Ilmenau

Walk in the footsteps of Goethe, Germany's most beloved writer and thinker, when you develop and perfect your language skills with German courses in Ilmenau. Goethe often visited Ilmenau and found inspiration for his work, and the town's lush natural setting and charming town...

Walk in the footsteps of Goethe, Germany's most beloved writer and thinker, when you develop and perfect your language skills with German courses in Ilmenau. Goethe often visited Ilmenau and found inspiration for his work, and the town's lush natural setting and charming town center make it easy to see why. Students might like to kick off their Ilmenau experience by hiking the Goethewanderweg, a 20-kilometer route through the Thuringian Forest that features charming woods and pretty little villages along the way. The town itself also has a history of academic excellence – the Ilmenau University of Technology was founded in 1894. Because of the university's presence, anyone studying at a German school in Ilmenau will blend right into the town's thriving student population. Students who want to expand their cultural horizons while studying here can also venture to nearby Weimar and Erfurt for some urban adventures. Head into Erfurt and walk along the 14th-century Merchants' Bridge, the longest bridge in Europe to have houses along its entire length, in the heart of its famously well-preserved historic city center. Erfurt also hosts the Forum of Concrete Art, a unique collection of modern pieces made with pavement. Visit Weimar and see a show at the spectacular Deutches Nationaltheater and Stattskapelle, or explore the birthplace of famed playwright Friedrich Schiller. When you're finished with your urban excursions, head back to cozy Ilmenau and hit the books in its relaxed academic atmosphere.