Absolutely not! Our entire Bible school program and all activities are run in English. Also, our area of Europe is very international, so German is not even needed to shop, travel, or visit local businesses. The only language you will really need during your time in Bible school with us is English.
FAQ
What does a normal week look like for a student?
During the week, students have class in the morning and several of the evenings. Afternoons and evenings after lecture are free for study, sports, outreach, trips, socialising, etc. Students also meet during the week for family groups and various other activities.
During the week, students normally have three morning sessions which may include lectures or group activities. On Monday through Thursday evenings, there are two additional sessions.
For those who are not on outreaches: Friday afternoons and evenings are usually free, though we offer a social event every Friday night for those who are interested.
Saturdays are free, and you can use them to enjoy a delicious brunch at Bodenseehof or take advantage of the hundreds of options for day trips. Germany has an efficient public transportation system, so you can easily visit beautiful middle age cities, the Alps, Switzerland, Austria, France, or go skiing.
On Sundays, we have an English church service at the school, and then either a sharing service or small groups in the evening.
Is Bodenseehof an accredited School?
Each student receives a Bible certificate and transcript upon completion of the course. College credit is given by schools in North America and Europe, depending on the school attended and course of study. Bodenseehof has Credit Transfer Agreements with a few universities and colleges that offer credit based on the courses attended and grades earned at Bodenseehof.
For questions concerning this, please get in touch with us.
Which Bible translation should I use?
If English isn't your mother tongue and you're reading your Bible in English for the first time, we would recommend the NIV (New International Version), as this is an easy-to-read Bible translation. Otherwise we would recommend the ESV (English Standard Version), the NASB (New American Standard Bible), or the NKJV (New King James Version).
Will I have internet access on my laptop at Bodenseehof?
You can connect to the internet at Bodenseehof using our wireless access point. Additionally, there is a cafe nearby where you can connect for free with the purchase of coffee or a meal.
What do I need to know about using my electrical devices?
The power here in Germany is 220v and 50Hz. This is different from North America, so you will have to check for yourself if your equipment is designed to operate on this power system.
Most laptop power supplies and camera battery chargers will work automatically, and you will just need an adaptor.
Most other appliances (hair dryers, shavers, etc.) do not - which means you need a power converter in these cases.
Is there a good place to buy groceries and toiletries nearby?
There are two grocery stores nearby which sell a large variety of things you might need. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the one, about 25 to walk to the other.
If they doen't have what you need, it is just a 10-minute bus ride to the city center which has all kinds of other options.
Can families and friends come and visit?
Is your son or daughter coming to Bodenseehof this fall? More and more parents are taking advantage of the opportunity and planning a trip to Europe to visit their children who are attending Bodenseehof.
Please know that there are limited guest rooms available for visitors during bible school. Also, parents and friends are more than welcome to sit in on the lectures and attend any outreach functions that may be going on at Bodenseehof during their stay. For some, it’s the perfect chance to take the trip to Europe they’ve always wanted and now can combine it with a once in a lifetime experience with the family at Bodenseehof.
For more information just contact us at office@bodenseehof.de Visit our website for dates and topics of the various lecture series given during the school year.
Will I be able to receive private mail?
Yes, you will be able to receive private mail. To make that possible we will need your authorization to receive your mail (not to read it).
Your postal address as a student is:
[Your Name]
Bodenseehof
Ziegelstrasse 15
88048 Friedrichshafen
Germany
How's the weather at Lake Constance?
At Lake Constance, we have a very mild climate. Throughout the summer season there's almost Mediterranean climate, and even in winter it's rarely frigid, so there are only a few days of frost.
From September to November, the average temperature is 57 °F (14 °Celcius). From December to February, the temperatures are around 32 °F (0 °Celcius), but in summer they rise to an average 68 °F (20 °Celcius) with about 8 hours of sun, daily from June to August.
Where can I stay if I arrive early for school?
There are several hotels and bed & breakfasts around Friedrichshafen, as well as a youth hostel. We recommend the hostel, but here you should book your room in advance!
