Berlin
Berlin, Germany

Global Architecture + Design

Study Program

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

18 weeks

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

The Global Architecture + Design program invites design, architecture, or sustainability majors or minors to create model cities that address climate change by reducing the environmental footprint of buildings. At CIEE Berlin, all courses are taught in English and led by experts from Berlin’s architecture and design community. All classes are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

From its evocative, traditional landmarks to its contemporary design innovations, Berlin is one of Europe’s hubs for the future of architecture and design. Take advantage of all this trendy city offers as you participate in the Global Architecture + Design program.

Unique Experiences

EXPLORE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BERLIN

with guided visits to experimental cooperative housing at Spreefeld and urban farming culture at Prinzessinnengarten.

DELVE INTO A RANGE OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

from the Bauhaus in Dessau to baroque palaces in Potsdam.

PARTICIPATE IN A GROUND-BREAKING DESIGN

to improve city living.

3

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

400K

TREES LINE THE STREETS

390

MILES OF BIKE PATHS

Experience
  • girls in berlin smiling by building
  • berlin skyscrapers at night traffic lights
  • berlin brandenburg students walking

Your Destination

The thriving global city of Berlin is home to more than 3.7 million people. Live among the locals and see for yourself why Berlin is ranked among the top for global urban quality-of-life. With excellent public transportation, you’ll have no problem exploring the city’s parks, orchestras, museums, festivals, and historical landmarks. 

Berlin’s 24-hour public transportation system is extensive and connects the areas of the city accessibly and quickly. CIEE Berlin is steps from a neighborhood subway station with easy access to the rest of the city.  Located in the heart of the Kreuzberg district, CIEE Berlin offers students easy access to a large public market hall, restaurants and cafés, and a variety of shops. 

Students may commute to classes or live on campus, where the classrooms, center staff, and social spaces are waiting to welcome you. Regardless of your housing accommodations, an introduction to the public transportation system is provided during orientation and students are responsible for securing their own public transportation pass. Program housing is convenient to public transportation.  

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Berlin.

The Culture

berlin students powerpoint presentation envs sustainability

OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

Ample activities and daytrips will be offered to immerse you in Germany’s culture and historical heritage.  Excursions can include:  

  • Visit landmarks by celebrated architects, such as the Reichstag Dome by Foster and Partners and Potsdamer Platz buildings by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. 
  • Explore innovative projects such as Spreefeld, an experimental sustainable housing cooperative; Prinzessinnengärten, an innovative urban community garden; or Tempelhofer Feld, a historic airfield now home to a major public park. 
  • Get out of the classroom to investigate design in person at the East Side Gallery section of the Berlin Wall, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Brandenburg Gate, and more.  
  • Soak in artistic inspiration from Europe’s largest street art gallery, Teufelsberg, housing in an abandoned Cold War spy station.   
  • Get to know your peers by participating in local activities like going to the open-air cinema, taking a riverboat cruise, or playing soccer
berlin ciee students cook abroad together

PROJECTS

  • Collaborate on design projects in small groups with people from diverse backgrounds. 
  • Meet and learn from visiting faculty and professionals via lectures and critiques. 
  • Connect virtually with other CIEE students as they tackle the same design issues in other cities. 
  • Practice your language skills with weekly activities organized in the residence hall and around the neighborhood, including cooking events, film nights, board-game evenings, and other opportunities designed to help you perfect your German while hanging out with friends.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

"Studying in Berlin has made us more independent and at the same time adaptable to new experiences"

By CIEE Berlin at CIEE

Lily and Andrew are both High School students from the US living in Berlin since August 2022. They just finished their study abroad program where they were able to live... keep reading

From CIEE

Interview to Rachel Fischler (she/her): “Running” abroad

By CIEE Berlin at CIEE

The experience of studying abroad is different for each student. We love to see how they gradually identify with the city, especially in Berlin, which is the capital of Germany... keep reading

From CIEE

Christmas Markets: The magic has arrived to Berlin!

By CIEE Berlin at CIEE

Every December we can see how the city gets darker and colder, but it is also filled with lights in parks, streets, main squares and homes. This month, the last... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "CIEE provided many excursions and it was a great program."

    Hae Wann K., Carnegie Mellon University

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE designed this program to help students develop a language of technological design that links individual responsibility and the global environmental crisis through the study of places, cities, and cultures. The program includes the Future Cities Design Studio, a seminar, science, engineering, and technology workshop. Students have full access to cutting-edge facilities at CIEE Berlin. 

