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Study Abroad | Berlin

Germany | Freie Universität Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin European Studies Program (FU Best) | Fall 2023
Three students in front of a mural in Berlin.
Group standing in front of building.

Select Your Program Option:

  • Fall 2023

  • Spring 2024

  • Fall 2024

  • Spring 2025

Overview

Spend a semester or academic year in the dynamic and artistic city of Berlin, Germany, with AIFS! Study a variety of academic program options at Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin). A leading research institution, FU Berlin attracts a student enrollment of almost 30,000. The campus is located in a charming, quiet section of the city that is conveniently close to Berlin’s lively downtown area.

What’s Included

The AIFS inclusive program fee includes all of the great features below in addition to many pre-departure, on-site and upon-return services to help students make the most of their time abroad.

Review Our Policies
  • Tuition

    Up to 15 semester credits

  • Courses

    Wide variety of courses available; taught in English and German

  • Housing

    Homestay. Additional housing options are available

  • 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.

  • Transportation

    All students receive a travel pass for Berlin

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    Day trips to Potsdam, to Quedlinburg or Dresden, one overnight trip in Germany or Poland and a week-long excursion to destinations in Europe (like Munich and Vienna, Cologne and Brussels, or Nuremburg and Prague, TBA shortly before the program starts). And trips in and around Berlin such as the former Nazi concentration camp Sachsenhausen

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    A wide range of AIFS-organized cultural activities and social events to enrich your experience; all students receive a Museum Pass for the State Museums Berlin covering their entire stay. Volunteer Options are available

  • On-Site Program Director

    to help with any questions or advice you may need throughout the program

  • Health & Safety

    24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance, on-site wellness checks by mental health counselor

  • Personal/Professional Development

    Access to the renowned Clifton StrengthsFinder assessment and alumni network
  • Green Initiative

Additional Options & Opportunities

  • AIFS Flight Package

    Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways

    Airport transfers to and from campus

  • Optional Excursions

    Warsaw (3 days)

  • Housing Supplement

    Student apartment including Mensa card allowance for lunches

Program Details: Study Abroad | Berlin European Studies

Program is closed

Dates

August 28, 2023December 16, 2023

Term

Fall

Institution

Freie Universität Berlin

Application Deadline

March 15, 2023

Inclusive Fees

$18,290

Stay for a year to save on cost

Eligibility

Open to Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Minimum of 3 GPA

Additional requirements may vary by course selection. See Academic section below.

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens do not need to apply for a visa before traveling to Germany and can enter Europe on a 90-day “tourist visa” which is provided on arrival in Germany. AIFS staff will then assist students in applying for a student visa. If you are a non-U.S. citizen you may need to apply for a Type – D national visa before traveling to Germany. Please contact the AIFS Admissions Officer for further information.

Areas of Interest

  • Anthropology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Cultural Studies
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Film Studies
  • German Language
  • History
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Theater

Global Themes

  • Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
  • Business, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
  • Global Peace, International Security and Human Rights
  • Global Sustainability
  • Health Sciences and STEM
  • Language, History and Culture
Learn More About Global Themes

Academics

AIFS Abroad offers a unique global educational experience for students on this program, with the following academic options available:

Freie Universität Berlin is a comprehensive, degree-granting university with 15 departments and a student enrollment of almost 30,000. As a leading research institution, it receives additional federal funding for its institutional future development strategy. 

  • Anthropology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Cultural Studies
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Film Studies
  • German Language
  • History
  • International Business
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Literature
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Theater

European Studies Program (FU-BEST) 

The European Studies Program at FU Berlin is specifically designed to meet the academic needs of U.S. university students. The program meets the Forum on Education Abroad standards of excellence. 

This program is aimed at students wishing to learn more about the history and culture of Germany within the context of Europe and begin or enhance their German language skills. Courses are available in arts and humanities, business and economics, international relations, music and film, German language and more. Courses are taught mainly in English apart from German language and a few select classes in German and are scheduled Monday through Thursday. 

All students are required to take German language throughout the semester in order to fully immerse themselves in the university and wider Berlin community at all levels. Two program tracks are available: 

Experiential Beginning German is for students with no prior German knowledge who do not plan to major/minor in German. The Experiential Beginning German track is taught for 6 hours per week on Monday and Thursday, including regular field trips on six additional course days during which students will apply their language learning.  At a total of 84 contact hours the course is recommended for 3-4 semester credits, with the exact transfer left to the discretion of the home institution. Using a three-step placement process prior to program start, participants are placed in the German level which best fits their abilities and which ensures the biggest possible progress during their stay in Berlin.

