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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
German Language & European Studies
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Location
Berlin
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Host University
Freie Universität Berlin
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Term
Spring 1 2025
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Program Dates
Feb 02, 2025 - May 23, 2025
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
Oct 10, 2024
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Forms and Payment Deadline
Oct 15, 2024
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Credit
219 - 222 Contact Hours
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Eligibility
3.00 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$18,950
- This session is closed and is no longer accepting applications.
Study Abroad Program Description
The German Language & European Studies program at Freie Universität Berlin (FUB) offers a great variety of courses in German and European Studies. Popular subject areas include German Language, European Studies, History, Political Science, Sociology, and Art History. Courses are taught in English and German by local and visiting faculty at FUB with other international students.
You are not required to have a background in German language in order to participate in this program. You will be required to complete a language placement exam prior to departure if taking a German language course and have a background in German language.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 3.00.
For semester and academic-year programs, you must have completed a minimum of two semesters at a four-year university at time of application. Cumulative GPA will be calculated from credit from four-year institutions only.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception*
Airport Reception*
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
*Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs, as well as programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Meals and Laundry Service*
Meals and Laundry Service*
*The possibility for included meals and/or laundry services vary per location and housing option. Meals and laundry services are provided with most homestays to a degree. For more details, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site Offices
On-Site Offices
You will have access to many of the resources and facilities at the host university. ISA resident staff members will hold office hours either at the host university or at another pre-determined location in the city each week.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the Bridging Cultures Orientation, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions*
Excursions*
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
*Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, some summer sessions, as well as some programs that combine 2 intensive months, such as Quarter programs.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Credits
Contact Hours
219 - 222
ECTS Credits
21 - 24
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
14 - 15
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
21 - 22
Academic Information
Course Selection
- You are required to take 1 German language course and 2-3 subject courses per semester.
- You can choose from two 2 different course tracks:
- 1. Experiential Beginning German Language course + 3 content courses (total of 4 courses)
-or- - 2. Intensive German Language course (combined 2-level) + 2 subject courses (total of 3 courses)
- You may only take the Experiential German Language course if you have had no previous experience taking a German language course, are an absolute beginner, and are not a German major or minor. If you have any experience with the German language you will enroll in an Intensive German Language course.
- If you wish to take one additional content course you will need to provide specific documentation from your home university stating that they require you to take the extra course.(ie: an advisor's email, a quote from home university's website, etc.)
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Germany Program Manager.
Course Availability
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or prerequisites.
Course Credit
- You are required to take 21-24 ECTS credits per semester.
- All subject courses are worth 6 ECTS/45 contact hours. Experiential German courses are worth 6 ECTS/84 contact hours. The combination of the two Intensive German Language courses is worth a total of 9 ECTS credits/132 contact hours.
- ISA makes U.S. credit recommendations based off of the course contact hours, however, transfer credits earned will be decided entirely by your home university. It is important to be in touch with your university about course approvals and transfer credit pre-departure.
- According to ISA policy, you must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by your home university.
Language Placement
- Enrollment in German language courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered online pre-program by Freie Universität Berlin. Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you’ve already completed at your home university.
- If you are trying to place into any level of language beyond true beginning, it is recommended that you prepare for the language placement exam by reviewing previous coursework.
Course Level Recommendations
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the Freie Universität Berlin’s (FUB) course structure system. According to FUB’s administration, all subject courses are designed as upper division level undergraduate courses. For all language courses, ISA considers courses from Beginning to High Intermediate as lower division, and Advanced to High Advanced as upper division. These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisors and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions.
Transcript Information
- The transcript from Freie Universität Berlin will reflect ECTS credits and contact hours. Please be in touch with your home university regarding credit transfer for this program.
- The contact hour at Freie Universität Berlin is 60 minutes. The ISA Cover Letter that will accompany your transcript upon completion of your program will reflect the adjusted U.S. 50-minute contact hour. Please discuss credit transfer with your home university prior to departure.
Courses
select allclear all
Course Disclaimer
- Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Support & Funding
ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.
SUPPORT TEAM
Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.
Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.
