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Berlin - Language & Area Studies
$5 Million in Financial Aid
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.
You take 16–19 credits per semester— all 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.* In addition, you have the option to participate in a part-time internship after the end of your IES courses.* For internship students, the German Social Market Economy course is required.
These are your options in the program:
- IES Abroad German language course (required, 4 credits)
- German-taught IES Abroad courses (3 credits)
- German-taught courses at a local university (credits vary)
- IES Abroad Internship (includes internship and IES course on The German Social Market Economy, 4 credits)
*Please note: 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).
Students participating in a post-program internship must also remain in Berlin during this additional period of time, respective to the semester of participation.
Enrollment in German-taught partner university courses requires a German language level of B2.1 (Common European Reference Framework CERF), equivalent to GR401.
Courses
Below is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account.
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.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 325 - History of Photography | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| CU/AH 335 - Art and Society: Berlin Since the 1930's | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/GE 313B - Bio-Politics and Migration in the 21st Century | Fall | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/AH 335 - Art and Society: Berlin Since the 1930's | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| CU/SO 360 - Multicultural Berlin | Spring | German | 3 |
| SO/CU 350B - German Popular Culture | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR 444 - Theater in Berlin | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/FS 342 - Contemporary German Film | Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AN/GE 313B - Bio-Politics and Migration in the 21st Century | Fall | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| GR 401 - German Language In Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| GR 451 - German Language In Context: Competent Abroad | Fall, Spring | German | 4 |
| IB/GR 333 - Let's Talk Business (Wirtschaftsdeutsch) | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/HS/GS 335B - The Politics of Gender: Berlin Past and Present | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/FS 342 - Contemporary German Film | Spring | German | 3 |
| HS/PO 395 - The German Model of Social Market Economy | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| SO/HS/GS 335B - The Politics of Gender: Berlin Past and Present | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IB/GR 333 - Let's Talk Business (Wirtschaftsdeutsch) | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR/PO 361 - Germany and European Unification | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 460 - Modern German Literature | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/PO 395 - The German Model of Social Market Economy | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| IR/PO 361 - Germany and European Unification | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU/SO 360 - Multicultural Berlin | Spring | German | 3 |
| SO/CU 350B - German Popular Culture | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
| SO/HS/GS 335B - The Politics of Gender: Berlin Past and Present | Fall, Spring | German | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU)
With a size of approximately 35,000 students, Humboldt University 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 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.
For specific course offerings, visit the 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 will also enable you to take courses at one of various other local universities such as:
Freie Universität (FU)
With a size of approximately 32,000 students, Freie Universität offers courses in a full range of disciplines, including those at the Otto-Suhr-Institute, the largest university Political Science Department in Germany. The FU campus is located in the district of Dahlem, about 40 minutes commute by train from the IES Berlin Center.
Visit the Freie Universität website for a list of current course offerings.
Technische Universität (TU)
With a size of approximately 34,000 students, Technische Universität is a technical institute with a focus on various fields of engineering, as well as Natural and Applied Sciences. The TU campus is located in the district of Charlottenburg, about 30 minutes commute by train from the IES Berlin Center.
Visit the Technische Universität website for a list of current course offerings (click on Vorlesungsverzeichnis, which can be found on the sidebar under Quicklinks).
*Please note: Local universities' course directories are typically updated end-of August for the Fall semester, and end-of February for the Spring— course offerings vary from semester to semester, and some course options may not be available for non-degree-seeking students.
Service Learning
VOLUNTEER ABROAD
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
- Schools
- Social institutions
Internships
Interning while you study in Berlin gives you a rewarding job experience with a wealth of long-lasting career benefits. You will:
- Gain a better understanding of the real-life, everyday culture of your host country
- Add global work experience and skills to your résumé or your application for graduate school
- Improve your confidence
All of our internships are supervised and earn IES Abroad credit. Interns participate in a course on the social market economy that includes a special seminar linked to the internship, for an additional credit. In both fall and spring semesters, internships begin after the IES Abroad courses end. Spring internships end in August, and fall internships end in February. There is no extra cost for this optional, post-program internship.
Personalized Placements
Once you indicate your interest in an internship, we work with you to find the ideal internship placement that fulfills your academic and career goals. We’ve placed students with a wide variety of organizations and businesses. If we don’t currently work with a business or organization in your field of interest, we will search for a placement that’s right for you.
