Berlin, Germany

Metropolitan & Urban Studies

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Part-Time Internship
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Using Berlin as a case study, this English-taught program examines issues relevant to major cities today. Through comparative and interdisciplinary courses, you'll study topics such as cultural identity, popular culture, and urban development to better understand the modern city and its culture. 

Berlin will be your classroom. Imagine touring Berlin's neighborhoods and exploring the city's architecture as you learn about urban development and sustainable mobility, or attending and then discussing a local theatre performance as part of your pop culture class. Wherever possible, our courses take advantage of the city's many historical, artistic, and cultural sites. 

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Explore Germany and Beyond

Travel to Hamburg, Leipzig and more!

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Berlin Will Be Your Classroom

Courses take advantage of Berlin's historic and cultural sites.

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Study in the Historical Center of Berlin

Which has vibrant cafes, restaurants, and galleries.

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Connect with Your Program Advisor

Your IES Abroad advisor is your #1 resource for preparing to study abroad.

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?

Are you ready to explore the urban landscape of a city that is truly diverse, creative, and innovative? Built on a tumultuous past and rebuilt over the past century, Berlin constantly changes and keeps reinventing itself. Today, the city is a hot spot for the arts, sciences, and alternative lifestyles. At the same time, Berlin is a lab for urban planning, sustainable architecture, and environmentally friendly mobility. Study abroad in Berlin and experience the energy and excitement of this amazing 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 topics related to Urban Studies and other Social Sciences through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our experienced faculty facilitate a unique academic experience and provide you with new perspectives both in and out of class.

Courses

You take 15–19 credits per semester. All courses are worth 3 credits, excluding the 4-credit German Language courses. All courses are taught in English, excluding language courses, which are taught in German. 

Craft a unique academic experience by selecting from the following program components: 

  • Metropolitan & Urban Studies Program courses (optional, 3 credits) 
  • Courses from our Security Studies & International Affairs Program (optional, 3 credits) 
  • IES Abroad German language course (optional, 4 credits) 

If you have sound German language skills and test into GR401 or higher, you will also have the option to take a German-taught course offered in our Language & Area Studies Program as part of your course load. Students who test into GR351 will be considered for this option on a case-by-case basis. 

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 (20)

Anthropology (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
AN/GE 313A - Bio-Politics and Migration in the 21st Century Fall, Spring English 3
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.

Learn More
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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. 

Students pose in ballet positions on stone steps.

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

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Business

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Communications

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Welfare

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Climate Change

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Research

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Computer Science

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
$
490
Total
$
37,880

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:

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)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins 
  • No previous German language study is required 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

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.

Apply Now
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