Program Overview
Program Overview
Come begin or continue your German language study in Germany’s dynamic capital city.
CIEE study abroad in Berlin provides challenging and stimulating courses in a range of subjects that aim to increase students’ understanding of contemporary cultural realities in Berlin, Germany, and Europe as a whole. Intensive language courses serve to improve your facility with German and deepen learning and social exchange experiences.
In Berlin you will:
- Begin or continue your German language study in Germany’s capital city
- Take a wide range of courses, taught in English, focused on modern Germany and Europe, and explore the country on overnight program excursions
- Get an insider’s perspective on Berlin through CIEE events and workshops on diverse aspects of the city
- Participate in activities with German students, including language partners
- Live and learn in an exciting, accessible, multicultural European metropolis
The CIEE Difference
The CIEE Difference
Coursework
Enroll in an array of courses, tought in English, in various disciplines focusing on Berlin and Germany. Subjects include architecture, philosophy, business, pop-culture, and cinema.
Advanced German speakers may enroll in one German-taught course.
Excursions
Enjoy an insider’s perspective that most people, both locals and tourists, never see. Guided site visits and self-guided excursion assignments unveil local culture, history, politics, and art that link classroom learning to modern realities. A week-long field trip to two European cities helps to place Germany within the context of the European Union, and a separate two-day, one-night field trip to another German city such as Munich, Hamburg, Leipzig, or Dresden exposes the diversity of the German states.
Language Partners
CIEE works with the Freie Universität to recruit German students from the Department of Foreign Languages to serve as language partners for CIEE study abroad students. Structured weekly meetings and more informal events with language partners will help you improve your language skills.
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
Dates, Deadlines & Fees
We want to make sure you get the most out of your experience when you study abroad with CIEE, which is why we offer the most inclusions in our fees.
- Tuition and housing
- Pre-departure advising and optional on-site airport meet and greet
- Full-time program leadership and support
- Field trips and cultural activities
- CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits
Please note, program dates are subject to change. Please contact your CIEE Study Abroad Advisor before purchasing airfare. Click the
button to view more detailed information about dates and fees.
Application Due
Start Date
End Date
Costs
Fall 2013 (16 wks)
03/15/2013
08/19/2013
12/08/2013
$17,850
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, residence permit fees, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$12,598
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the student apartment option.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$2,600
International Airfare **
$1,450
Local Transportation
$400
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* For students in apartments. Homestay students should budget $900 per semester for meals not included in fees.
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2013 (16 wks)
10/01/2012
01/07/2013
04/28/2013
$17,850
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, residence permit fees, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$12,598
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the student apartment option.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$2,600
International Airfare **
$1,450
Local Transportation
$400
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* For students in apartments. Homestay students should budget $900 per semester for meals not included in fees.
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Spring 2014
10/01/2013
to be announced
to be announced
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
Estimated Additional Costs
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
Academic year 2013-2014
03/15/2013
08/19/2013
to be announced
$34,000
Program Date Notes
Program Fees
In addition to the items outlined below, the CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, residence permit fees, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.
Participation Confirmation *
$300
Educational Costs **
$23,898
This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.
Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.
* non-refundable
** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
*** Students in the homestay option have two meals per day provided as part of the program fee. No meals are included in the student apartment option.
Estimated Additional Costs
Meals not included in program fee *
$5,200
International Airfare **
$1,450
Local Transportation
$800
The estimated additional costs indicated are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.
* For students in apartments. Homestay students should budget $900 per semester for meals not included in fees.
** round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Eligibility
Eligibility
- Overall GPA 3.0
- Applicants must have reached the equivalent of at least second semester sophomore status
Recommended Credit
Recommended Credit
Total recommended credit for the semester is 13-16 semester/19.5-24 quarter hours. For the academic year, total recommended credit is 26-32 semester/39-48 quarter hours.
Content courses have 45 contact hours and recommended credit is 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours, unless otherwise indicated.
