Wednesday, May 6 to Wednesday, June 24, 2026
(7 weeks)
2026 will mark the University of Toronto's first year as the main lead for the Canadian Summer School in Germany (CSSG) program. After 9 years of holding the CSSG reins, Saint Mary's has venerably passed on the baton to U of T.
The CSSG program has been running for 52 years (since 1973). This program offers a unique opportunity for students to fully immerse themselves in the German culture and language.
What sets the program apart from other programs are the following attributes:
- Students live with a host family
- 7-week program
- Over the course of the stay, students will travel to 3 different German cities (Kassel, Hann. Münden, Berlin)
Ultimately, it makes for a 24/7 German language learning experience.
Classes will take place on Universität Kassel campus. University of Toronto professors and professors from other Canadian universities will be teaching these courses.
In 2026, the Germany: Kassel CSSG program will be offering intermediate language courses.
Key Dates
Recommended departure date (YYZ-FRA): Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Arrival at Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Orientation Camp: Wednesday, May 6- Saturday, May 9, 2026
Berlin: Wednesday, June 10- Saturday, June 13, 2026
Abschlussfeier (last day of program): Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Departure date (FRA-YYZ): Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Kassel
- State: Northern Hesse (Central Germany)
- Population (2024): 197,065
Fun Facts
- Germany's 4th greenest city
- World's first permanent theater building (Ottoneum)
- Grimm brothers began writing the German Dictionary in Kassel
- World's first renewable energy university- Uni Kassel
Touristic Attractions (Must-See)
Herkules
Driving into Kassel, you will see the Herkules Monument from miles away. Herkules (all 71 meters of him) watches over Kassel. Located in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, Herkules is the first stop of the Wasserspiele (water features). The Wasserspiele is a much sought-after event which takes place at 14:30 every Wednesday and Sunday. Without a doubt, the trick fountains are a must-see. If you have not seen the Wasserspiele, then you have not seen Kassel.
Orangerie
Within walking distance of where classes take place, there is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wilhelmshöhe Park. Students love to play frisbee and have picnics in the picturesque gardens of this 18th-century park.
Grimmwelt Kassel Museum
Visit the amazing Grimmwelt Kassel Museum, which narrates the life story of the fairytale forefathers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.
Questions? Email: CSSG.abroad.wdw@utoronto.ca or book a virtual appointment.