Semester in Berlin
Unique Experiences
Visit famous landmarks
such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Jewish Museum Berlin, the Reichstag Building, and the historic Mitte District
Join a local artist on an exciting Berlin street art tour
to explore the secrets, history, techniques, rules, and personal stories of graffiti and street art; discover murals, rooftops, "bombing and "tagging," stencils, paste-ups, and stickers which are all expressions of this culture
Spend a weekend with a local host family (mini homestay)
and go on neighborhood tours, enjoy a dinner together, and gain cultural insights
1,700+
BRIDGES ACROSS BERLIN – MORE THAN VENICE
175
DISTINCT MUSEUMS ACROSS THE CITY, RANGING FROM THE WORLD-CLASS ART AND HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS ON MUSEUM ISLAND TO THE STRANGE AND ABSURD LIKE THE DISGUSTING FOOD MUSEUM
170
NATIONS ARE REPRESENTED AMONG THE OFFICIAL RESIDENTS OF BERLIN
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 cities for urban quality-of-life globally. Excellent public transportation means 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. The SRH campus is reachable within 20min by public transportation from the CIEE center.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
Each semester, students on the Semester in Berlin program are invited to join us for one overnight excursion to one of various destinations around Germany and two daytrips to destinations closer to Berlin. Though overnight destinations may vary from semester to semester, some of our favorite places to go include Nuremberg in Bavaria in the south, the East German gem of Dresden, 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!
For day trips, we invite you to various places close to Berlin, such as the beautiful city of Potsdam with its famous Rococo castle Sanssouci, nearby Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the waterways and forests of Lübbenau, or the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial.
Projects
- Volunteering: Give back and create a deeper connection to Berlin. Students have opportunities to volunteer at local organizations, youth centers, schools, and more. As long as the local health and safety regulations permit, in-person volunteering will be offered.
- Internships: Build new skills and intercultural competencies through the CIEE academic internship and become an active member of the Berlin professional environment.
- Research: Pursue a research project of your own design incorporating independent, local field work.
- Service-Learning Projects: Combine course-based learning with practical, relevant project experience to meet a community-defined need.
Program Blogs
Embracing Independence on a Solo Trip to Rostock
By: Brooke Menzock One thing I’ve loved while being abroad is the independence and the freedom to go anywhere I want, whenever I want. As a very independent and adventurous... keep reading
3 Cities in 5 Days? Challenge Accepted!
By: Madeline Passarello Throughout my time studying abroad I had so many amazing experiences. Studying in Berlin gave me the ability to travel to 15 different cities over the course... keep reading
Berlin Bites
By: Nina Marra Studying abroad in Berlin has been nothing short of amazing. One of my favorite breakfast places in Berlin is Breggs, which is an egg sandwich place that... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Berlin offers a variety of housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. We strive to meet your accommodation preferences in the form of residence halls, homestays, and shared apartments. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, and restaurants.
Standard Housing: Includes one of the following options: (1) a single room at a homestay, (2) accommodation in a triple or quad room at CIEE Berlin, or (3) - if dorm capacity is exceeded - a double room off-campus in a shared apartment/residence hall located within 45 minutes of CIEE. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family. Off-campus shared apartments offer kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities (for fee) shared with other students. Triples and quad rooms on campus offer an en-suite bathroom and are fully furnished and equipped with a fridge, microwave, and Wi-Fi. The residence hall has four large, shared student kitchens, five student lounges, and a laundry room (service for fee).
Students who live with host families receive breakfast and dinner daily. In residence halls and at shared apartments, students can prepare their own meals in the (shared) kitchens. Basic cooking utensils are provided. In the neighborhood or throughout the city, there are plenty of restaurants ready for students to explore.
Select Housing: Includes a double room or shared apartment on campus at CIEE Berlin, or if dorm capacity is exceeded, off-campus in a private bedroom within a shared apartment located within 45 minutes of CIEE. The on-campus residence hall rooms offer en-suite bathrooms and are fully furnished and equipped with a fridge, microwave, and Wi-Fi. The residence hall has four large, shared student kitchens, five student lounges, and a laundry room. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room at CIEE Berlin or a single room in off-campus housing within 15 minutes from CIEE. The on-campus residence hall rooms offer en-suite bathrooms and are fully furnished and equipped with a fridge, microwave, and Wi-Fi. The residence hall has four large, shared student kitchens, five student lounges, and a laundry room (for fee). Off-campus single rooms share kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities (for fee) with other students. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Homestays: Include two meals, usually breakfast and dinner. For non-homestay housing, meals are not included in the program cost.
Shared apartment/residence hall: 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.
Academics
The Semester in Berlin program offers a full range of courses in English at CIEE and SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences (SRH). Students with a C1 level of German language proficiency have the option to take courses in German at the local partner host institution. Students with lower levels of German proficiency can improve their language skills taking CIEE or SRH-delivered language courses.
SRH University of Applied Sciences
SRH Berlin was founded in 2002 and is a state-accredited private university in Berlin. SRH is currently listed as an AACSB member and aims for accreditation in the foreseeable future.. The university offers undergraduate courses in many fields, with special strengths in Technology, Creative Industry Management, International Business Administration, Business Psychology, Illustration, Advertising & Brand Design, as well as Computer Science and Web Development. SRH’s new location at the waterfront in the lively neighborhood of Berlin-Neukölln is a short commute from the CIEE center offering state-of-the-art facilities for students, interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, four engineering labs, three film and photo studios, stages, cinema and a large library.
At CIEE Berlin, you can choose from a selection of semester-length interdisciplinary courses (with a focus on language, culture, history and sociology).
Course Information
Course Information
If you can prove a C1 level of German language proficiency, you have the option to take courses in German at the local partner host institution, SRH.
Academic Projects
Health Professions and Related Programs
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Social Sciences
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Academic Projects
Social Sciences
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Health Professions and Related Programs
History, Philosophy, Religion
Languages and Cultural Studies
Literature, Linguistics, and Writing
Engineering and Engineering Technologies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
Psychology
Not all SRH courses are offered every semester, and some courses have prerequisites. The final list of courses is made available during the course enrollment process later on in the application process.
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through the SRH and is subject to change. In some cases, prior background knowledge may be required to enroll in a class.
Sample course list:
- Entrepreneurship
- App programming
- Business Intelligence and Big Data
- International Management
- Global Supply Chain Management 4.0
- Market Research
- Staged Photography
- Foundations of Illustration 1
If you can prove a C1 level of German language proficiency, you have the option to take courses in German at SRH.
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.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
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
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
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 Fall 2025 15 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 | |
| Program Academic year 2025-2026 | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | ||
| Program Spring 2026 17 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*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, 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 | $14,456 ** |
| Housing | $5,000 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $19,950 |
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. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,500 |
| Select Plus Housing Fee | $2,250 |
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.
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 | $420 † |
| International Airfare | $1,250 †† |
| Local Transportation | $400 |
| Books & Supplies | $200 |
| Visa Fees | $80 |
| Personal expenses | $220 ††† |
| Total Costs | $2,570 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†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)
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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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.
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
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
Our Staff
Andrea Adam Moore
Regional Director of Operations for Europe
Andrea holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Humboldt-Universität zu 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
1
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 CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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