Language class contact hours are either 130 with a recommended credit of 8 U.S. credits or 90 with a recommended credit of 4 U.S. credits.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Students typically take German language for four or eight credits and two or three additional courses. Students at the beginning level may take German for four credits and three additional courses. Students at the intermediate or advanced level may take German for eight credits and two additional courses. Students can choose to take the CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Berlin for an additional two credits.
About the City
About The City
Berlin is the dynamic and fascinating capital of Germany with a dramatic and disturbing past. As a center of German cultural and intellectual life, the influence of Berlin reverberates around the world. It offers an incredibly wide range of cultural offerings, including many museums, theaters, restaurants, cafés, music venues, and green spaces. With low rents and inexpensive food prices, Berlin is an attractive place for artists and young people who flock to the city and make it one of the most dynamic places in the world to work, live, and study. The 24-hour public transportation system is extensive and the city is well connected to other cities.
Meet The Staff
Meet The Staff
Benjamin Lorch
Benjamin Lorch heads the CIEE Study Center in Berlin by both developing and leading study abroad, customized and faculty programs in partnership with major Berlin universities and educational institutions.
Lorch is a double graduate of The University of Chicago where he studied urban development policy, sociology and media. His 2004 master's thesis "Vertical Reservations: Imaging Urban Blight and Renewal in Chicago" was praised by Professor W. J. T. Mitchell as demonstrating "…an incisive sense of the meaning of pictures and graphic displays accompanied by a discourse of disease in the urban landscape" and "…an important contribution to our understanding of urban renewal."
Prior to joining CIEE, Lorch served as Managing Director of the Chicago Public Schools | University of Chicago Internet Project, a model program for educational outreach and community partnerships. In 2006, upon being selected as a Robert Bosch Fellow, Lorch returned to his ancestral German roots and moved to Berlin. He worked at the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (International and EU Cooperation Division — Bonn), and then subsequently headed communications and recruited students for the Berlin School of Creative Leadership Executive MBA Program.
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Maren Specht
Maren received her Degree in German and Italian Literature and History of Art from the Free University of Berlin. She studied abroad in Siena/Italy on Socrates Erasmus Scholarship. After working with students at the European Information Center Berlin, she joined CIEE in 2011. She brings a wealth of knowledge about Berlin and Germany to study abroad students and assists the Resident Director in coordinating housing, excursions, cultural activities and program development.
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Where You'll Study
Where You'll Study
The Freie Universität Berlin is one of Germany’s premier institutions of higher learning. The University was founded in 1948 and enrolls 32,000 students. It is one of nine German universities named by the German government as an institution of excellence. The University is located in Dahlem, the attractive southwestern section of Berlin, and offers easy access by to the city center by public transportation.
Housing & Meals
Housing & Meals
Study abroad students live either with host families or in studio apartments. Staying with a host family is strongly encouraged as this allows students to fully experience the local culture and practice speaking German every day. For students in homestays, two meals a day are included. For students in apartments, meals are not included in the program fee and are the responsibility of the student. Each studio apartment includes a kitchenette and food markets are within walking distance. Meals can also be eaten at student cafeterias, restaurants throughout the city, and on the Freie Universität campus. All students use public transportation to commute to their classes.
Orientations
Orientations
You'll begin your study abroad experience in Berlin even before leaving home by participating in a CIEE online pre-departure orientation. Meeting with students online, the resident director shares information about the program and site, highlighting issues that alumni have said are important, and giving you time to ask questions. The online orientation allows you to connect with others in the group, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish. CIEE’s aim for the pre-departure orientation is simple—to help you understand more about the program, and to identify your objectives so that you arrive well-informed and return home having made significant progress towards your goals.
Each semester begins with a mandatory, on-site CIEE and FU-BEST orientation session. These workshops cover program policies and provide an introduction to Berlin and German society, culture, academics, communication as well as ‘survival’ tips. Guided excursions in and around Berlin also help students become accustomed to the city. Ongoing support by CIEE staff is provided by on an individual and group basis throughout the program.
