berlin germany plaza eating tables green plant
Berlin, Germany

January in Berlin

Study Program

Dates

-

3 weeks

Credit

3 semester hours

4.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

Credit

3 semester hours

4.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Contact Us

Overview

Students of all majors are invited to discover firsthand how historical forces have shaped Germany's turbulent past and are building its vibrant future. Spend January immersing yourself in an intensive three-week course as you engage with the material in and out of the classroom.

Berlin's evocative landmarks, vibrant arts scene, and innovative startup flair make an ideal backdrop for your abroad experience. Courses are taught in English at CIEE Berlin and complemented by co-curricular activities designed to increase intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

THROUGH HISTORICAL EXCURSIONS

you’ll gain a deep understanding of a country once torn apart by war that is now united and prospering.

WALK ONE OF THE LAST REMAINING STRETCHES OF THE BERLIN WALL

still in place at the East Side Gallery – the longest open-air art gallery in the world.

SPEND A DAY AT ZOOLOGISCHER GARTEN

Founded in 1844, it is the most visited zoo in Europe.

44

THEATERS AND STAGES

118

ARTISTS PAINTED THE EAST SIDE GALLERY

385

MILES OF BICYCLE PATHS

Experience
  • berlin students at gate shadow sunset
  • leipzig at dusk downtown germany
  • students germany restaurant wine barrels

Your Destination

Berlin is the dynamic and fascinating capital city of a country with a complex history. 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 and has a moderate cost of living, making it an attractive place for artists and young people. Berlin is a fast-paced city in which to work, live, or study. 

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 where you live, 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

market excursion ciee germany students explore

OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Enjoy Berlin’s numerous cafés, street musicians, flea markets, pop up-stores, and galleries. 
  • Take in a performance at one of Berlin’s three major opera houses: the Deutsche Oper, the Berlin State Opera, and the Komische Oper. 
  • Immerse yourself in the local customs by living with a host family. It’s the ideal environment for meaningful cultural exchange. 
  • Interpret the contrasting history of a divided Berlin through works of art. Take a guided tour along the East Side Gallery, the largest and longest-lasting open-air gallery in the world.  
  • Sample your way through Berlin’s legendary street food - Döner Kebap, Currywurst, Market Hall IX, and much more!

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Izzy: “ Living with a host family is knowing that you always have support with the perspective of a local”

By CIEE Berlin at CIEE

Izzy Alexander is one of our students that participated on the program “January in Berlin 2024”. She is originally from North Carolina, and currently is studying English, German, and Linguistics... keep reading

From CIEE

Develop Your Future Start-up This J-term!

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Did you know a new start-up is founded in Berlin every 14 hours? That means 500 new companies join Berlin’s thriving business landscape every year! You could make yours one... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "I enjoyed every part of the experience and will surely be back"

    Devon V., University of Wisconsin - Stout

  • "Expert teaching and awesome touring."

    Cecil A., Wofford College

Housing
Academics

Academics

During the January in Berlin program, students spend three weeks focused on coursework complemented with co-curricular activities to immerse you in the culture and facilitate intercultural learning.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

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

1 CIEE elective course

Program Credit

Total credit: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 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

The program is made up of three weeks of classes with an intensive orientation beforehand. CIEE courses are taught at CIEE Berlin and are designed to follow U.S. academic culture. Class attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions.

Class Format

Courses taught at CIEE Berlin are for CIEE students only. Courses are taught Monday – Friday. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

Assessment is based on the individual’s overall performance in the course, including essays, coursework, and final examinations or papers. Students must check with their professors to find out exam and project presentation dates. Under no circumstances will CIEE alter deadlines or exam dates for study abroad students who have made conflicting travel plans. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used.

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

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

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

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.

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 January 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date
Program January 2024 3 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $3,950

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.

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

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 = $2,690**

Housing = $880

Insurance = $80

Total Fees = $3,950

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 = $63

International Airfare = $1,250††

Local Transportation = $100

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $130†††

Total Costs = $1,643

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

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...

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