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Berlin Summer - Metropolitan & Urban Studies
$6+ Million in Scholarships & 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 unique courses that explore Architecture, History, and Metropolitan Studies, and other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in 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 6-7 credits), but may enroll in a third course (for a total of 9-10 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.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| AH 330 - 20th Century German Art and Architecture | Summer | English | 3 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS/FS 343 - From Lenin to Lola: Contemporary German Film | Summer | English | 3 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 450 - Berlin in Literature - Literature in Berlin | Summer | German | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO 358 - Germany and European Unification | Summer | English | 3 |
| 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. These optional trips are subsidized by IES Abroad, though extra costs may apply. 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:
- Tours of Berlin’s multicultural neighborhoods to examine topics of religion, migration, youth culture, and demographics
- Tours of art and advertising found on Berlin’s public transportation
- Attendance at a soccer game
- Walking tours of the Stolpersteine Holocaust Memorial and Jewish Cemetery
- Architectural tours of Potsdamer Platz and former East Berlin
- Lectures at the American Chamber of Commerce
- Meetings with Berlin-based ambassadors of foreign countries
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 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
Fees coming soon.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Summer Need-Based Financial Aid
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
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
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 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 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 Staff
| Dr. Barbara Finke | Center Director |
|
Dr. Sabine Berking |
Academic Program Coordinator |
| Sascha Heller | Internship and Special Programs Manager |
| 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 |
Health and 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.
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!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
Summer 2020 & Fall 2020 Refund Policy
A core philosophy of our health & safety procedures is that we plan for the what ifs so that you don't have to. That includes the development of our refund policy for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020, which allows you to still plan to study abroad or intern, knowing that if for some reason you cannot participate, your money will be fully refunded.
Don't put your dreams on hold just because the world is unknown.
AT A GLANCE
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