Internet
Internet
You are strongly encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. Wireless Internet and printing capabilities are available at the CIEE Study Center and the FU-BEST building. Homestays may have an Internet connection, but studio apartments do not have a connection. You may purchase it at an additional cost, but connectivity is limited .
Academics
Academics
The CIEE Study Center at the Freie Universität Berlin is embedded in the University‘s European Studies program (FU-BEST). FU-BEST was created with the interests and schedules of North American students in mind. It offers an array of courses in various disciplines taught in English focusing on Berlin and Germany. As class placements are distributed on a first come, first served basis, students should submit their applications early to ensure a better chance of getting the courses they would like.
The semester is aligned with the North American academic calendar. Advanced German speakers may enroll in one German-taught course.
Academic Culture
Classes offered through the University’s European Studies Program are small in size, consisting of approximately 15–20 students. Content courses meet once per week for two and one-half hours, and include field visits in Berlin and surrounding areas. CIEE students have two German language options; one course meets for 12 hours per week and the other for six hours per week. Students take an online pre-departure language test to determine their language level placement before arriving in Berlin.
The European Studies program operates on an academic calendar similar to most North American institutions of higher education, with the fall semester running from September through December and the spring semester running from January through April. Direct enrollment in regular Freie Universität Berlin courses is not possible as their calendar runs on a different academic schedule.
Nature of Classes
CIEE students take courses with CIEE and other U.S. students.
CIEE Community Language Commitment
As study abroad students gain proficiency in German, resident staff encourage them to use their language skills in everyday settings. The more students participate, the more a community that contributes to German language proficiency and understanding of German society develops.
Grading System
The European grading scale of 1-5 is used. Content courses are generally evaluated based on participation, a mid-term, final exam, final paper, and small independent projects focused on specific sites in Berlin. In the German language courses, students are generally evaluated based on exams, quizzes, oral exams, and short written assignments.
Language of Instruction
English
German
Faculty
FU-BEST faculty are all associated with Berlin institutions of higher learning.
Course Description
Course Description
All Courses
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 cancelled due to insufficient enrollment.
CIEE Study Center Syllabi
To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our Study Centers, visit our syllabi site.
Freie Universität Berlin European Studies Program Courses
The following list of courses is a representative sample of course offerings and are subject to change.
Architecture in Berlin from the 19th Century to Today
Art and Dictatorship
Berlin: History, Memory, Literature
Contemporary Cinema in Germany and Europe
Contemporary Germany in European Perspective
Environmental Politics and Policy in Europe
European Business Cultures: Management and Marketing in Cross-National Perspective
European Legal Traditions
European Traditions in Sociology
German Cinema Before 1945
German Language (All levels)
History of Central European Classical Music: Baroque to Contemporary
The Human Condition and the Totalitarian Experience
Integration, Conflict, and Security in Europe
Islam and Europe: Historical and Contemporary Dimensions
Literature und Film in Deutschland seit der Wende (Taught in German)
Modern German History in European Context: A Thematic Approach
Perspectives on 20th Century: Art in Central Europe
Pop Culture: European-American Trends
The Promise of German Philosophy: Kant to Hegel
Theatermetropole Berlin: Vergangenheit und Gegenwart (Taught in German)
Themes and Issues in Transatlantic Relations
Tragedy and New Beginnings in German Philosophy: From Marx and Nietzsche to Hamermas
CIEE Elective Course
CLST 3001 BERL
Seminar on Living and Learning in Berlin
The CIEE Seminar on Living and Learning in Berlin is designed to improve students’ intercultural communication and competence while studying abroad by considering how German culture is different from, and similar to, their own. The course offers opportunities, both in and outside the classroom, to develop insights and the skills necessary to interact effectively and appropriately, and to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the cultural richness of Germany. Contact hours: 25. Recommended credit: 2 semester/3 quarter hours.
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