Jugendherberge “Graf-Zeppelin-JH” (Hostel)
Phone.: 07541 72404
Email: info@jugendherberge-friedrichshafen.de
www.djh.de
If this is full or you are looking for a hotel, the Tourist Information office in Friedrichshafen should be able to help you.
Tourist-Information Friedrichshafen
Phone: 07541 30010
Email: tourist-info@friedrichshafen.de
www.friedrichshafen.info
Of course, you are more than welcome to drop off excess luggage here before school begins. If you would like to drop off luggage before school starts, please send us an email beforehand so that we can make sure that someone is here in the office when you come.
What is the best way to travel over Christmas break or after school?
North Americans can buy a Eurail pass (www.eurail.com or www.raileurope.com) before coming. If you are 26 or under, you can also purchase an InterRail pass here in Europe after you have stayed in Germany for six months. The InterRail pass is significantly cheaper than the Eurail Pass.
• www.bahn.de
• www.eurail.com
• www.raileurope.com
It is also possible to travel very inexpensively by plane throughout Europe, often cheaper than by train, but we can tell you more details when you get here.
• www.europebyair.com
• www.ryanair.com
• www.easyjet.com
• www.wizzair.com
It is may be worthwhile to get an International Youth Hostel Card and an International Student ID Card before coming, although you will also receive a less-recognized student ID from Bodenseehof.
• www.isic.de
• www.hihostels.com
How do I find train schedules to and from Bodenseehof?
Just visit the website for the German Railway. When you are there, click "English" at the top of the screen. Bodenseehof is located in Friedrichshafen-Fischbach.
• www.bahn.de
Is it worth it to bring my skis or snowboard to school?
While at Bodenseehof, you are near some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. If you plan to take advantage of this during your stay here, it would make sense to bring your skis or snowboard. There are plenty of opportunities to hit the mountains on Saturdays, on travel weekend, and over Christmas break.
What exactly is included in my student fees for Bodenseehof?
What is included in your tuition and fees
• Lodging and all Meals
• Email/Internet access
• Laundry and Detergent
• All Books
• Yearbook
• Four Student Trips
• Use of Bodenseehof sports equipment (bikes, boats, sauna)
Already included in your fees are a trip to the Alps for a hike, a trip to Neuschwanstein (the castle Walt Disney used to model his own), a trip to Stuttgart to visit the Christmas market, and a trip to Münich. Many other trips and activities will also be made available throughout the year (not included in the fee).
What is not included in your tuition and fees
• The residency visa for students not from the European Union (120€)
• Health and accident insurance during Bible school
• Postage and telephone calls
• Bus fares to town
• Travel Expenses
How much pocket money do I need to bring to Bodenseehof?
This is a very individual consideration. While you are at Bodenseehof, you really would not need any additional money, except for any food you eat or trips you take part in above and beyond what is included in your tuition.
In general, you will need money for any traveling you do outside of school or on the travel weekends (it is also possible to stay at Bodenseehof for free during these weekends). Of course, any skiing or other such activities require an appropriate amount of money. So...in many ways, it is up to you!
What is the best way to access my money in Germany?
The easiest way to get money is to use your bank/debit card and withdraw the money from a nearby ATM (less than 10 minutes walk from Bodenseehof).
What is the easiest way to pay fees in Germany?
If you are living in the European Union, a simple bank transfer is best. For those living outside of the European Union...
You can use an international bank transfer or certified cashiers check in Euros. If you are unsure of how to do this, your bank can normally help you.
Do I need to pay for laundry during my time there?
Nope! Use of laundry machines and detergent is provided for you at no charge.
Do you offer student loans?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer student loans.
What happens if I am sick and need to visit a doctor?
There are always staff members available in our building, and our RA's sleep in the dorm building and are available 24 hours a day. This means that in an emergency we are available around the clock.
There is a hospital about 10 minutes away (by car) and a family doctor who is fluent in English in our neighborhood. We have a good relationship with other specialists in the area as well.
We are happy to help you!
What do I need to know about illness, disability, and medication?
It is a tremendous help if you let us know in advance about physical, mental or psychosomatic disorders which might influence your time at Bodenseehof. Please also let us know about things like sleep disorders so that we can consider it in our planning for your time as a student.
