Berlin, Germany

Language & Area Studies

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning, Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

German

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level German; enrollment in a German course in the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Berlin is a place of new ideas, where arts and culture are a way of life, with galleries on nearly every corner and thriving creative industries. But don't forget, this dynamic city is also a center of modern European history—it has no equal for leaving its imprint on the political, social, and cultural history of the 20th century.

Berlin will be your classroom. Imagine learning about German politics and policymaking in class and then taking a quick walk to visit the Reichstag, or discussing Berlin migrant literature and then touring one of the city’s bustling Turkish neighborhoods. Wherever possible, our courses take advantage of the city’s many historical, artistic, and cultural sites, and several courses include course-related trips.

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Improve Your German

With all German-taught courses.

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Study at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Enroll in at a local university and choose from a variety of disciplines.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in an internship placement and accompanying seminar.

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Travel throughout Germany

Journey to Munich, Leipzig, or Potsdam.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

August 28 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
20,660

Program Dates:

January 22 - May 10

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

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Sabrina Wu

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

An arial view of Berlin, Germany.

Why Berlin?

The minute you step off the plane in Berlin, you’ll feel its energy. It’s a place of new ideas, where sustainable technology and modern design are a way of life, and art galleries can be found on nearly every corner. But don’t forget, Berlin has also been at the center of modern European history--from the intellectual foundations of Socialism and the introduction of the modern European welfare state to the catastrophe of two world wars that divided the continent: Berlin has no equal for leaving its imprint on the political, social, and cultural history of the 20th century. We invite you to study the historical and cultural heritage of this vibrant city. 

Learn More About Berlin

Get to Know Your New City

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Relax in Parks & Green Space

Stroll, cycle, swim, or picnic in one of Berlin's 2,500 parks.

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Visit Neighborhoods

The city's neighborhoods give Berlin its unique character.

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Observe the Architecture

See restored buildings juxtaposed against modern structures.

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Check Out the East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall is now an outdoor art exhibition.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A student apartment in Berlin with a view overlooking the city
  • Apartment
  • Living with Locals

Apartment

Small Studio Apartment - You will live in a single studio with a private bathroom and either a private or shared kitchenette. Students typically prepare their own meals in their housing or dine in student cafeterias or affordable restaurants. No meals are provided with this housing option. All studios include high-speed internet. Laundromats are available at extra cost.

Shared Apartment - Live with other IES Abroad Berlin students in mixed-gender student apartments with separate rooms and shared living room, fully equipped kitchen, and bathroom. No meals are provided with this housing option. All studios include high-speed internet. Laundromats are available at no extra cost.

Academics

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 a variety of courses that explore German History, Culture, Art, and Society through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our experienced faculty, as well as course options at the prestigious Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, will facilitate a unique academic experience and provide you with new perspectives both in and out of class.

Partner Institution

Students sitting on a vibrant green lawn on Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's campus.
  • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

With a size of approximately 35,000 students, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) offers a wide variety of courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. The university has 9 departments (Fakultäten) and offers 189 degree programs, 57 of which are undergraduate programs. Founded in 1810, the university established the concept of the modern university that unites teaching and research. HU’s main campus is located within walking distance of the IES Abroad Berlin Center. Most science courses, however, are held at the university’s second campus in the district of Adlershof, about 50 minutes commute by train from the Center.

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Courses

You take 15–19 credits per semester—all IES Abroad courses are worth 3 credits, excluding the required 4-credit German Language courses. All courses in this program are taught in German. You can combine your IES courses with courses at the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (HU) (credits for HU courses will vary). 

In addition, you have the option to participate in an internship that runs parallel to, or after the end of your IES Abroad courses.  For internship students, the internship seminar Leading Across Cultures is required. Please note that students who choose to take courses at a local university will need to remain in Berlin for the duration of the standard German university semester, which runs through mid-to-late-February (Fall semester) and mid-to-late-July (Spring semester).  

These are your options in the program: 

  • IES Abroad German language course (required, 4 credits) 
  • Language & Area Studies Program courses (3 credits)  
  • German-taught courses at a local university (credits vary) 
  • IES Abroad Internship (includes internship seminar Leading Across Cultures, 3 credits) 

On request and with permission from your home institution, you may take up to two English-taught courses from our Metropolitan & Urban Studies or Security Studies & International Affairs programs; or English-taught courses at a local university as part of your course-load.  