Intensive German is for German language major/minor students or students who show knowledge of German beyond the absolute Beginner level. Students take two German language courses, typically progressing from one level to the next in a semester. Non-major/minor students can enroll in the Intensive German track at Beginner level if they wish to. The Intensive German track is taught for 3 hours per day Monday through Thursday, for a total of 132 contact hours for 6 to 8 recommended semester credits, with the exact transfer left to the discretion of the home institution. Using a three-step placement process prior to program start, participants are placed in the German level which best fits their abilities and which ensures the biggest possible progress during their stay in Berlin.

If you are not sure which level to select check with your university’s German language teachers. Students above the absolute beginner level take an online placement test prior to arrival and have an on-site interview to determine the appropriate language level. Students on both programs then select electives for a recommended 3 credits each. The minimum and regular course load is 4 including German language. Students can also take a fifth course if required and with approval from their home institution. Up to 15 semester credits are available depending on which level of German you take. 

FU Berlin issues ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. The number of class hours and ECTS credits will be shown on the transcript to allow each student’s home institution the ultimate decision in the awarding of U.S. credit. Recommended U.S. semester credits shown in parentheses next to each course on the course description pages are based on 15 classroom hours per semester credit and are not a conversion of ECTS credits. Students should consult with their university advisors prior to participating in the program to have course credit pre-approved and ensure that they are taking the appropriate amount of credits.  

European Studies Program (FU-BEST) 

The European Studies Program at FU Berlin is specifically designed to meet the academic needs of U.S. university students. The program meets the Forum on Education Abroad standards of excellence. 

This program is aimed at students wishing to learn more about the history and culture of Germany within the context of Europe and begin or enhance their German language skills. Courses are available in arts and humanities, business and economics, international relations, music and film, German language and more. Courses are taught mainly in English apart from German language and a few select classes in German and are scheduled Monday through Thursday. 

All students are required to take German language throughout the semester in order to fully immerse themselves in the university and wider Berlin community at all levels. Two program tracks are available: 

Experiential Beginning German is for students with no prior German knowledge who do not plan to major/minor in German. The Experiential Beginning German track is taught for 6 hours per week on Monday and Thursday, including regular field trips on six additional course days during which students will apply their language learning.  At a total of 84 contact hours the course is recommended for 3-4 semester credits, with the exact transfer left to the discretion of the home institution. Using a three-step placement process prior to program start, participants are placed in the German level which best fits their abilities and which ensures the biggest possible progress during their stay in Berlin.

Intensive German is for German language major/minor students or students who show knowledge of German beyond the absolute Beginner level. Students take two German language courses, typically progressing from one level to the next in a semester. Non-major/minor students can enroll in the Intensive German track at Beginner level if they wish to. The Intensive German track is taught for 3 hours per day Monday through Thursday, for a total of 132 contact hours for 6 to 8 recommended semester credits, with the exact transfer left to the discretion of the home institution. Using a three-step placement process prior to program start, participants are placed in the German level which best fits their abilities and which ensures the biggest possible progress during their stay in Berlin.

If you are not sure which level to select check with your university’s German language teachers. Students above the absolute beginner level take an online placement test prior to arrival and have an on-site interview to determine the appropriate language level. Students on both programs then select electives for a recommended 3 credits each. The minimum and regular course load is 4 including German language. Students can also take a fifth course if required and with approval from their home institution. Up to 15 semester credits are available depending on which level of German you take. 

FU Berlin issues ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits. The number of class hours and ECTS credits will be shown on the transcript to allow each student’s home institution the ultimate decision in the awarding of U.S. credit. Recommended U.S. semester credits shown in parentheses next to each course on the course description pages are based on 15 classroom hours per semester credit and are not a conversion of ECTS credits. Students should consult with their university advisors prior to participating in the program to have course credit pre-approved and ensure that they are taking the appropriate amount of credits.  

View All Courses For European Studies
Sierra Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE
BERLIN

Sierra, an AIFS Study Abroad Alumni Ambassador from Chatham University, took over our official AIFS Instagram story the other day! Check out the recap of what she shared about her study abroad in Berlin, Germany during the Spring 2018 semester.

Students in front of a Freie Universität Berlin building.

Living Abroad

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

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.

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.

AIFS in Berlin Director, Academic Year and Semester Programs

Nele Thomsen headshot.

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.

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.

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.

Mandatory Trip

A one week trip that includes round-trip transportation, accommodations, daily breakfast, entrance fees, and professional guided tours with representative from Freie Universität Berlin.  

Students have a choice between three excursions, each of which travels to two European cities. See below. * More detailed information will be posted when available. 

Colorful buildings on a waterfront in Copenhagen.

