
Berlin Winter Quarter - Business, Sustainability & Innovation
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Berlin Winter Quarter - Business, Sustainability & Innovation
$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 courses that explore Business, Sustainability, and Innovation through an in-depth and hands-on approach. You can supplement your business studies with courses that deepen your understanding of European and German politics. Our experienced faculty will facilitate a unique academic experience and provide you with new perspectives both in and out of class.
You will choose three or four classes and be enrolled in 9 to 12 semester credits for the quarter - all IES Abroad courses will be 3 semester credits per course.**
All courses in this program will be taught in English.
**Note: Please contact your home university for the credit conversion from semester to quarter credits.**
Courses
Below is a list of possible course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account.
Field Trips & Events
Munich
2 days | Winter Quarter
Spend time in beautiful Munich, Germany's third largest city and the capital of Bavaria. Home to the world renowned Oktoberfest, Munich is also a global center of culture, science, technology and innovation. Our visit will include a guided city tour, dinner at a traditional Bavarian restaurant, and a tour of BMW's main plant.
Potsdam
1 day | Winter Quarter
Tour Potsdam, the former residence of Prussian royals and its many stunningly beautiful castles, parks, gardens, and scenic waterfronts. Our visit will also include an introduction to the Albert Einstein Science Park, site of several distinguished research institutes.
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
Our orientation introduces you to the IES Abroad Berlin staff, your fellow students, and the city of Berlin. Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues when you arrive in Berlin 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.
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 centrally located for you to reach the IES Abroad Berlin Center as well as public transport.
Apartments - Single apartments with shared bathroom; you will share a kitchen with other students on your floor.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Berlin through our business and cultural events, which may include:
- Walking tour of Berlin
- Cooking and enjoying a delicious, sustainable meal at a local restaurant
- Visiting the Jewish Museum
- Exploring the Tränenplast (Palace of Tears)
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 | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Winter Quarter | $6,304 | $4,031 | $165 |
$10,500 |
Scholarships & Aid
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 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
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.
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!