Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies

Specialties

The Gerlind Institute for Cultural Studies (GICS) is a progressive community-​based and — supported educational organization, founded in 2006, and directed by Marion Gerlind, Ph.D.

Class sizes are flexible and students may join during the semester, if feasible. See our calendar for the current schedule. All our language courses are based on a communicative approach, embedding speaking, reading, writing, and listening comprehension in cultural contexts. We tailor our classes for fast learning to students’ specific needs.

History

Established in 2006.

We are committed to providing outstanding quality in teaching through many years of experience as educators, community scholars and activists. We are building confidence in every student’s linguistic and cultural competences through a structured learning environment. We are serving every student with empathy, dedication, and enthusiasm.

We envision the study of German as a fast, enjoyable, and meaningful experience. We open doors and windows to wonderful worlds through reflection of our differences and cross-​cultural connections. We get to know one another through learning, acknowledging growth and transformation. Our vision is not only to educate but to build a diverse community interested in German Cultural Studies.

Meet the Business Owner

Dr. Marion G.

Business Owner

I am passionate about my mother tongue, German: its sound, complexity, and precision. Working with students makes me happy because I enjoy communicating and learning across languages, cultures, and differences. Coming from a metro city like Hamburg, I have always been curious to read and dialogue about meaningful experiences in life. For nearly 20 years I have taught German language, literature, and culture at college and community settings in Germany and the United States. After receiving my M.A. in German at San Francisco State University, I achieved a Ph.D. in German, with a Minor in Feminist Studies, at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

I support students in meeting their educational goals, be it fluency in speaking and reading, mastering grammar and writing, translating, passing exams… you name it! I am dedicated to making your studies fun and as easy as they can be while leading to your success!