This program combines the development of language skills with English- and German-taught courses that expose you to Germany’s fascinating history and present-day culture and society. German language courses are available at the beginning and intermediate level. A German-taught Literature course is offered for advanced-level students. Field study plays a central role in the program, taking you outside the classroom to discover the rich heritage and contemporary culture of Berlin and Germany.
Study in Berlin this summer!
Curriculum Highlights
Other Highlights
These dates are preliminary and are subject to change. Students should not book flights according to these dates.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. We offer unique courses that explore German Language, History, Culture, and other topics through an in-depth and handson approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
You take two courses (6 credits), but may enroll in a third course (9 credits) for an additional fee. This program offers:
This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account.
IES Abroad Berlin organizes field study trips that complement what you’re learning in the classroom, and contribute to your general knowledge of German culture and society.
Our job is to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding what landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Berlin, it will feel like home.
IES Abroad Berlin housing gives you the unique opportunity to live in an apartment with local residents throughout the city. Hosts may be single adults, single parents, families, or German university students.
Students typically prepare their own meals at home or dine in affordable student cafeterias or restaurants. Meals are not included in the program fee.
Part of making you feel at home in Berlin is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
You will spend your first few days in Berlin participating in the mandatory, comprehensive IES Abroad Berlin Summer program orientation. IES Abroad staff will guide you through the following activities during this time:
Additionally, CORE, IES Abroad's Comprehensive Orientation and Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focused on goal achievement, cultural adjustment, and preparing for the return home.
The IES Abroad Berlin Language and Culture Summer Program sponsors a day trip to the Berlin suburb of Potsdam, where you will take a walking tour of the city and explore the beautiful, Rococo-style Sanssouci Palace and its surrounding gardens.
Also, you can participate in an optional multi-day field trip to Prague, a beautiful storybook city with architectonic treasures from two golden ages and the right balance of bustle and calm oases. The trip includes a faculty-guided tour of the old town and the Charles bridge, and entrance to the best sites in the city. You must pay an additional fee to participate in this trip.
The IES Abroad Berlin Center is located in Mitte, the central district of Berlin, and is within easy walking distance of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Museum Island, Brandenburg Gate, the Berliner Dom, and other sights.
Features include:
The two IES Abroad programs at the Berlin Center are conducted on separate floors of the building.
Barbara GügoldDirector
Barbara Gügold has been the Director of IES Abroad Berlin since 1992. She is a member of the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin faculty where she teaches the methodology of foreign language teaching. She received her doctorate from Martin-Luther-Universität Halle in English Literature, and obtained a master’s degree in English and Russian from Leipzig Universität. She has worked in Sweden, Poland, Belgium, and the U.S. as a frequent guest lecturer. In her spare time she takes full advantage of the wealth of cultural opportunities in Berlin.
IES Abroad Staff Katrin ArendtAssistant Director
Thomas WagenknechtAcademic and Cultural Advisor
Rolf-Dieter StaudtOffice Manager and Coordinator of Student Services
Britta TonakHousing and Special Programs Manager
Faculty (Summer and Semester Programs) Sabine BerkingCultural Studies Doktor philosophiae, Kolumnistin der Frankfurter Allegemeine ZeitungProjektleiterin at Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin
Wolfgang BialasPolitical and Social ScienceDoktor philosophiae, University of Leipzig; Research Associate, Hannah-Arendt-Institute, Technical University Dresden
Ulrich BrücknerInternational Business Doktor philosophiae, Gastprofessor, Political Science Department, Szczecin University, Poland Stanford University
Laurenz DempsHistory Professor Doktor habilitates Professor Emeritus Institute für Geschichte Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Stadthistoriker
Ulf HeinsohnEconomics Doktor oec Berlin School of Economics Law Berlin
Reinhard IsenseePolitical Science, American Studies Privatdozent Dr. habilitates philosophiae Philosophisches Fakultät, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Bernhard MaleckPolitical Science, History Doktor habilitates philosophiae Freiberuflicher Projektmitarbeiter
Michael OpitzTheater, Media Studies Doktor philosophiae Literaturrezensent, Financial Times and Freitag; Deutschlandradio Berlin, Abteilung Kultur und Literatur
Carola Opitz-WiemersGerman and Feminist Literature Doktor philosophiae Deutschlandradio Berlin, Abteilung Kultur und Literatur
Joachim SeifertDiplom-Grafiker, Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter, Abteilung Künstlerische Grundlagen, Kunsthochschule Berlin- Weißensee
Dorothea LöbbermannLiterature, Film StudiesDoktor philosophiae in American Literature, Humboldt Universität zu BerlinAdjunct Faculty, Humboldt Universtät zu Berlin
Eva Maleck-Lewy Jewish Studies Doktor philosophiae
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