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Berlin, Germany

Global Architecture + Design

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Information for term Global Architecture + Design

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Aug 12 – Dec 14, 2019 (18 weeks)
  • Credit: 15 - 18 semester hours / 22.5 - 27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

May 1, 2020
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Tentative Dates: Aug 10 – Dec 12, 2020 (18 weeks)*
  • Credit: 15 - 18 semester hours / 22.5 - 27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
$19,850 See full breakdown

Application Deadline

November 1, 2019
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: November 1, 2019
  • Dates: Jan 6 – May 9, 2020 (18 weeks)
  • Credit: 15 - 18 semester hours / 22.5 - 27 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
$19,850 See full breakdown
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Overview

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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. All courses are taught in English, and students take the required Future Cities Design Studio; Design and Sustainability Seminar; and Science and Technology Workshop at the CIEE Global Institute - Berlin. Hands-on workshops with cutting-edge technology are led by experts from Berlin’s architecture and design community. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

  • EXPLORE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BERLIN

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

  • 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.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    3

  • trees line the streets

    400K

  • miles of bike paths

    390

Location & Culture

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The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • 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.
  • Visit two cities celebrated for architecture on overnight trips to cities such as Hamburg, Leipzig, Dresden, or Prague.
  • Get out of the classroom to investigate design in person, at the East Side Gallery section of the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate and more.
  • Stop by the Community and Student Life Office to borrow recreational equipment, and get advice from CIEE staff and local student “Buddies” on local restaurants and stores, concerts, art exhibits, and more.

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.

Selected Student Works

Daily Life

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  • HOUSING

    Residence Hall Most students reside in the Global Institute in doubles, triples, or quads. Lounges and a cafe in the residence hall allow students to mix and mingle over meals, cultural activities, study groups, and special events.

    Homestay A limited number of homestays may be available for students, with preference given to those whose universities require living with a local family; this must be indicated when applying.

    Apartments Students may also be housed in shared apartments.

    Final housing assignments are solely at the discretion of CIEE. 

  • MEALS

    Residence Hall Meals are not included for students in the residence halls, but students can prepare their own meals in fully-equipped kitchens.
    Homestay Students in homestays receive two meals per day with their program fee.
    Apartments Meals are not included for students in shared apartments.

Berlin, Germany

Where You'll Study

  • A

    CIEE GLOBAL INSTITUTE – BERLIN (G27)

    The center is located in the heart of the Kreuzberg district and offers students easy access to a large public market hall, restaurants, cafés, and a variety of shops.

  • B

    Getting Around

    Berlin has excellent public transportation, and our Global Institute is steps from a neighborhood subway station with easy access to the rest of the city.

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Program Details

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What you need to know

The program details

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

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

Academics

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Academics

  • CLASS FORMAT

    All courses are customized for and open only to CIEE students. Classes include a combination of lectures, group work, presentations, and discussions.

  • Grading

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

  • 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.

Eligibility

  • OVERALL GPA

    Students need to have a GPA of at least 2.5.

  • PROGRAM 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.

Curriculum

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

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
    • Electives
  • CIEE language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
  • CIEE Future Cities and Design Studio: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 90 contact hours

Language of Instruction
English and/or German

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 CIEE Electives

Technical Requirements for Required Courses

Hardware Requirements

  • Windows laptop with 64-bit OS (preferred) OR MacBook partitioned with Boot Camp (please set up Boot Camp prior to arriving in Berlin, as your university IT department may be able to help you with this)
  • Intel i5 or i7 processor or AMD equivalent
  • Open GL 2 video card or equivalent
  • 8 GB of RAM minimum
  • 100 GB memory (internal and/or external)
  • Multiple button mouse with scroll wheel

Software Requirements

  • Rhino 6 or latest version (64-bit for Windows; for macOS, use the Windows version with Boot Camp and not the native Mac version)
  • Grasshopper 3D, latest version with the following Add-ons:
  • Mesh Tools
  • MeshEdit
  • Geco

Course Notes

  • Future Cities Design Studio spans the full semester.
  • Design and Sustainability Seminar, Science and Technology Workshop, and all CIEE elective 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.

Language Courses

  • During course selection, students interested in a 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 not enrolled in three-credit language classes may add the non-credit “Survival German” course to their course load during the on-site orientation.

*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.

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.

Spring 2020 Courses

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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.

REQUIRED CIEE COURSES

CIEE ELECTIVE COURSES

Global Architecture + Design students benefit from the CIEE Open Campus model, which features a range of innovative courses offered in six-week academic blocks. Language courses include 60 contact hours, and area studies courses include 45 contact hours. All courses are offered for a recommended 3 semester / 4.5 quarter credits. Students choose 1 - 2 CIEE elective courses.

Not all courses listed below may be available to GAD students as some electives may ultimately conflict with the meeting times for the GAD core curriculum. Additional courses may be made available upon arrival, depending on the final GAD core schedule.

Area Studies Courses

GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES

During the course selection process, students interested in any German language course will be instructed to take an online German language assessment test to determine their proficiency level, which will be finalized on site. Beginning I students are exempt.

