Hillsdale College Students Visit Historic German Theater
The visit, facilitated by Hillsdale’s German department, was part of the College’s 35-year-old German study abroad program
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College students taking part in the Würzburg Study Abroad Program concluded their time in Germany by visiting Burgfestspiele Jagsthausen — a historical performing arts theater in Jagsthausen. Associate Professor of German Stephen Naumann led the students through their study abroad program, and organized their visit to the theater.
“My favorite part about teaching abroad is expanding the classroom onto the streets and spaces of the city,” said Naumann. “There is something wonderful about seeing where the things we study were written or took place.”
Eight Hillsdale students took part in the four-week summer study abroad program, which has been led by the College’s German department for over 35 years. Participants traveled to Würzberg in the Bavarian region of Germany, providing students with the opportunity to improve their proficiency in the German language and to visit many of the historical sights they study. In addition to Würzberg, students spent three days in Munich and four days in Berlin.
At Burgfestspiele Jagsthausen, the students were able to watch a performance of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s play “Götz von Berlichingen.” This play centers around the life of Gottfried von Berlichingen — a sixteenth-century German knight who lived in the same castle where the play was performed.
“Seeing Goethe’s play in the same place where the historical Götz lived was inspiring,” said junior Joshua Newhook. “It really brought another dimension to the piece.”
Hillsdale’s German study abroad program is open to students who major or minor in German or who major in International Business and German. Scholarship aid for the program is available to eligible students.
For photos from the study abroad program, click here.
To learn more about study abroad offerings at Hillsdale College, click here.
For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.