Certain questions recur fairly often in email correspondence with prospective students. If you have a particular query please do not hesitate to send us an email, but the following information may save you time. Either scroll down the pages, or click on one of the topics listed below. Whatever your query is, we would be very pleased to have an email from you, whether you are planning a trip for next week or next year.

Location

Where is DIT?

DIT is in Kitzbühel in Austria close to the border with Bavaria, South Germany. It is a small, ancient town in the west Austrian province of Tyrol, the mountainous part of Austria. It is internationally famous because of the annual World Championship Downhill Ski Race. Kitzbühel is also host to the Austrian Tennis Open Championships. The town itself is therefore well served by trains, buses and roads, as well as being an attractive alpine town surrounded by mountains.

The school is set in a leafy suburb of the town, a 15 minute walk from the centre. This is a convenient location, with plenty of accommodation for students, supermarkets, a large sports equipment and clothing store, pubs, restaurants and a bank within 5 minutes walk. There are also tennis courts and a riding school within walking distance from the school.

There are bus stops all over the town, taking skiers to the slopes. Our nearest bus stop is a three minute walk from the school.

Where is Kitzbühel?

Kitzbühel is an hour's drive from Salzburg and Innsbruck, and about an hour and a half's drive from Munich.

Travel

How do I get to DIT?

By plane:

Munich: Most people fly to Munich airport, and get the very good taxi service from the airport to Kitzbühel. This is an ideal arrangement, because then all you need to do is book flights and the school's own staff book you a taxi which will bring you directly to your room. This saves you having to get the underground train into the centre of Munich, and then the mainline train.

Salzburg: You may be able to fly to Salzburg airport. The connection from Salzburg airport to Kitzbühel is easiest by bus. There is a bus that goes regularly from the airport itself, with one change before arriving in Kitzbühel. You then get a taxi from the bus terminal to your accommodation. There is also a direct train from Salzburg to Kitzbühel. To get this, you would have to take a taxi from the airport to the railway station, and then another taxi from Kitzbühel station to your accommodation.

Innsbruck: You may also be able to fly to Innsbruck airport. From there you get a bus to the mainline station, and then a direct train from Innsbruck to Kitzbühel; you then take a taxi from Kitzbühel station to your accommodation.

By train: Kitzbühel is well connected by rail. You can travel from all over Europe by train to Kitzbühel.

What happens when I arrive?

Most students arrive on a Sunday afternoon or evening. Your taxi driver will help you with your luggage and the owner of your bed and breakfast accommodation will be there to greet you. She will show you to your room and give you some information about the town and the area. She will also show you the breakfast room.

The Course

What is the format of the lessons?

Lessons are from 9:00 to 12:15 Monday to Friday. You will be asked to take a test on your first Monday morning (unless you're a beginner), to establish your standard so that we can put you in the right class for you. Because the classes are so small, between 2 and 6 people per class, you can concentrate on those areas which you particularly need.

The school's teachers are well-experienced and all are university, college and academy educated in German as a foreign language and the lessons make use of the most up to date texts and methods. The emphasis is on speaking and comprehension. Because of the very small classes, you progress much faster than if you were in a class with 15 or 20 other students. It is an intensive course and you will improve very quickly with the DIT method.

How quickly will I progress?

This depends on a lot of things: how hard you work, how well you participate while you are here, how long you stay, your own motivation and language ability along with a lot of other factors. Learning a foreign language in the country where it is spoken is almost universally accepted as the best method of learning. At DIT we insist that students speak German all the time and our free time programme is organised so that students have plenty of opportunities to speak and discuss issues as well as enjoy the environment and learn about the Austrian people, history and culture. The school is well equipped with books, videos, cassettes, newspapers, magazines and text books which students may borrow for private study.

What should I bring?

A dictionary, 2 notebooks and coloured pens. It is useful to have 2 notebooks, one for new vocabulary, and one for the exercises in class. Text books and other teaching materials are provided, but it is advisable to have a good system of keeping your notes together. Coloured pens are also a good idea. Studies have shown that colour helps with learning, and a popular method of teaching vocabulary at DIT is to get students to write masculine nouns in one colour, feminine in another and neutral in a third.

Can I extend my course?

We are always very pleased if a student has enjoyed the course so much he/she would like to extend. This is usually possible and you can usually retain the room you originally booked. There may be some pressure during the high seasons, but we make every possible effort to ensure that you can stay on and further your studies.

Can I take an exam?

Yes. We can prepare you for the Österreichisches Sprachdiplom (ÖSD) which is an internationally recognised exam for German as a foreign language. DIT is not authorised to supervise the exam itself however, but we will make all the necessary arrangements to book you onto an exam at the nearest examination centre. You can also take it at the Austrian Culture Institute in your own country after a course at DIT.

