Department of Germanic Languages & Literatures University of Toronto
Emma Rebmann is a third-year Pharmacology and Psychology student at UofT, who is also minoring in German Studies. After participating in CSSG this year, Emma encourages all students who wish to improve their German to apply to the program.
Please introduce yourself to the University of Toronto community
My name is Emma Rebmann. I’m a third-year student at UofT, double majoring in Pharmacology and Physiology, with a minor in German Studies. I participated in CSSG in the summer of 2024 and took GRMN 3446 (third-year German)!
What motivated you to apply to CSSG?
The program director, Dr. John Plews, presented to my German class about CSSG. The combination of language learning, engaging with a host family, and going on cultural excursions sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse myself fully in the language and culture.
What previous experiences did you have learning German before joining the program?
Before attending CSSG, I took Introduction to German (GER100) and Intermediate German (GER 200) at UofT.
Please tell us about the learning environment in Kassel. What were your classes and field trips like?
The learning environment in Kassel was more hands-on than I had previously experienced. Instead of only focusing on grammar, we did a lot of speaking and listening exercises, which are much more practical for learning German.
Living with a host family is an important part of the program. What is the value of living with a host family while studying abroad?
Living with a host family is important because it allows you to gain exposure to the everyday life of people living in that country. It also motivated me to speak German more often and learn vocabulary for topics I wouldn’t have discussed in class.
What other experiences did you have studying abroad? For example, did you travel?
I had so many fun experiences with friends I made through the program! We travelled to other cool cities in Germany, such as Bamberg, Berlin, Hann. Münden, Erfurt, and Marburg either through program field trips or on our own.
During the program, did you learn anything new about German culture, history and/or day-to-day life? Was there anything that you found to be particularly unique or profound?
I learned a lot about German history through the cultural excursions. It was cool to see pieces of the Berlin Wall and old cathedrals throughout the country. We even went to a concert by the Berliner Philharmoniker which was super awesome!
How has your experience studying abroad in Germany with CSSG improved your German language comprehension? What are your future goals or ambitions for learning German?
My experience studying abroad has greatly improved my German language comprehension. I now understand German better and can actually have conversations in German, which is really cool! I’d like to continue learning German through courses at UofT.
What are other key benefits of the program aside from language acquisition?
A key benefit of the program is gaining a sense of independence in a new environment. I’ve never been in a situation where I had to navigate a new place alone, and participating in the CSSG gave me that opportunity.
What advice would you give to students considering applying to the program?
I strongly recommend they apply! CSSG was such a unique experience, and I am so fortunate to have attended and made friendships and memories that will last me a lifetime!
Thinking about joining CSSG in Summer 2025? Visit cssg.ca for application requirements and guidelines!
Feel free to email german.undergradadmin@utoronto.ca for any questions.