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication

NOTE: 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. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (13)

Art History (2)

Course name Term Language Credits
CU/AH 335 - Art and Society: Germany in the 20th Century Fall, Spring German 3
AH 325 - History of Photography Fall, Spring German 3

Partner Institution Courses

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU)

For specific course offerings, visit the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) course directory and browse options.* 

If you take courses at Humboldt University, you will be directly enrolled as a student and have full access to all university facilities. This may also enable you to take courses at one of various other local universities. Course opportunities at other local universities can be explored on a case-by-case basis with the Academics Team in Berlin. 

Enrollment in German-taught partner university courses requires a German language level of B2.1 (Common European Reference Framework CERF),  which is equivalent to GR401. 

Local university course ECTS credits are converted to IES Abroad credits using a 2:1 conversion scale. 

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*NOTE: Local universities' course directories are typically updated by the end of August for the Fall semester and by the end of February for the Spring semester. Course offerings vary from semester to semester, and some course options may not be available for non-degree-seeking students.  

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Berlin, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

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Dresden

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Enjoy a day trip to Dresden, the Florence of the North in Eastern Germany. We will explore its rich cultural and architectural heritage and the scenic views of the Elbe valley.

A city sitting off Europe's third largest harbor. The buildings are modern and sleek, with some traditional architecture styles.

Hamburg

2 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Explore Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city--an economic and cultural hub with Europe’s third largest harbor, stunning modern architecture, and trendy shopping areas.

Students stand for a group photo in front of a tall tan building in Leipzig.

Leipzig

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Enjoy a day trip to Leipzig, a bustling city in former East Germany with a large student population and lively creative scene, where we'll explore the city's rich cultural heritage.

Field trip to Potsdam.

Potsdam

1 Day Fall & Spring

Join us for a day trip to Potsdam, just outside of Berlin. The former residence of the Prussian Royals offers stunningly beautiful castles, parks, gardens, and scenic waterfront views.

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Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

1 Day Fall & Spring

Visit Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Museum and Memorial.

Part-Time Internships

Did you know that, while in Berlin, you can intern as part of your study abroad experience? With a part-time internship, you’ll gain global work experience that will increase your job readiness and give you an advantage after graduation. With an internship, you will: 

  • Take an important step in your career development by navigating the professional world with our support. 
  • Learn more about yourself both personally and professionally and build confidence in the process. 
  • Experience what working in Berlin is really like and gain an authentic understanding of the workplace culture while developing real, applicable job skills that will bolster your career readiness. 
  • Begin building an international network by making connections with coworkers and peers. 

All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. You participate in a 3-credit seminar to complement the practical experience you gain during the internship for a greater understanding of work life in your host country. 

Placement Examples

a business student walking in Milan

Business

a studio audience behind a camera in Milan

Media & Communication

student teaching on a summer internship program

Education

Three students in front of the European Council in Brussels Belgium

Government

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Medicine

a student sitting at a desk typing on a laptop computer

Computer Science

Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer in Berlin, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.

Past volunteer opportunities in Berlin include: 

Not-for-Profit Organizations 

Engaging with and supporting kids and their families at a children’s hospital

Food Security

Volunteering at a soup kitchen

Education

Being a teaching assistant at a public school

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
16,775
Housing
$
3,251
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
20,256

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
17,099
Housing
$
3,316
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
20,660

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
30,760
Housing
$
6,630
Insurance
$
550
Total
$
37,940

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Berlin Center is located in the city’s historical Center, called Mitte. Whether you’re taking a stroll through the nearby Humboldt University, bopping around the world-famous Museum Island, or commuting past the Brandenburg Gate, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Berlin
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Berlin. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Live with Local Residents
IES Abroad Berlin housing gives you the unique experience of living with local residents throughout the city, whether you’re in a shared apartment or a student residence hall.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of German culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 31 - May 18

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

August 28 - December 14

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Late August - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

January 22 - May 10

Application Deadline:

NOTE: If you choose to take Partner University Courses, your program's end date will be different:

  • Spring 2025: January 22 to July 26

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • 4 semesters of college-level German or the equivalent 
  • Enrolled in a German course within the year prior to the program start date 
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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