Courses are taught in English by CIEE faculty members who also facilitate collaborative projects with local professionals and peers.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Students must be either: 

  • Majors in architecture, environmental design, industrial design, interior design, landscape architecture, sustainability studies, or urban design. 
  • Minors in one of the areas listed above, with 2-3 semesters of design studio or project-based courses in their major.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Requirements

  • ARCH 3001 GGAD: Future Cities Design Studio 
  • ENVI 3102 BRGE: Design and Sustainability Seminar 
  • ARCH 3102 BRGE: Science and Technology Workshop – Computational Design Theory and Application 
  • 1-2 courses from the CIEE Open Campus Block program

Program Credit

Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUIRED COURSES

Hardware Requirements

  • Windows laptop with 64-bit Intel or AMD processor (Not ARM) OR Apple Intel MacBook partitioned with Boot Camp (Boot Camp is not supported on Apple Silicon M1 Macs.; please set up Boot Camp prior to arriving in Berlin, as your university IT department may be able to help you with this) 
  • OpenGL 4.1 capable video card is recommended 
  • 8 GB memory (RAM) or more is recommended 
  • 100 GB disk space (internal and/or external) 
  • A multiple-button mouse with a scroll wheel is recommended 

Software Requirements

  • Rhino 7 or latest version (64-bit for Windows; for macOS, use the Windows version with Boot Camp and not the native Mac version) 
  • with the following Tools as plug-ins: 
    • Grasshopper 
    • MeshEdit 
    • Geco 


 

Course Credit

  • CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
    • Design and Sustainability Seminar 
    • Science and Technology Workshop – Computational Design Theory and Application 
    • Elective courses from the Open Campus Block program 
  • CIEE language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 60 contact hours 
  • CIEE Future Cities Design Studio: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 90 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Academic Culture

Students are encouraged to inquire, debate, collaborate, conduct experiments, and consider the role of today’s architects and designers. Students need open minds, a readiness to collaborate and exchange ideas, and self-motivation to thrive in an interdisciplinary learning environment.

Class Format

All courses are customized for and open only to CIEE students. Classes include a combination of lectures, group work, presentations, and discussions.  Some Open Campus Block courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A–F is used. Students are graded on class participation, homework, individual project work, and presentations, as well as mid-term and final exams.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Language of Instruction

English and/or German

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes

  • Future Cities Design Studio spans the full semester. 
  • Design and Sustainability Seminar, Science and Technology Workshop, and all CIEE courses* operate on a block schedule. Courses are condensed into three intensive six-week blocks in partnership with the Open Campus Block program. 
  • Students may not take more than one CIEE elective in a single block. 
  • Some CIEE courses are available in multiple CIEE locations. To help ensure you are able to enroll in the courses you need, some courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location. However, regardless of your location, you will apply what you learn from the instructor and course materials in your location. Hybrid courses can be identified in the course list as those whose course codes end in “CIEE” – open the syllabus to see the instruction location, if known. 

Language Courses

  • During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory German language course will be instructed to take an online German language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes. 
  • Students may opt into the non-credit Survival German course to their course load during the customary add/drop period. 

*Not all courses listed below may be available to Global Architecture + Design students as some electives may conflict with the meeting times for the core curriculum. Additional courses may be made available upon arrival depending on the final schedule.

Architecture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2024 18 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $21,950
Program Fall 2024 18 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $21,950
Program Spring 2025 18 weeks Start Date End Date

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,956**

Housing = $5,500

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $21,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $378

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $405

Books & Supplies = $450

Visa Fees = $80

Personal expenses = $225†††

Total Costs = $2,788

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500^^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $268 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Includes 3 GB data/month. 6 GB data would cost an extra $9/month

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

^^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,956**

Housing = $5,500

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $21,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $504

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $500

Books & Supplies = $450

Visa Fees = $80

Personal expenses = $225†††

Total Costs = $3,009

Optional Housing

CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee:

Select Housing Fee = $750^

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Includes 3 GB data/month. 6 GB data would cost an extra $9/month)

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Andrea Adam Moore

Center Director

Andrea Adam Moore holds a Master in Business Administration. Andrea was previously the Director of the Indiana University Europe Gateway in Berlin.

Greta Krumbholz

ACADEMIC DIRECTOR

Greta Krumbholz has a Master’s degree in German and Slavic Studies and a Ph.D. in linguistics at the University of Hamburg. She has taught at the University of Hamburg, the...

Eric Ginola

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE

Having grown up in the Chicago area and completed his undergraduate degree at Macalester College, Eric went on to complete his graduate work at the University of Washington-Seattle, where he...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application 
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office 
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact Us 
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info