Information for term Global Architecture + Design
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenThe 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.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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EXPLORE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BERLIN
with guided visits to experimental cooperative housing at Spreefeld and urban farming culture at Prinzessinnengarten.
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DELVE INTO A RANGE OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
from the Bauhaus in Dessau to baroque palaces in Potsdam.
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PARTICIPATE IN A GROUND-BREAKING DESIGN
to improve city living.
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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trees line the streets
400K -
miles of bike paths
390
Location & Culture
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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
FEATURED EXCURSION
Each semester, students on the Global Architecture + Design program are invited to join us for two overnight excursions to various destinations around Germany. Though destinations may vary, such as Nuremberg in Bavaria in the south or Rostock up on the Baltic coast, you will get to know the city through a local tour guide, enjoy a traditional German meal, and have plenty of free time to explore the neighborhoods, museums, and institutions that make each of our destinations unique!
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
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
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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HOUSING
Residence Hall: Most students live in an on-campus residence hall with a mix of CIEE students, local university students, and resident assistants. Students live in double, triple or quad rooms with en suite bathrooms and shower facilities. Lounges and kitchens allow students to meet over meals, cultural activities, study groups, and special events. They are shared spaces, with students enjoying the benefits but also the responsibility of taking care of them. Larger common areas are on the ground floor and inner courtyards offer comfortable spaces to work and relax.
Shared Apartments: In the event that there is not enough space in the Residence Hall, students may also be housed in shared apartments. Students mostly live in double or triple rooms similar to the Residence Hall. Each apartment will have shared common spaces, including kitchen and bathroom. Apartments are located approximately 30 minutes from campus by public transportation.
*Accepted students can indicate a housing preference, but final housing assignments are solely at the discretion of CIEE.
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MEALS
Meals are not included in the program cost. In both housing styles, students can prepare their own meals within the kitchen facilities. CIEE provides basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. Students can also explore the myriad restaurants in our multicultural Kreuzberg neighborhood or throughout the city. Students should be prepared to have a food budget.
Berlin, Germany Where You'll Study
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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.
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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.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 Prerequisites
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.
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.
Program 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
Click to OpenCourse 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.
Spring 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenArchitecture
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
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
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
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 infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 18 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 2, 2023 | May 6, 2023 |
$20,950
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Program FeesCIEE 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 = $17,133 ** Housing = $3,350 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $20,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $7,480Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's 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 hall or shared apartment; homestay students should budget $1000 per semester for meals not included in fees †† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Fall 2023 18 weeks | May 1, 2023 | Aug 14, 2023 | Dec 16, 2023 |
$20,950
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 = $17,103 ** Housing = $3,350 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $20,950Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $3,100 † International Airfare = $1,250 †† Local Transportation = $400 Books & Supplies = $450 Visa Fees = $80 Personal expenses = $2,800 Other = $65 ††† Total Estimated Costs = $8,145Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's 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 ††† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
| Spring 2024 18 weeks | Nov 1, 2023 | Jan 8, 2024 | May 11, 2024 |
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.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Andrea Adam Moore
Center Director
Andrea Adam Moore holds a Master in Business Administration.
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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.
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Eric Ginola
Director of Student Life
Besides day-to-day student advising and cultural programming, Eric also stays active teaching as a core member of the CIEE Berlin faculty.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
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. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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