Hamburg and Copenhagen

Harbor cities with modern architecture. Side trips include Bremen and Kronborg, the Hamlet castle.
  • Germany/Denmark
  • Fall 2023
  • Included in program fee
Large buildings in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic.

Nuremberg and Prague

Medieval town centers with historical insight. City tours and trips to surrounding towns.
  • Germany/Czech Republic
  • Spring 2023, Fall 2023
  • Included in Program Fee
A rainbow over Brussels, Belgium.

Cologne and Brussels

Medieval churches, and day trips to Bonn and other surrounding towns.
  • Germany/Belgium
  • Spring 2023, Fall 2023
  • Included in Program Fee
An aerial view of Munich, Germany.

Munich and Vienna

Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle and Hofburg in Vienna. Museum visits and walking tours.
  • Germany/Austria
  • Spring 2023
  • Included in Program Fee

Excursions

This program offers a range of day trips and excursions that will take you outside Berlin and deepen your social, historical and cultural understanding of Germany. Previous excursions have included:

Potsdam, Germany

Potsdam

Guided tour of the royal city of Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former summer residence of the German Emperors. Includes round-trip transportation and entrance fees. 

  • Germany
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
A building in Dresden, Germany.

Dresden (Fall Only)

Visit famous sites including the Semperoper opera house and the reconstructed Frauenkirche church. Experience the Striezelmarkt Christmas Markets. Includes round-trip transportation and museum entrance fees. 

  • Germany
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
A castle in Quedlinburg, Germany.

Quedlinburg (Spring Only)

Guided walking tour with free time to explore. Includes round-trip transportation, and castle or cathedral entrance fees.

  • Germany
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
Stettin, Poland.

Szczecin

Take a guided walking tour, visit the World War II underground bunker system, and spend free time exploring. Includes round-trip transportation, accommodations and breakfast, and a group dinner.
  • Poland
  • 2 Days
  • Included in Program Fee
Warsaw, Poland.

Warsaw

Visit Poland during a trip to its historic capital city, Warsaw. Includes a guided tour of Warsaw Old Town, the market square and Royal Route, a visit to the Museum of the History of the Polish Jews, and free time to explore the Warsaw Ghetto, the Palace of Culture and Science and take in the town.

  • Poland
  • 3 Days
  • $495 Spring 2024 / $545 Fall 2024/Spring 2025
Barcelona,Spain
A group of happy students at a carnival.
A view of Prague.

Social identity & access

One of the best things you can do before departure is enter into the journey knowing that your time abroad will be unique to this experience. The resources, community, and support available to you when abroad will likely be different as well. In order to help you prepare for your experience, we have compiled many resources about social identity and access in specific locations abroad. Your program staff will also provide you with more details pre-departure and during orientation.

Learn more

Important Dates & Deadlines

Request Info

Closed

Program is closed

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    March 15, 2023
  • Deposit Deadline
    April 1, 2023
  • Scholarship Deadline
    April 20, 2023
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    August 27, 2023
  • Program Begins
    August 28, 2023
  • Program Ends
    December 16, 2023
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    December 17, 2023
  • *** Included for students on AIFS flight package.
  • **** AIFS Abroad offers visa processing services to applicants who enroll into the program by this date. All other applicants who enroll after this date will be responsible for securing their own visa with guidance from AIFS Abroad.

Optional Flight Package

Students can select an optional transportation package for all AIFS programs. Students who choose to book their own flights should meet up with group at the program location and will need to make their own ground transportation arrangements.

Below are fees by departure city based on average historical costs and subject to change. If you select this option on your application, the total flight package price will be confirmed in your account 6 months prior to departure. (Program fee is guaranteed.)

Depature City

Fee

  • Atlanta
    $1,820
  • Boston
    $1,820
  • Buffalo
    $1,820
  • Charlotte
    $1,780
  • Chicago
    $1,900
  • Cincinnati
    $1,860
  • Columbus
    $1,900
  • Dallas
    $1,860
  • Denver
    $1,980
  • Des Moines
    $1,900
  • Detroit
    $1,760
  • Houston
    $1,900
  • Los Angeles
    $2,000
  • Miami
    $1,800
  • Minneapolis
    $1,780
  • New York
    $1,600
  • Newark
    $1,600
  • Orlando
    $1,900
  • Philadelphia
    $1,700
  • Phoenix
    $1,880
  • Pittsburgh
    $1,820
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $1,900
  • San Francisco
    $2,000
  • Seattle
    $2,000
  • St. Louis
    $1,900
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,820
  • View more View less

See what others are saying

Two students walking in a field.

Ready to Study Abroad in Berlin?

For more dates or questions, contact your program consultant:
(203) 399-5163 or email: aifsabroad@aifs.com