Study Metropolitan Studies this Summer with IES Abroad

Berlin Summer - Metropolitan & Urban Studies

This program is temporarily suspended for Summer 2021. Explore our other study abroad programs for 2021, as well as details on our health & safety protocols, travel guidelines, refund policy, and more.

Summer 2021

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to cautiously assess how we can deliver safe, quality programming this summer.

While some of the details of this program may need to shift for Summer 2021—such as housing and field trips, based on changing travel/quarantine regulations—you can rest assured knowing that the essence of this program will stay the same, including the academic focus and the opportunity to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

As always, every decision we make for this term will be guided by our Students First philosophy, which puts you, your well-being, and your academic and personal growth at the forefront. Our advice? Give yourself the chance to study abroad this summer by submitting an application, and know that we’re planning for all of the what if’s so you can have a safe, healthy, and study abroad-filled summer. We and our refund policy have your back.

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.

What You'll Study

This English-taught program explores topics in Urban Studies, History and Culture in Berlin, a city that has both rebuilt and redesigned itself over the past century.

Course-related trips are integrated to provide a first-hand look at Berlin’s architectural innovations, methods for integrating sustainable design, and various historical and political movements.

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Daily Life

We want you to feel at home in Berlin, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible.

$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit more than $6 million to our scholarship and aid programs.

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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 unique courses that explore Urban Studies, History, and Culture, and other topics 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.

Listed below are the course options for the IES Abroad Berlin Summer Metropolitan and Urban Studies Program. You are required to take two courses (for a total of 6 credits), but may enroll in a third course (for a total of 9 credits) for an additional fee.

German language (4-credits) is not a required course and is offered at the beginning and intermediate levels.

Courses

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.

Art History
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
AH 330 - 20th Century German Art and Architecture	Summer	English	3

Architecture
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
US/ES/AT 315 - Global Challenges to the 21st Century City: Design and the Promise of Sustainability	Summer	English	3

Environmental Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
US/ES/AT 315 - Global Challenges to the 21st Century City: Design and the Promise of Sustainability	Summer	English	3

Film Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
HS/FS 343 - From Lenin to Lola: Contemporary German Film	Summer	English	3

German Language
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
GR 101 - German Language in Context: Novice Abroad I	Summer	German	4
GR 201 - German Language in Context: Novice Abroad III	Summer	German	4
GR 301 - German Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I	Summer	German	4
GR 351 - German Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad II	Summer	German	4

History
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
HS/FS 343 - From Lenin to Lola: Contemporary German Film	Summer	English	3
US/HS 320 - Politics of Remembrance: Berlin - Memory, Identity, and Modernity	Summer	English	3

Literature
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
LT 450 - Berlin in Literature - Literature in Berlin	Summer	German	3

Political Science
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
PO 358 - Germany and European Unification	Summer	English	3

Urban Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
US/ES/AT 315 - Global Challenges to the 21st Century City: Design and the Promise of Sustainability	Summer	English	3
US/HS 320 - Politics of Remembrance: Berlin - Memory, Identity, and Modernity	Summer	English	3

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. You will share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations:

Potsdam
1 day | Summer
Visit the capital and crown jewel of the state of Brandenburg, and admire Sanssouci’s fabulous palaces and surrounding gardens.

Baltic Sea
3 days | Summer
Visit one of the nicest and most charming areas of Germany. Whether you are looking for nice white beaches, wanting to explore history and culture of Hanseatic cities like Stralsund or simply enjoy undisturbed nature and breathtaking scenery, you will find it all on the Baltic Sea.

Course-Related Trips

We offer day trips that complement your IES Abroad courses and contribute to a 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 perfomance

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 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.

Orientation

You will spend your first 2 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:

An introduction to the IES Abroad Berlin Center staff, and your fellow students
A guided tour of Berlin
A presentation on student life in the city
Course registration
A welcome reception
Workshops on housing, health and safety, and intercultural issues
Registration with the city

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.

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 residents are living. Our goal is that when you leave Berlin, it will feel like home.

Living with Locals - Live with local residents throughout the city. Hosts may be single adults, single parents, families, or German university students. No meals are provided.

Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events

Redefine the way you live and learn in Berlin through our cultural events, which may include:

German history museum visit
German Parliament visit
Berlin city tour
Potsdam day trip

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 alternative cafes and fabulous nightlife of Kreuzberg to the hub of art galleries, stylish restaurants, and shopping 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 alternative lifestyles, 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 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.

Term: Summer 2021
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Summer 2021	$4,540	$1,375	$135	$6,050

Scholarships & Aid

Featured Scholarships

Summer Need-Based Financial Aid

Up to $1,000

Open to students who apply to and attend an IES Abroad or IES Internships summer program.

Criteria reviewed to determine award:

Level of financial need as determined from infromation provided on the application. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.
IES Abroad program location.
IES Abroad membership status of home campus

Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

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Our Center

While in Berlin, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Berlin staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your Berlin experience.

The IES Berlin Center is located in Mitte, the historical center of Berlin with vibrant cafes, restaurants, and galleries. It is within short walking distance from Humboldt University, the world-famous Museum Island, the Bradenburg Gate, and the governmental district.

Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.

Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
Meet with staff in their offices
Catch up with friends in the student lounges
Get work done in the library and study spaces
Relax in the outdoor courtyard

Other features include WiFi and printer access.

Our Staff

Barbara Finke

Center Director

Barbara holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. 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 headed curricular affairs and admissions at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin, a distinguished international graduate school that focuses on public policy and international affairs.

IES Abroad Berlin Staff

Dr. Barbara Finke
Center Director

Dr. Sabine Berking
Academic Program Coordinator

Heather Ellis
Customized Programs Manager

Sascha Heller
Internship and Special Programs Manager

Rolf Staudt
Head of Administration

Britta Tonak
Head of Student Affairs

Ella Winter
Student Affairs Coordinator

IES Abroad Berlin Center Courtyard with Bear

IES Abroad Berlin Center Student's in Classroom

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 what time zone you’re in.

In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.

programpage-Granada_Sevilla_Sunset at Orientation_Hannah Geller.jpg

student in denim jacket looking over shoulder and smiling

How We Support You

We plan for "what if" 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.

Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:

International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
And more!

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