Some students ask to take an exit test at the end of their course to check their progress and compare this with the test they took on their first day. All tests and exams are voluntary and we are happy to organise them on request.

Can I have an attendance certificate?

Certainly! A lot of students request an attendance certificate and if you would like one, please just notify the school's staff before the end of your last week.

Students

Who will be in my class?

The classes are very small, never more than 6 students per class. You will be asked to take a short test on your first Monday to assess your standard. You will therefore be in a class with students with about the same level of German as you have.

How old are the other students?

The age of students ranges from 16 to over 80, although in the high seasons of July/August, and January to March, there tend to be more people between 17 and about 35.

What nationalities are the other students?

There is always a wide mix of nationalities. There are likely to be students from Japan, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, the United States, Great Britain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, Hungary and many other countries. There are increasing numbers of students arriving from South America, Eastern Europe and the Far East.

How many other students will there be?

It depends what time of year you come here. In July and August, there are between 20 and 50 students in any given week. Similarly, between January and March is a busy time. The school is open all year, so you can choose the time of year that suits you best.

US College Credits

Can I get US college credits?

Yes. Our programme has been approved by American schools, colleges and universities for the credit system. That said, our understanding of the credit system is that each university has its own approval procedures. As DIT has already been approved by other American colleges, it is very likely that your college will approve the school too.

If you need or would like college credits, please check with your own college's procedure for recognition of foreign language schools, send us an email with your proposed dates and current standard of German and we can send a sample program of the course you are likely to cover during your chosen time frame, and any other information your credit office requires.

Accreditation

DIT is recognised by Campus Austria, the governmental body authorised by the Austrian Ministry of Education for the approval of German language schools in Austria. Some American colleges require only national recognition status in order to accept that school for credit purposes. If this is the case with your college, then obtaining college credits should be a fairly painless procedure.

Facilities

Where is the nearest bank?

There is a bank 3 minutes walk from the school. You can get cash from the cash machine outside the bank, or change money inside during banking hours. In the town centre, there are of course plenty of banks.

Is there a supermarket near the school?

Yes, there are 2 supermarkets a few minutes further on from the bank. These are open from 08:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday and 08:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays, so it is always a good idea to stock up on Saturdays with bread, cans of drink, cornflakes or whatever your favourite snacks are.

Can I buy cigarettes/newspapers/stamps near the school?

There is a newspaper and tobacco shop 5 minutes walk from the school.

Where are the nearest telephones?

The use of mobile (cell) phones has grown so much that there are no public phones near the school. There are a few in the centre of town though.

Is there a gym or a swimming pool in Kitzbühel?

The gym is a 5 minute walk from the school and students from the school get a specially discounted membership rate (or weekly rate depending how long you're staying). The swimming pool is in the town centre.

Are there any golf courses in Kitzbühel?

There are 4 golf courses around the town. See the town's tourist website for more information at www.kitzbuehel.com If you have any special requirements please email us and we'll be glad to get further information for you.

Is there a riding school in Kitzbühel?

Yes, you can either take lessons at the riding school or go on a ride-out through the beautiful mountain passes. The riding school is not too far from the school, just about walkable although it is up hill. Most students get a taxi there and walk back.

Is there a laundrette in Kitzbühel?

There's a laundrette near the post office in Kitzbühel. You have to leave your washing there and pick it up the next day.

Emergencies

What happens if I need a doctor?

The school staff can recommend an appropriate doctor for your particular complaint and make an appointment for you by telephone. You can pay for the visit in cash and then claim the money back from your medical insurance when you get home, unless you have a European Health Insurance Card.

What about emergency hospital treatment?

It is advisable to take out medical insurance before you leave home. If you're a member of the European Union then bring your European Medical Insurance Card.

Accommodation/Meals

Where do I stay?

We'll be happy to book you a room in a bed and breakfast house near to the school. Prices start at 28 euros per night for a single room with shower and breakfast, and 23 euros per person per night for a double. These prices depend on availability.

Can I stay where I want to?

We can usually book you into the room you choose, but sometimes with late bookings we have to ask you to stay in another type of room. Also in the high seasons of July/August or January to March there may be pressure on the rooms.

What should I bring?

Apart from clothes, you should bring soap and shampoo. Towels and bedding are provided, and breakfast is included in the price of the room.

Where do I go for breakfast?

The pensions have their own breakfast rooms. The owners will show you these rooms when you arrive.

Where do I go for lunch?

In the ski season, most people want to get to the slopes as soon after lessons as possible. They therefore often go to the supermarket (5 minutes from the school) in the evening and get bread, cheese, ham, yoghurt, fruit etc and keep it in the fridge in the breakfast room over night, and make a rapid snack for lunch the next day. It is also possible to go to the supermarket after lessons and buy a snack of course. There are 2 restaurants near the school (3 minutes walk) which have very reasonably priced menu lunches and snacks. There are also plenty of mountain restaurants.