Placement Examples
Past students have interned in the following fields. Don’t see your field listed here? Just talk to your IES Abroad Program Advisor—new internships are always being added.
- Architecture
- Business
- Computer Science
- Education
- Engineering
- Government
- Medicine
- Mass Media
- Social Organizations
In addition, internships may be available in Architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, Mass Media, and Medicine.
Field Trips & Events
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. Field trips are offered at an extra cost. Here are a few possible destinations:
Dresden & Elbe Valley
3 days | fall & spring
Visit Dresden, the ‘Florence of the North‘, and view its rich cultural and architectural heritage; and the scenic views of the Elbe valley, its natural river banks and slopes.
Hamburg
2 days | fall & spring
Explore Germany’s second largest city on this weekend trip to Hamburg, an economic and cultural hub with Europe’s third largest harbor, stunning modern architecture, and trendy shopping areas.
Leipzig
2 days | fall & spring
Join us for a weekend trip to Leipzig, the cultural and economic center of Germany’s East, to experience its bustling art scene and electrifying nightlife.
Potsdam
1 day | fall & spring
Tour Potsdam, the former residence of Prussian kings, and its stunningly beautiful castles, parks, gardens, and scenic waterfront views.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
IES Abroad Berlin organizes course-related trips that complement IES Abroad courses, and contribute to your general knowledge of German culture and society. Past activities have included:
- Architectural tours of various city districts
- Visits to museums and art galleries
- Tours of Berlin's markets and multicultural neighborhoods
- Attendance at theater performances
Daily Life
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 and walking tours that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.
Orientation
The program begins with an orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Berlin staff, your fellow students, and the city of Berlin.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
Following orientation, you divide your time between intensive German language instruction and a series of lectures, tours, and trips related to the history, art, and culture of Berlin.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which 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 experience of living with local residents throughout the city. Hosts may be single adults, single parents or families. Most housing is in apartments.
Students typically prepare their own meals in their housing or dine in Mensas (affordable student cafeterias) or restaurants. Meals are not included in the program cost.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Berlin through our cultural events, which may include visits to:
- Concert halls and opera houses
- German history museum
- Jewish Museum
- German Parliament
Get to Know Your New City
Relax in Parks & Green Space
Although the city is known for its vibrant arts and culture, Berlin has more than 2,500 parks and gardens to stroll, cycle, swim, picnic, or just unwind in.
Visit Neighborhoods
From the fantastic art and fabulous nightlight of Kreuzberg to the trendy shopping of Charlottenberg to the hub of sites, attractions, and cafes that make up Mitte, the city's neighborhoods give Berlin its unique character.
Explore Museums
Whether you are into art and design, ancient or modern history, or even currywurst, Berlin is a city full of excellent museums.
Observe the Architecture
Though it was nearly destroyed during World War II, Berlin has rebuilt, with restored historic buildings juxtaposed with some of the world's most breathtaking modern structures.
Check Out the East Side Gallery
The longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall is now an outdoor art exhibition, featuring the work of more than 100 artists.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Berlin Center is located in Mitte, the historical center of Berlin with its vibrant cafés, restaurants, and galleries. It is within short walking distance from Humboldt University, the world-famous Museum Island, the Brandenburg Gate, and the governmental district.
Features at the Center include:
- Classrooms, student lounges, and study spaces
- Small library
- Outdoor terrace
- WiFi and printer access
Our Staff
Barbara Finke
Center Director
Barbara holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. degree in political science from the University of Mannheim in Germany. She also studied for a year at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore with a fellowship from the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD. Barbara conducted her Ph.D. research on the legitimacy of non-governmental organizations in global governance with a case study on women’s NGOs in the United Nations system. She has taught and published on civil society in global and European politics and on international relations theory. From 2007 to 2017, Barbara was Program Head at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, a distinguished international graduate school that focuses on public policy and international affairs.
IES Abroad Staff
| Dr. Barbara Finke | Center Director |
|
Dr. Sabine Berking |
Academic Program Coordinator |
| Nadine Birner | Internship and Core Coordinator |
| Gosia Piechowiak |
Student Affairs Coordinator |
| John Schulze | Assistant Director |
| Rolf Staudt | Head of Administration |
| Britta Tonak | Head of Customized Programs and Student Affairs |
| Ella Winter | Student Affairs Coordinator |
Latest from Berlin
Contact a Past Participant
From budgeting tips to housing insight, 500+ IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad experiences and advice.
