Internationales Kulturinstitut (IKI)

Background

Founded in 1981, the IKI is located in the heart of Vienna opposite the State Opera House. The institute’s language programs enroll approximately 250 students from around the world each month and have an excellent reputation. In addition to its regular courses, the IKI facilitates the UW’s “Spring in Vienna” program through the Department of Germanics. To complement the language and cultural learning within the classroom, cultural excursions and social activities are organized by the IKI.

Academic Overview

The IKI Institute cater to beginning, intermediate and advanced students of German. No previous knowledge of the language is required to enroll. At the time of application, students submit a brief written test (available on the institutes’ websites) to determine their proficiencies in German. This test serves as a general guide for course placement; however, final placement decisions are made on site following an oral interview.

The IKI Institute offers intimate and interactive learning environments. Classes are small (10-15 students) with instructional emphases placed on comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, conversation and grammar. A variety of teaching tools are employed to cater to various learning styles. Students generally enroll for two or more 4-week sessions at IKI. A minimum of 8 weeks is required for full-time status and concurrent enrollment at the UW.

For more information about the study environment at the IKI Institute, we encourage you to read the evaluations of previous program participants. Evaluations are available in the IPE reference library.

Housing

Cost

UW students enrolled at IKI Institute pay IKI's program and housing fees directly to the institute. Students do not pay UW tuition during their programs abroad but do pay a $200 per quarter IPE fee to the UW.

Concurrent Enrollment

Health Screening

Since study abroad often means that students live with medical services and general health conditions that are different from those in their home country, you will be required to have a health screening and to submit a Health Screening Form with your Concurrent Enrollment Form.

Terms and Eligibility

To be eligible for these programs you must:

• Have sophomore standing or above by the program's beginning;
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75;
• Be flexible, independent and willing to conform to cultural customs that differ significantly from those of the US.

Courses and Credits

The University of Washington recognizes the academic credit awarded by the IKI Institute. Although UW credit for the courses is guaranteed, the type of UW credit awarded is not determined until after the study period has ended and the UW’s Germanics Department has evaluated the coursework completed abroad.

All grades for courses completed abroad are reported on the institute’s and the students’ UW transcripts, regardless of the final mark or need for credit. In general, students earn 12 credits of German per 8-week session.

Application Instructions

Step One - Complete the following for IKI:

Application Deadlines

IKI admits students on a rolling and space available basis. However, to ensure that you have adequate time to get all pre-departure plans and paperwork in order, we recommend that you submit your application forms to IPE and IKI no later than:

• Fall: July 1
• Winter: November 1
• Spring: February 1
• Summer: May 1

References