At other times, the schedule is less hectic and there are plenty of opportunities for picnics on the mountains or by the lake. The supermarket and nearby restaurants are usually available and there are the beautiful pavement cafés in town, and again the mountain restaurants.

Where do I go for dinner?

There is a Bistro near the school which most of our students go to for dinner. This offers two course meals for €5,50 or €6,50. These comprise a soup and a pasta dish or a soup and a more traditional Austrian dish such as goulash or Wiener Schnitzel. There is also a general menu with various prices. There is another restaurant near the school called the Eisenbad, which has an extensive menu. There are plenty of restaurants in town and many students enjoy trying out the local cuisine.

Free time

What do we do after lessons?

In winter, skiing. We can ski from the end of November (depending on conditions) to the beginning of May. At the beginning and end of the season, only some of the lifts are open, but we have full information in the school office.

One of the teachers accompanies the group for 3 afternoons a week. This is ideal for various reasons. You have to speak German during this time, because Hans, the director, is there. Also, he used to be a ski instructor and knows the mountains very well. He can therefore advise the best routes for your standard and in light of the prevailing weather conditions. There is more information about Skiing below.

In summer, we make good use of the mountains. The lifts run all season and there are some fabulous hikes. There is also a natural lake, which is outstandingly beautiful and wonderful to swim in during the warm summer months, and ideal for sun bathing. Kitzbühel is an hour (or less) by car from Salzburg and Innsbruck, and about an hour and a half from Munich. We make regular trips to these towns to visit the castles, galleries and museums (for a small additional cost to cover transport only). These trips are very popular with students. You could also spend a weekend away in one of these towns if you wanted to see them in more detail.

The town of Kitzbühel itself is very beautiful and a lot of students spend many happy hours shopping, sitting in pavement cafes and admiring the old churches and historic museum. The bars and nightclubs are also a big attraction and are lively all year round. The après ski atmosphere is very evident during every season. The town also boasts a casino; a cinema and a lot of sports activities (see Facilities).

There is also an evening class, and three social evenings. The free time programme is voluntary, so if you have your own agenda, no one will force you to take part. Most students enjoy the free time programme however, and DIT is almost alone amongst language schools in Austria in offering such a comprehensive programme. The social evenings are an ideal way to practise your German and get to know the other students in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. One of the teachers is always there at the evening programme events helping with use of language and encouraging everyone to join in and speak. A lot of the postcards we get from students after they have left the school refer to the fun they had on these social evenings.

Skiing

When is the ski season?

Between the end of November (about the 20th of November onwards, but every year has its own official start date, so please send us an email requesting this information if you would like to ski in November) and the beginning of May.

There are high and low season rates for ski passes. It is sometimes tricky to calculate the exact cost of your lift pass if your stay in Kitzbühel spans the high and low season.

How much skiing do we do per week?

German lessons are from 9:00 to 12:15 Monday to Friday. This means that you can get the ski bus about 10 minutes after class and get straight onto the slopes. You could ski from about 1:00 until the lifts close, shortly before dark. This means that you get about 4 hours skiing a day from Monday to Friday. You can ski for the whole of Saturday and Sunday of course.

At least 3 times a week the director, Hans (himself a very enthusiastic skier), accompanies the group. This is the best and most efficient way for students to get to know this huge ski resort. He advises on the best lifts to take and which to avoid, and which pistes to concentrate on and which to avoid in light of the prevailing weather conditions and standard of the group etc. On the days when there is no official programme, Hans often can't resist going skiing with students and the other teachers often go too.

After skiing, it's great to finish the day in a café of bar to discuss the events and achievements of the afternoon. This is also a great opportunity to practise your German in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. No other school compares to the DIT German and Skiing experience!

Can I have ski/snowboard lessons?

Yes. We can organise lessons for you from the school office. If you would like us to organise these before you arrive, then we can discuss that by email. If you're an absolute beginner, then lessons are certainly advisable in the first week after which you would be very welcome to join the group. If you have some experience already, then you can ski with the group from the school. There is always a mix of standards and it is great fun skiing together.

How much do ski/snowboard lessons cost?

This varies from season to season, and whether you ski in a group or take individual lessons, alone or with a friend. It also depends how many lessons/hours you would like. See the Kitzbühel ski school website at www.rote-teufel.at

How much is a lift pass?

Prices vary depending on how old you are: there are categories for children (up to 15), youths (16-19) and adults. Children under 6 ski for free. There are also low season and high season prices. For more information see www.bergbahn-kitzbuehel.at

How far away from the school are the slopes?