U.S. Team
Drew Beasley
Program Manager, Czech Republic, Germany, & the Netherlands
Drew's journey in experiential education all started while traveling through Indonesia and Fiji on his gap year. Feeling refreshed and transformed, Drew embraced every opportunity to study abroad while attending DePaul University. Drew has studied film in Rome, received a teaching certificate in Prague, backpacked through Patagonia, and lead diving trips in Belize. When not abroad, Drew works closely with the Gap Year Association and currently serves on their board of directors. At ISA, Drew is thrilled to help students study abroad and fall in love with new cities and countries around the world.
Jessie Llerena
Region & Account Manager, Europe
Born and raised in New Jersey, Jessie graduated from Rutgers University with a B.A in Psychology. Her love for traveling started at a young age from visiting family back home in Ecuador. She is passionate about helping people and delivering high quality care. In her free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends, play with her dog, Cash, work out, and travel (of course!). Jessie finds that studying abroad is important to learn about different cultures, as it creates lasting relationships and memories. She is excited to be a part of the ISA team and to support students through their studies overseas
BERLIN TEAM
Karen Montero
Resident Director, Germany
Karen Montero
Resident Director
Karen Montero is a Barcelona native who attended the University of Barcelona to study Communications and earned her Master's in Cultural Journalism at the Barcelona School of Management - Pompeu Fabra University. Fascinated by traveling, she went to Buenos Aires after her Master's for an internship and decided to stay for a year and a half. Her new adventure is in Berlin, where she joined ISA as a Berlin Resident Director and enjoys helping students with their study abroad experiences. Karen loves music, arts, photography, reading, and writing.
Identity Resources
Accessibility & Accommodations
With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.
Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.
Destination Information
Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.
Identity Blog
ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.
Funding
All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!
If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.
Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org
Housing
Living in ISA housing will give you the opportunity to experience aspects of the German lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor in Berlin. Uncovering the uniqueness of your Bezirke (district) and the surrounding areas will help you to feel right at home. No matter which type of housing you choose, you will commute to class as most Berliners do, via U-Bahn and S-Bahn. With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations; however, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking independence during your time abroad. The apartments are located in the heart of Berlin and about 50 minutes by public transportation from the university. This accommodation includes a private en-suite bathroom, bed, wardrobe, desk, and flat screen satellite tv. There is access to an equipped, shared kitchen. Bed linens and towels are provided. High speed Wi-Fi access is available and there is 24/7 security. There is a library and study room areas, game lounges with pool tables, outdoor cinema, a gym, restaurant and chill out area. Students will also have access to bicycles as well as an on-site laundry facility.
Dorm
The dorm is best choice if you would like to be independent while living in a greener and quieter environment. The Student Village is located in the southwest of Berlin and is approximately 55 minutes from campus by public transportation. The dorm offers private rooms with a shared bathroom, kitchen, and communal area. All rooms are furnished with a bed, desk, chair, bookshelf, and closet. There are shared bathrooms and fully equipped kitchens on each floor. The duvet, cushions, and bedding are provided. There is a communal room with a TV as well as credit card-operated laundry facilities on site. Free Wi-Fi is provided.
Homestay
Host families are the best option if you are seeking full linguistic and cultural immersion during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by the host university in Berlin in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays will provide daily breakfast and dinner. A typical homestay includes a private bedroom with linen, a desk, and a place for clothing and personal items. Homestays cannot be guaranteed over winter break for academic-year students.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
For Academic Year students: Housing is not included during the academic break between semesters. Please consult with your Program Manager regarding the option to stay in-between semesters and any additional, associated costs.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the diverse, distinct, and gorgeous cities of Germany that you may not be able to visit on your own. The destinations shown below are a sample of some of the possibilities, which are finalized in the time leading up to the start of your program.
Beelitz-Heilstätten
The town of Beelitz is about an hour southwest of Berlin and is home to Beelitz-Heilstätten. In the early 1900s it served as a lung clinic and sanatorium with just 600 beds but quickly expanded to a 60-building facility. Like many hospitals in Europe, its halls have seen soldiers through the two World Wars and was appropriated by Soviet Army in 1945 to become the largest Soviet military hospital outside the Soviet Union. Since the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1994 the facility stood empty and has been popular with photographers and urban explorers. In 2015, the land has been developed to be more inviting to the public. When visiting students will be able to participate in a guided history tour and walk the treetop path that allows for visitors to look over the grounds and vast forest surrounding Beelitz-Heilstätten.
