europe’s longest rivers, the Rhine. It weaves through a series of villages, castles and wineries. Summer is the perfect time to take a boat trip down the river, stopping to taste the Rieslings and the Silvaners or exploring the riverside towns and cathedrals.
If you want to get the “prost” out of Germany, we recommend doing a study abroad program in the summer.
If you’re considering a summer study abroad program in Germany, you’ve come to the right place. Here at AIFS Abroad, we offer incredible program options in Berlin, the country’s capital and main hub for transportation to other areas of the country and region. With inclusions such as tuition, housing, insurance, excursions and activities, on-site staff, and emergency support, you’ll have a stress-free global education experience. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in German life and world-renowned cuisines while earning college credits in between spring and fall semester. Willkommen!
