berlin reichstag at night
Berlin, Germany

Semester in Berlin

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

TBD

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

17 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Semester in Berlin program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses and host institution courses. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in German culture. Live and learn in Berlin!

Unique Experiences

Discover Iconic Berlin Landmarks

such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Jewish Museum Berlin, the Reichstag Building, and the Mitte District

\

Uncover Berlin's Vibrant Street Art Scene

like the hidden world of graffiti, stencils, and stickers that express Berlin's unique urban culture

Immerse in Local Life with a Host Family

when you spend a weekend with a Berlin host family

Experience
  • berlin nighttime plaza

Your Destination

Berlin is Germany's cosmopolitan city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city's unique blend of German and international cultures, iconic architectural landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and East Side Gallery, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Berlin is the perfect place to study abroad.

berlin motion lab interns

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses and host institution courses that align with your academic major.
  • Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities. 
berlin students on a graffiti tour

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Berlin will open doors for you to explore Germany's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.      

Samples of past excursions and activities: 

  • Embark on exciting overnight excursions to iconic destinations like Nuremberg, Dresden, or Rostock
  • Enjoy guided tours of the city's unique neighborhoods, museums, and institutions, with ample free time to check out your interests
  • Gain valuable insights into Germany's complex past during a day trip to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.    

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Inside Unkompress: Where Berlin Listens

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Sophie Girard Berlin is most famously known for its techno scene, but beyond the fast paced echoing beats lies a community devoted to disco, house, and soul music. Listening... keep reading

From CIEE

Planting Roots in Berlin

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

By: Sylvie Cullen Growing up, the closest city to me was Raleigh, North Carolina. This city has less than 500,000 people, and covers about 150 square miles. In comparison, Berlin... keep reading

From CIEE

Embracing Independence on a Solo Trip to Rostock

By College Study Abroad Ambassador at CIEE

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

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Berlin: Study in the heart of Berlin's Kreuzberg district, in close proximity to a large public market hall, plenty of restaurants and cafés, and various shops. CIEE Berlin features classrooms, student lounges, a study space, a student life office, an academic advising office, an on-campus café, and a dedicated outdoor space.

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.  

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Immigration/Entry Requirements

Visa Required: Yes. Students will apply for a Residence Permit on-site.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Semester in Berlin students take 4-5 courses for a total of 12-16 semester credits, choosing from:   

  • Up to 5 CIEE courses   
  • Up to 2 courses total at either SRH University of Applied Sciences and /or at ASU online (max 8 total credits)   
  • Students cannot attend more than one course at SRH or ASU at a time but only consecutively.   

Participants can combine up to 2 courses total at SRH University of Applied Sciences and/or ASU online, with courses offered at CIEE for a course load of 12-16 semester credits. SRH offers 5-week-block courses (3 U.S. credits) as well as 8-week-block courses (4 U.S. credits) (Fall semester only). ASU online courses are 7.5-week long and typically worth 3 or 4 U.S. credits per course .  

If students choose two courses at SRH / ASU, they can combine that with up to 3 additional courses at CIEE for 15 or 16 semester credits. Choosing 2 courses in addition to the two SRH / ASU courses would be required and recommended for a more moderate workload (12 or 13 semester credits). If students choose one SRH / ASU course only, they must choose 3 additional courses at CIEE for 13 or 14 semester credits.    

If students decide not to register for courses at SRH/ASU, they need to take 4 or 5 CIEE courses.  

Students need to decide whether they want to take SRH courses and/or ASU online courses in the course selection process post acceptance.   

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-16 U.S. semester/18-24 quarter credits 

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits, 45-60 contact hours 
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours 
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours 
  • CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 90 service hours 
  • SRH courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5 - 6 quarter credits, 45-60 contact hours   
  • ASU Online Courses: typically 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of lectures and discussion with co-curricular excursions and field trips. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. The SRH University of Applied Sciences is characterized by its international orientation and student body. At SRH, students learn in 5-week blocks or 8-week blocks.  

All Semester in Berlin courses feature a very student-centered approach. The focus is on skill acquisition and knowledge gain in small groups. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two to three hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes. To avoid falling behind, students should not plan personal travel out of Berlin when classes are in session and plan trips for the long weekends.   

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

Courses taught at CIEE Berlin are for CIEE students only. Classes are typically scheduled Monday through Thursday and meet twice per week. Attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas. With a large pool of possible examination formats (from the typical exam up to a learning diary) you can demonstrate your skills in the way that is the most well-suited to the competences that are relevant for the subject in question. You will receive continuous performance feedback throughout your studies.       

Classes at SRH are typically scheduled Monday through Friday. You are expected to attend face-to-face sessions.  

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

CIEE reports all final course grades to students’ home institutions using a U.S. letter grade equivalent scale of A-F. For CIEE-administered courses, students’ grades are based on attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi. Host Institution courses at SRH are graded using a range from 1.0 to 5.0 with 1.0 being the highest grade and 4.0 being the minimum passing grade; CIEE reports final grades for host institutions course using recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents, following a predetermined grade conversion scale. 

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

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. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

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

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Engineering and Engineering Technologies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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. 

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

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.

Internships

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

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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 Fall 2025 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Academic year 2025-2026 Application Due Deadline Passed 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.

See Scholarships

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.

See Scholarships

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.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

Our Staff

Eric Ginola

Interim Center Director & 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...

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 internship 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 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!

Request Info