Kitzbühel is a huge resort with 67 lifts and about 250km of prepared pistes and 100km of off-piste slopes. It therefore depends where we ski, how far away the slopes are. The most important thing is that the school is on the crossing of 2 bus routes with access to the Hahnenkamm, the Kitzbüheler Horn, Jochberg and Paß Thurn. The bus stop is literally 3 minutes from the school, and we usually go together to the bus stop. The day's route is planned at the morning coffee break between lessons. The weather is very important of course, and the local knowledge of Hans the director is a great asset. The buses are free if you have a lift pass, and it is about a 7 minute bus ride to the nearest lifts.

What should I bring?

If you have your own skis and ski boots then fine, bring them. The taxis from the airport and rail station are very used to transporting people with a lot of ski equipment, and the school and the various pensions have special rooms on the ground floor where you can leave your skis and boiler rooms to dry out your boots.

If you don't have your own skis or boots, you can hire them of course. The ski shops have every possible type of clothing and equipment, so if you forget something, you will certainly find a wide range of brands. Hans can advise on the best shops and where the best deals are to be found. To check in advance, see for example www.etz.at

In general, you need ski socks, good gloves, thermal underwear, polo neck sweaters, fleeces, thick warm boots for walking in the evenings, a good jacket for the evenings and good thick sweaters, and ski trousers and jacket, ski suit or similar. You could also bring swimming trunks/suit if you like swimming after skiing. Your lift pass entitles you to swim in the indoor pool at half the usual price. For information about this see the Bergbahn website at www.bergbahn-kitzbuehel.at (under "other facilities - Aquarena").

Money

Can I use my credit card?

Unfortunately, you cannot pay by credit card at DIT. Most people send money by electronic transfer. In town, however, most shops accept credit cards.

How can I get money?

You can get money from cash machines, which accept Visa, Mastercard and various other internationally accepted credit cards. Or you can transfer cash by electronic transfer. Please send us an email if you're concerned about this.

What is the Austrian currency?

The euro.

How much money will I need?

Meals: Breakfast is included in the price of the room. Lunch can be very cheap if you buy bread rolls etc from the supermarket, and dinner can also be fairly cheap (a pizza for example is about €6) at our nearest guesthouse.

Skiing: In the ski season, you may have a lot of costs relating to lift passes, ski and boot hire - please send us an email with the number of weeks you are here, your probable dates (prices vary for high and low seasons) and whether you need to hire skis etc and we can give you an estimate. Or look at the Bergbahn website at www.bergbahn-kitzbuehel.at under "rates" which gives the price of lift passes.

Trips/ school excursions: If we go to Salzburg or Innsbruck, we ask for the cost of petrol only, and depending on the number of students opting to come, the price can be between € 5 and € 10 per trip. These trips may include optional visits to museums.

Other costs: postcards, telephones, internet cafés, etc are about average for Europe. Kitzbühel is not particularly expensive, although some restaurants can be pricey.

Telephone/Internet

How can I telephone home?

There are no public phones near the school anymore since the growth in mobile phone use. There are some in town though.

Is there an internet café in Kitzbühel?

Yes, there are several. You will be given a full information pack on your first day, which contains a map of the town. If you need access to the internet, please ask at this first session for directions to the internet cafés (they are right by a bus stop).

If you have a laptop, you can use the school's wireless internet connection.

Work

Can I get work in Kitzbühel?

If you are a member of the European Union, you will have no difficulty finding work during the high seasons of summer and winter in Kitzbühel. Most employers prefer that you stay for a whole season, so if you were planning on doing a course first and then working, you would be best advised to book onto the course during the low season and find work during that time which you can then begin after your course.

If you are from outside the Union, you will need a work permit. If you would like more information on this subject, contact the Austrian Embassy in your own country for any special arrangements it may have with Austria.

What sort of work is available?

The work is strongly seasonal and mainly hotel and restaurant work.

Can I work as a ski instructor?

Yes. We have a special course designed to get you through the prestigious Austrian ski or snowboard instructors' exam. See our other homepage www.gap-year.at

Minimum Age

Is there a minimum age at DIT?

Yes, it is 16.

I am under 16, can I study at DIT?

It depends. If your family is coming with you, or an older relative or friend who can take responsibility for you, then there probably would not be much problem. We often make arrangements for younger students on this basis.

The problem is the accommodation. Most of our students arrive alone, and don't have too much difficulty making their way to the school from train stations and airports. They are accommodated in single or shared rooms, each person having their own room key. The school building owners are of course responsible for normal fire and other security measures, but apart from that there is nobody who is responsible for ensuring that students get back to their rooms at any particular time, and nobody who can ensure that they do not go into bars or nightclubs in town.

There is a very friendly pension near the school run by a very welcoming family. This pension is suitable for younger students, who prefer accommodation similar to a home-stay arrangement, but it is not homestay as such and a relative or older friend is necessary.

If you are under 16 and would like to study at DIT, please send us an email with your particular circumstances, and we will see if we can come to a suitable arrangement which ensures your safety.