Situated between East and West, Berlin is not only the German capital, but also an important political and cultural powerhouse in Europe. The main buildings of the German Federal Government and the German Parliament in the historical Reichstag are just a few blocks away from the IES Center in Berlin-Mitte. Berlin has more than 3.5 million inhabitants including people from all over the world: about 35% of the Berliners have a migrant background, which means that either they or their parents immigrated from another country. Berlin has one of the richest and most avant-garde cultural scenes in...

Voltage and Adapters In Germany, electricity operates at 230 volts (as opposed to 110 volts in the United States). Most laptop and smartphone plugs include a voltage converter, but other appliances do not. You will either need to purchase a voltage converter or purchase some low-cost electrical appliances (e.g., hair dryer) in Germany. We recommend purchasing these low-cost electrical appliances onsite to avoid carrying them in your luggage. Plan to bring one or more travel plug adapters. You will need this to adapt the shape of your plugs to match the outlets in Europe. We urge you to conduct...

Arrival Plan to arrive at the Berlin airport no later than 1pm on the official arrival date. Due to varying arrival times and locations, we will not meet you at the airport. You will therefore go on your own to the IES Abroad Center. You are expected to arrive at the IES Abroad Berlin Center between 9am and 3pm. Budget about one hour to get through customs, and an additional hour to get to the IES Abroad center. You will most likely arrive at Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BER). BER is approximately 25 km (15 miles) from the city center, the IES Abroad Berlin center, and your...

Academics In the IES Abroad Berlin summer program, you can opt to enroll in two or three courses for a total of six or nine credits, respectively, at the IES Abroad Berlin Center. There is an additional fee for students who choose to enroll in more than six credits. Classes are scheduled five days per week and attendance is required. You are required to come prepared to class, to complete written assignments outside of class, and to sit for midterm and final examinations. IES Abroad classes are held at the IES Abroad Berlin Center or at its second location which is two subway stops from the...

Housing Options IES Abroad Berlin Apartments and Living with Locals are the housing options you can choose from while studying with IES Abroad Berlin. Apartments are a great way to live like a local. Fully immersed in residential life, this opportunity is best for students looking for independence and responsibility while experiencing day-to-day life like a Berliner. Living with Locals is an excellent way to practice your German and get an insider experience while in Berlin. With a host to help you integrate into Berlin life, this is the best option for students looking to exercise their...

Course Preregistration You will select IES Abroad courses on the Course Preregistration Form, which will be available at your MyIESabroad account before the program begins. We will notify you when this form becomes available. You must submit this form by the given deadline. Final registration occurs on-site after your arrival in Berlin. Please obtain course approval from your home institution for all courses you intend to take before your departure, especially if you intend to fulfill specific degree requirements with these courses. Please also note that course enrollment in IES Abroad courses...

Apartments and Living with Locals are the housing options you can choose from while studying with IES Abroad Berlin. Living with Local s are an excellent way to practice your German and get an insider experience while in Berlin. With a host to help you integrate into Berlin life, this is the best option for students looking to exercise their German frequently and to be fully immersed and engage directly with local culture. Apartments are a great way to live independently while relying on other IES Abroad students who are at the same housing. This opportunity is best for students looking for...