Beelitz-Heilstätten
The town of Beelitz is about an hour southwest of Berlin and is home to Beelitz-Heilstätten. In the early 1900s it served as a lung clinic and sanatorium with just 600 beds but quickly expanded to a 60-building facility. Like many hospitals in Europe, its halls have seen soldiers through the two World Wars and was appropriated by Soviet Army in 1945 to become the largest Soviet military hospital outside the Soviet Union. Since the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1994 the facility stood empty and has been popular with photographers and urban explorers. In 2015, the land has been developed to be more inviting to the public. When visiting students will be able to participate in a guided history tour and walk the treetop path that allows for visitors to look over the grounds and vast forest surrounding Beelitz-Heilstätten.
Dresden
Dresden is the capital city of the federal state of Saxony, located near the Czech border on the River Elbe. This beautiful town is a cultural center known worldwide for its historic landmarks in the Baroque and Rococo Old Town. Dresden suffered immense damages during the Allied bombing in February 1945. However, thanks to the survivors' determination to move on and return the town its former glory, Dresden can enjoy its famous attribute of being the 'Florence of the Elbe' once again.
Dresden
Dresden is the capital city of the federal state of Saxony, located near the Czech border on the River Elbe. This beautiful town is a cultural center known worldwide for its historic landmarks in the Baroque and Rococo Old Town. Dresden suffered immense damages during the Allied bombing in February 1945. However, thanks to the survivors' determination to move on and return the town its former glory, Dresden can enjoy its famous attribute of being the 'Florence of the Elbe' once again.
Prague
Prague is the capital and the largest city of the Czech Republic, situated on the banks of the beautiful the Vltava River. The city, referred to as the "city of a hundred spires", remained nearly untouched during WWII, leaving it to act as a living museum which possesses architectural preservation like no other place in the world. Since 1992, Prague has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lively city is full of famous theaters, fascinating opera houses, clean parks as well as other places offering numerous cultural experiences.
Prague
Prague is the capital and the largest city of the Czech Republic, situated on the banks of the beautiful the Vltava River. The city, referred to as the "city of a hundred spires", remained nearly untouched during WWII, leaving it to act as a living museum which possesses architectural preservation like no other place in the world. Since 1992, Prague has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lively city is full of famous theaters, fascinating opera houses, clean parks as well as other places offering numerous cultural experiences.
Leipzig
Due to its location in Eastern Germany, Leipzig has been a trade city since the time of the Holy Roman Empire. The city was once a major European center of learning and culture, and its varied Renaissance and Baroque architecture creates a beautiful style combination.Today, the city is considered to be one of the "most livable" in Germany. Enjoy learning the old and fascinating history while enjoying the local cafes, multitude of art, and deep music scene.
Leipzig
Due to its location in Eastern Germany, Leipzig has been a trade city since the time of the Holy Roman Empire. The city was once a major European center of learning and culture, and its varied Renaissance and Baroque architecture creates a beautiful style combination.Today, the city is considered to be one of the "most livable" in Germany. Enjoy learning the old and fascinating history while enjoying the local cafes, multitude of art, and deep music scene.
Week-Long FU-BEST Excursion
This week-long excursion gives you the opportunity to explore other areas of Europe outside of Berlin. Take your pick from one of the options offered- there are typically three different trips to choose from! Destinations vary each semester, but always include German cities, such as Munich or Hamburg, and European sites, like Copenhagen or Prague.
Week-Long FU-BEST Excursion
This week-long excursion gives you the opportunity to explore other areas of Europe outside of Berlin. Take your pick from one of the options offered- there are typically three different trips to choose from! Destinations vary each semester, but always include German cities, such as Munich or Hamburg, and European sites, like Copenhagen or Prague.
Cultural Activities in Berlin
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Berlin! The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Berlin special. These activities vary each term and are designed to further introduce you to your host city. Previous offerings have included walking tours of the city center, a street art tour, movie night in an artsy cinema, guided tour of the Stasi prison, and visits to the Dome of Reichstag and Berliner Dome, for example.
Cultural Activities in Berlin
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Berlin! The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Berlin special. These activities vary each term and are designed to further introduce you to your host city. Previous offerings have included walking tours of the city center, a street art tour, movie night in an artsy cinema, guided tour of the Stasi prison, and visits to the Dome of Reichstag and Berliner Dome, for example.