Berlin, Germany

German Language & Culture

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Information for term German Language & Culture

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jun 11 – Jul 8, 2023 (4 weeks)
$6,650

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Jul 9 – Aug 5, 2023 (4 weeks)
$6,650

Overview

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Du bist ein Berliner oder eine Berlinerin!

Experience life as a Berliner! In the German capital you’ll expand your intercultural awareness exponentially by sharing this city with people of more than 160 ethnicities who live here. Berlin has a unique history and attracts many visitors each year curious to understand this diverse city. Much of this world-changing history only happened in recent years and is still very tangible. In shops, cafes and at its many cultural sites, you’ll hear a variety of world languages all around you. But during daily language classes and your full-immersion experience, the focus will be all things German! 

With CIEE, you’ll dedicate most mornings to intensive language study, and then experience this lively student-friendly city for lunch and afternoons practicing your language skills in local shops, restaurants, museums, workshops and other attractions. Living with a homestay, you’ll practice German as you prepare and share meals, shop at local markets, learn local customs, and enjoy the rhythm of everyday life. 

The Take-Aways

  • LANGUAGE GROWTH AND CULTURE COMPETENCE

    Come home with a higher level of German and a greater understanding of German culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy.

  • COLLEGE CREDITS

    Earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

  • LIFELONG SKILLS AND FRIENDSHIPS

    Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S. 

Location & Culture

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German summer programs for high school students
High school summer in Germany

Get ready for one of Europe’s favorite study abroad destinations.

Berlin is arguably one of Europe’s most dynamic cities. After years of dramatic change, Berlin offers an incredible range of activities for all interests.

The capital of Germany is now a fast-developing and vibrant metropolis with many different cultures and sub-cultures living side by side. About one-third of Berlin is parkland or gardens, contrasting with its urban feel and reputation. The Brandenburg Gate serves as a historical landmark, famous as a gateway to the city and for its association with the Berlin Wall that separated Berlin into East and West until 1989. Recently refurbished, it is a national symbol of peace and unity.

Berlin’s cuisine is a combination of traditional German dishes such as Bouletten (meatballs) or Kohlrouladen (stuffed cabbage) and endless dishes influenced by the different communities who have made Berlin home, including two street-food staples: Currywurst and the Döner, the latter made famous by Berlin’s Turkish community.

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.

Daily Life

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Daily Life

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at your homestay 
  • Engaging German classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers  
  • Lunch in the community with your fellow Global Navigators 
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a Cultural Activity  
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay 

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites 
  • Quality time with friends and everyone at your homestay 

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program. 

  • Housing

    Carefully-screened homestay

  • 24/7 SUPPORT

    1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

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Program Blogs

Activities

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Sample Activities

  • Visit the German Bundestag (parliament) and watch politicians make decisions through the glass roof dome. 
  • Get a feel for Berlin’s history and geography by walking along East Side Gallery, strolling through the Brandenburg Gate, or climbing the fernsehturm (TV Tower). 
  • Join a tour of the Olympic Stadium. 
  • Watch a film in a local park during the famous Summer Open Air Cinemas. 
  • Have picnics with your friends, or play soccer and frisbee in the parks. 
  • Experience Berlin’s vibrant music and arts scene. 
  • Take in exhibits at dozens of museums – there is something for every interest. 
  • Go boating on the city’s extensive canal and river network. 
  • Get to know your peers and work as a team in an Escape Room or a theater workshop. 
  • Visit the city of Potsdam, its castle, and palace gardens. 

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. 

Dates & Fees

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Dates & Fees

Eligibility​

  • All proficiency levels.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. More details about tuition inclusions can be found here.

Optional College Credit Fee

$150  Learn more 

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Summer Session I 2023 4 weeks Deadline Passed Jun 11, 2023 Jul 8, 2023

$6,650

Summer Session II 2023 4 weeks Deadline Passed Jul 9, 2023 Aug 5, 2023

$6,650

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