If you live outside of Germany and have to take medication on a regular basis, you should bring a 6-month supply with you, as the availability in Germany might not be guaranteed at all times (our health system is different to those in the US and Canada).
Please inform us about dietary requirements and other food incompatibilities before you arrive here, so our kitchen has enough time to prepare for your stay with us.
We can accommodate vegetarian diets as well as medically required gluten-free and lactose-free diets.
Do I need medical insurance as a student? How does it work?
Yes, in Germany everyone must have medical insurance by law. To get a student visa proof of medical insurance is required. Therefore, you must be insured when you arrive.
For those from outside the EU
In Germany you normally don’t have to pay medical bills immediately; you are given a 2-4 week grace period before paying it. When the time comes to pay, you need to pay it in cash and then hand in the receipt to your insurance company, and they will pay you back.
Will I need a VISA to attend Bible School?
Citizens of the European Union do not need a VISA for their time in Germany but will have to register in Germany.
Generally speaking, all Non-EU nationals require a visa for stays in Germany. A visa is not required for visits of up to 90 days in an 180‑day period for citizens of those countries for which the European Community has abolished the visa requirement. To attend Bible School, you will, therefore, need a VISA.
If you are from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada or New Zealand, South Korea or the United States, we will help you with getting a VISA once you are here.
If you do not hold any of this nationalities, you will have to apply and receive a VISA before you travel to Europe.
Please find more detailed information on the website of the German Federal Foreign Office: www.auswaertiges-amt.de
If you have any questions please contact our us via Email: registrar@bodenseehof.de
Are there more Torchbearers International centers?
Yes! There are many centers scattered across the globe. Here is the torchbearers international brochure:
torchbearer-international-brochure.pdf
Arrival
FROM THE NORTH
Travel on the B31 in the direction of Friedrichshafen and Lindau. Once you reach Immenstaad, you are just 2 km away from Bodenseehof. Look for Ziegelstrasse as you enter the suburb of Fischbach. It is the first right turn after a camping ground.
FROM THE SOUTH
Travel on the B31 in the direction of Meersburg and Donaueschingen. Once you reach Fischbach, you are only 1 mile away from the school. Look for Ziegelstrasse on your left shortly before the end of the village.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY BY CAR
Bodenseehof is one street off of the main bus route to Friedrichshafen. At either the Stadtbahnhof (main train station) or the ferry station, take Bus 7395 heading toward Meersburg (schedule). The stop you want is Fischbach West. When you get there, just walk across the street to the crosswalk and turn down Ziegelstrasse.
There is a station for long-distance coaches in Friedrichshafen, which is served daily by Flixbus. There are direct connections from and to Munich, Freiburg, Zurich, and Berlin.
Plan your journey with public transport
Friedrichshafen has a train station (Stadtbahnhof) which is served by the Bus 7395 from and to Bodenseehof. There are regular connections to and from Stuttgart, Lindau, and Basel.
Some of those connections stop at the Bodensee-Airport Friedrichshafen. This journey takes about 5 minutes from the main station.
Once you are at the ferry station in Friedrichshafen, the Bus 7395 is available to Bodenseehof (leave the bus at Fischbach-West. From there it is about 3 minutes to Bodenseehof.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY BY TRAIN
Friedrichshafen can be reached from Switzerland via a ferry taken from Romanshorn. The ferry runs every hour from 6 am to 6 pm.
Once you are at the ferry station in Friedrichshafen, the Bus 7395 is available to Bodenseehof (leave the bus at Fischbach-West. From there it is about 3 minutes to Bodenseehof.
Friedrichshafen has an international airport which is located just 20 minutes away from Bodenseehof. We strongly suggest using this airport because of its convenience and proximity. Connecting flights to Friedrichshafen go approximately three times a day from Frankfurt/Main (45-minute flights).
Other flight options within Germany are Munich (4 hours away), Stuttgart (3.5 hours away) or Memmingen (2.5 hours away). Students arriving at these airports should come by train to Friedrichshafen.
The Airport near Zürich, Switzerland, is also a possible option (2.5 hours away): from the airport take the train to Romanshorn, Switzerland and then the ferry across the Bodensee to Friedrichshafen.