CIEE German courses are designed to help students improve their German language proficiency whether they are beginners or nearly fluent speakers. CIEE students at all levels will learn and practice in all areas vital to successful communication in German: speaking, comprehension, reading, writing, self-correction, sociocultural competence, and self-reflection. CIEE Berlin follows the standards set forth by the Goethe-Institut curricula, which are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

CEFR Equivalencies:
Beginning I (A1)
Beginning II (A2.1; A2.2)
Intermediate I (B1.1; B1.2)
Intermediate II (B2.1; B2.2)
Advanced I (C1.1; C1.2)
Advanced II (C2)

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUIRED COURSES

Hardware Requirements

  • Windows laptop with 64-bit OS (preferred) OR MacBook partitioned with Boot Camp (please set up Boot Camp prior to arriving in Berlin, as your university IT department may be able to help you set this up)
  • Intel i5 or i7 processor or AMD equivalent
  • Open GL 2 video card or equivalent
  • 8 GB of RAM minimum
  • 100 GB memory (internal and/or external)
  • Multiple button mouse with scroll wheel

Software Requirements

  • Rhino 6 or latest version (64-bit for Windows; for macOS, use the Windows version with Boot Camp and not the native Mac version)
  • Grasshopper 3D, latest version with the following Add-ons:
    • Mesh Tools
    • MeshEdit
    • Geco

FALL 2019 COURSES

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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.

REQUIRED CIEE COURSES

CIEE ELECTIVE COURSES

Global Architecture + Design students benefit from the CIEE Open Campus model, which features a range of innovative courses offered in six-week academic blocks. Language courses include 60 contact hours, and area studies courses include 45 contact hours. All courses (except Survival German, which is optional and non-credit) are offered for a recommended 3 semester / 4.5 quarter credits. Students choose 1 - 2 CIEE elective courses.

Area Studies Courses

GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSES

During the course selection process, students interested in any German language course will be instructed to take an online German language assessment test to determine their proficiency level, which will be finalized on site. Students who select Beginning I are exempt from completing the language assessment.

CIEE German courses are designed to help students improve their German language proficiency whether they are beginners or nearly fluent speakers. CIEE students at all levels will learn and practice in all areas vital to successful communication in German: speaking, comprehension, reading, writing, self-correction, sociocultural competence, and self-reflection. CIEE Berlin follows the standards set forth by the Goethe Institute curricula, which are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

CEFR Equivalencies:
Beginning I (A1)
Beginning II (A2.1; A2.2)
Intermediate I (B1.1; B1.2)
Intermediate II (B2.1; B2.2)
Advanced I (C1.1; C1.2)
Advanced II (C2)

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUIRED COURSES

Hardware Requirements

  • Windows laptop with 64-bit OS (preferred) OR MacBook partitioned with Boot Camp (please set up Boot Camp prior to arriving in Berlin, as your university IT department may be able to help you set this up)
  • Intel i5 or i7 processor or AMD equivalent
  • Open GL 2 video card or equivalent
  • 8 GB of RAM minimum
  • 100 GB memory (internal and/or external)
  • Multiple button mouse with scroll wheel

Software Requirements

  • Rhino 6 or latest version (64-bit for Windows; for macOS, use the Windows version with Boot Camp and not the native Mac version)
  • Grasshopper 3D, latest version with the following Add-ons:
    • Mesh Tools
    • MeshEdit
    • Geco

Scholarships

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Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers more than $8 million in 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
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.

See more scholarship info

Dates & Fees

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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.

YOUR FEE INCLUDES:

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Orientation – an introduction to German culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
  • Excursions and/or Study Tours
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

No Hidden Fees

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing
Fall 2019 18 weeks Deadline Passed Aug 12, 2019 Dec 14, 2019
Spring 2020 18 weeks Nov 1, 2019 Jan 6, 2020 May 9, 2020
$19,850
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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 insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $14,958 **

Housing = $4,425 ***

Insurance = $167

Total Fees = $19,850

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 = $2,800 †

International Airfare = $1,250 ††

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $450

Visa Fees = $80

Personal expenses = $2,800

Total Estimated Costs = $7,480

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

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 $500 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.

† for students in residence halls or shared apartments. Students in a homestay option have two meals per day as part of the program fee and should budget approximately $330 per block (or $1000 per semester) for additional meals

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
Fall 2020 18 weeks May 1, 2020 Aug 10, 2020* Dec 12, 2020*
$19,850
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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 insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $14,958 **

Housing = $4,425 ***

Insurance = $167

Total Fees = $19,850

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

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 $500 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.

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

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, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.

Looking for funding?

See Our Scholarships

Our Staff

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Our Staff

  • Lukas Kronawitter, M.Sc.

    Global Programs Coordinator and Core Faculty

    Lukas Kronawitter is an architect, planner, consultant, researcher and educator in multiple facets of sustainable urbanism.

  • Michael LaFond, Ph.D.

    Core Faculty

    Michael is a professor of the International Urban Management Master’s Program at the Technical University Berlin and is the director of id22: Institute for Creative Sustainability in Berlin.

  • Christian Tschersich, PhD

    Core Faculty

    Christian Tschersich trained as an architect at universities in Germany and the Netherlands. He graduated from KIT (Karslruhe Institute of...

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! 

    Apply Now
  • 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. 

    Contact Jane

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