Information for term German Language & Culture
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenHip, diverse, and student-friendly, Berlin is a beloved hub for international study
There’s never a dull moment in this dynamic city. Break free on a gap year in Berlin and don’t miss a beat. Here you can be part of the cutting-edge cultural scene while practicing and perfecting your language skills in one of Europe’s most popular hot spots for creativity, innovation, and international study.
Whatever your level of German language proficiency – beginner, intermediate, or advanced – you’ll make impressive strides through interactive coursework five days a week at GLS, a local language institute with a beautiful campus, and through everyday conversations with your host(s) back home. Out on the town, put your skills to the test in shops and cafés and with friendly locals – all while immersed in a fascinating multicultural environment. After German and English, did you know the most commonly spoken foreign languages in Berlin are Turkish, Russian, Arabic, Polish, Kurdish, Vietnamese, Serbian, Croatian, and Greek? Weekly activities will make sure you have an authentic local experience that represents the diversity and cultural richness that Berlin has to offer! Spend time learning about the city's fascinating history and architecture, art and culture, and its people. Take in the sights and sounds – and incredible international cuisine – all around you, for the global experience of a lifetime.
CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs are focused on supporting participants in acquiring knowledge and developing skills to live in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. In addition to developing your language skills and gaining a better understanding of the local culture, you will take part in our Global Competence Course. This online course will allow you to connect and collaborate in real-time with our entire cohort of Gap participants worldwide, through interactive workshops and discussions. Reflect on your own cultural biases, share insights about your experience and learn about topics ranging from cultural identity and leadership styles to how to work and live sustainably or develop communication skills.
On weekends and evenings you'll get into the rhythm of "Berliner" life while exploring all your neighborhood has to offer. Meet up with friends, take a day trip to a nearby town, or explore a nature reserve. Make the most of this amazing opportunity!
The Take-Aways
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LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY
15-20 hours per week of German language learning designed to improve real world language skills
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GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Build a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with an improved sense of self and awareness of what shapes others.
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CERTIFICATE
Earn a Certificate of Learning in German
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of alumni said their language skills improved
96% -
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
94% -
said their level of independence increased
89%
Location & Culture
Click to Open
The Destination
Break free in Europe’s leading capital of creativity and innovation.
A lively café culture, an innovative art and music scene, an abundance of green city parks and a laid-back vibe make for a near-perfect student environment. Berlin’s efficient public transportation makes it easy to get around, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to practice your German while out on the town.
Berlin is a city of districts and neighborhoods. The CIEE Global Institute is located in the heart of Kreuzberg, known for its youthful energy, sidewalk cafés, street festivals, and vibrant cultural scene. Checkpoint Charlie, the Jewish Museum, and Berlin’s historic “Mitte” district are all within walking distance. A 10-minute bike ride takes you to the expansive oasis of Tempelhof, the former airport of Berlin Airlift fame and now a giant urban park. Central Berlin is a quick subway ride away – the station is right in front of the Global Institute!
Home to more than 3.7 million people, the centuries-old capital of Germany is now a rich and vibrant city with many different cultures and subcultures living side by side. About one-third of Berlin is parkland or gardens, contrasting with its urban reputation. The Brandenburg Gate serves as a historical center of Berlin, famous for its association with the Berlin Wall, which fell in 1989. Recently refurbished, it is a national symbol of peace and unity.
Berlin’s cuisine is a combination of traditional dishes such as Eisbein mit Erbspüree (pork knuckle with mashed peas) and dishes influenced by the different communities who have made Berlin home, including two student street-food staples: the Currywurst and the Döner, the latter made famous by Berlin’s Turkish community.
Daily Life
Click to OpenDaily Life
A succesful Gap experience achieves the right balance between structured language instruction, practice in the community and cultural activties to be fully immersed in the local culture.
Here's how a typical week goes on a CIEE Gap Language & Culture program:
- 15-20 hours of interactive language learning at a language school
- 1 to 2 hours of the CIEE Global Competence Course
- 2 cultural activities
- Free time to explore and have fun!
Weekends are for group excursions (1 overnight trip and 2 daytrips per semester) or personal travel and exploration.
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Carefully vetted homestay
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Local CIEE Center staff available 24/7
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Activities
Click to OpenSample Activities
- 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
- Get an inside-look at Berlin's thriving start-up scene at a networking event or pitch night
- Spend a day at Zoologischer Garten, the most visited zoo in Europe
- Check out famous landmarks such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Jewish Museum Berlin, the Reichstag building, and the Mitte district
- Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial
- Relax in the expansive oasis of Tempelhof, the former airport of Berlin Airlift fame, and now a verdant urban park
- Sample Berlin’s famous street food – an amazing range of international and local foods are sold on almost every corner of the city
Each block includes two day trips. Past groups have enjoyed day trips to Dresden, Wolfsburg, or Potsdam, with its rich historical sites and palaces.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights. Get ready for maximum fun!
Eligibility & Fees
Click to OpenEligibility & Fees
Eligibility
Program open to recent high school graduates (no more that 1 year post-graduation) who:
- Are at least 18 years old at the time of their departure
- Are in good academic standing
- Demonstrate—through the application and interview process—flexibility and maturity.
No previous language experience required.
For more information, refer to our detailed GAP eligibility criteria.
Fees
$50
Priority deadline discount: Apply to a fall semester or academic year by June 1 and get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from final balance.
Program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Full inclusions are found online.
Apply for an academic year and enjoy an authentic holiday experience! If you stay in your host country between the fall and spring semesters, CIEE will cover your housing costs. We will either extend your homestay or provide you with an alternate lodging option until your spring semester classes and activities resume.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year 2022 32 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 8, 2022 | Apr 22, 2023 |
$25,650 |
| Fall 2022 14 weeks | Deadline Passed | Sep 8, 2022 | Dec 17, 2022 |
$13,500 |
| Spring 2023 15 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 9, 2023 | Apr 22, 2023 |
$13,500 |
| Academic Year 2023 34 weeks | Jun 1, 2023 | Aug 30, 2023 | Apr 22, 2024 |
$27,000 |
| Fall 2023 12 weeks | Jun 1, 2023 | Aug 30, 2023 | Nov 25, 2023 |
$15,000 |
| Spring 2024 12 weeks | Oct 1, 2023 | Jan 19, 2024 | Apr 13, 2024 |
$15,000 |
Ready to change your life?
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