Study Abroad | Berlin

Housing

Homestay

Living with a homestay family is the best way to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Berlin and many students who choose this option consider it to be the most rewarding aspect of their time abroad. Homestays will be located in different parts of the city, and students should expect to travel on public transport to get to campus and downtown. Some homestays are families with kids, others are singles or couples.

• Single room
• Daily breakfast and dinner
• Shared bathroom
• Access to kitchen
• Bed linens and towels provided
• Laundry

Optional Student Apartment (Supplemental Fee)

Apartments are located in a residential neighborhood and students should expect to travel on public transport to get to campus and downtown. Kitchens are fully-functioning, so students can prepare meals at home, the rooms feature a double or queen-size bed, desk and chair, wardrobe and some have a balcony access.

• Single room
• Shared kitchen and bathroom
• Bed linens provided
• Laundry facilities on-site

Meals

• Homestay students receive breakfast and dinner daily.
• Students in apartments receive a meal allowance.
• All students receive a Mensa card which gives access to subsidized meals at Berlin-wide university cafeterias.
  
  Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Berlin

City Facts

TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation makes it easy to get around Berlin, as it is well integrated, cheap, and efficient to use. Your daily commute will most likely be via the metro (U-Bahn), local train (S-Bahn), bus and/or on foot, so make sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.

History

Berlin has been at the heart not just of European politics and culture but also world affairs for several centuries. As a city reunified in 1990 it combines a tremendous variety of experiences from fine historical museum to cutting edge modernism, to a vibrant club culture and sprawling parks.

Transportation

Public transportation makes it easy to get around Berlin, as it is well integrated and efficient to use. Your daily commute will most likely be via the metro (U-Bahn), local train (S-Bahn), bus and/or on foot.

Students receive a travel pass for use on Berlin’s excellent public transport system.

Site Staff

AIFS in Berlin Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Guten Tag und Herzlich Willkommen. I would like to extend a warm welcome! Originally from Hamburg, I studied in Berlin and Potsdam and spent time abroad in England and Spain. Berlin has been my home for 20 years now. I love it and am sure you will too! Whatever your interest, Berlin offers a niche for everyone, from the clubber to the historian, from opera to street art. On your program you will glimpse historic German towns, sample local specialties and experience Berlin like a native. It will be my pleasure to help you during your time abroad.

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Cultural Activities

In addition to excursions a cultural calendar of weekly activities and social events is included in your program fee. These activities will include both typical tourist sites and attractions and lesser known visits which take advantage of the expert knowledge of our local AIFS staff and give you a more authentic and insightful view of Berlin life. Typical activities, tours and visits may include:

• Berlin city tour
• Boat trip
• German cooking class
• Visit to the museum “Topography of Terror”
• Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Museum Island in Berlin
• Walking tours with various themes: Queer Berlin, Black History Berlin, experience of a refugee coming to Berlin
• Explore Berlin and its cuisine with group dinners at a variety of restaurants
• Visit to the Reichstag, the German Parliament
• Concert visit
• Experience a German soccer game
• Picnics and social events

Students also receive a Museum Pass which grants entrance to the collections of the State Museums Berlin.

As part of the FU-BEST academic program you are invited to participate in visits to important historic sites:

• The site of the former Nazi concentration camp at Sachsenhausen
• The former prison complex in Berlin – Hohenschönhausen of East Germany’s state security police (Stasi)
• The former airport Tempelhof, site of the Berlin Air Lift during the Cold War

You may be asked to pay a small supplementary fee for some events.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the local community, learn new skills and build your confidence. More information on volunteer opportunities in Berlin will be available to you on-site.