The Language Villa: Unter den Linden

Unter den LindenThe German Floor "Unter den Linden" is part of the Language Villa in Notre Dame Residence Hall and offers Saint Louis University students a unique opportunity to live in a German cultural setting, speak the language, and take advantage of the cultural and academic programs sponsored by the Floor. At the same time, the German Floor residents interact with the foreign language students living on the other floors in the Language Villa.

A Foreign Language Teaching Assistant from a German-speaking country lives with students to help with the immersion and cultural enrichment of this learning community. Proficiency in more than one culture enhances personal and professional development, while enabling students to connect with multiple disciplines and to become better informed citizens in an increasingly complex world.
   

Villa Expectations:

  • to speak the language of their floor as the primary means of communication and to encourage other students to do so;
  • to share at least one meal per week with participants in their particular language group;
  • to participate in the cultural activities scheduled for a particular language floor (coffee hours, museum visits, etc.);
  • All students are co-enrolled inMLNG 293: Cultural Connections: The Language Villa (0-1 credit course) in conjunction with a German course appropriate to the student's level. First year students will also be co-enrolled in History 112-07 Origins of the Modern World since 1600.
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Kristin Lange, Unter
den Linden assistant for 2008-09, joins us from Germany.
Activities

Each floor host classes, coffee hours, ethnic meals and dances, festivals, and holiday celebrations for their residents and campus guests. Students have the opportunity to attend cultural events in the St. Louis area, and to take group excursions to museums or other points of cultural interest. The Language Floors sponsor guest lectures and presentations on topics ranging from cultural studies to linguistic fluency and hosts language honor society receptions and initiations.

Entrance Requirements

Unter den lindenThe Language Villa has a large kitchen which is shared by all residents. There is a large lounge on the ground floor, but each floor has its own language lounge as part of their floor to mingle and interact. All rooms are  single bedrooms.  Students who live in "Unter der Linden" are expected to enroll in a University meal plan, but also have the option of cooking and eating in the Language Villa. One weekly meal with other residents of "Unter der Linden" is required, but you may choose to cook together or eat in the cafeteria or eat out.

For more information, contact the faculty liaison:

Testimonials from Students:

Application Materials for the Language Villa: .doc | PDF