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Study Abroad | Berlin

Germany | Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | Summer 2024
A group of students in Germany.

Select Your Program Option:

  • Summer 2024

Overview

Spend a summer in the cosmopolitan city of Berlin, Germany with AIFS! Study a variety of academic program options at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the city’s oldest university and home to over 32,000 students. Located in the central borough of Mitte, the university is associated with 55 Nobel Prize winners. 

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 6 semester credits per session (subject to session and course selection)

  • Courses

    Courses offered in conservation, culture, ecology, economics, geography, German language, history, law, literature, politics, religion, social sciences, sociology

  • Housing

    Shared apartments

  • Meals

    Meal allowance to subsidize lunches in the low-cost university cafeterias

  • Excursions & Day Trips

    Day trips to Potsdam, Baltic Sea and Dresden

  • Cultural & Social Activities

    Visit to World Heritage site Museum Island, themed walking tours on topics like Queer or Black Berlin, a boat trip, cinema, East Side Gallery Wall Memorial and Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp

  • 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
  • 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, Poland (3 days) Session 1 only

    Prague, Czech Republic (3 days) Session 2 only

Program Details: Study Abroad | Berlin German Language, Humanities and Social Sciences Session 1

Dates

June 13, 2024July 12, 2024

Term

Summer

Institution

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Application Deadline

March 18, 2024

Inclusive Fees

$6,790

Eligibility

Open to First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Minimum of 2.75 GPA

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

Visa Requirements

A visa may be required for this program. Please contact your advisor or log into your portal for more information.

Areas of Interest

  • Area Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Cultural Studies
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • German Language
  • History
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • Religious Studies
  • Social Science
  • Sociology

Global Themes

  • Education, Social Services, and Psychology
  • Global Peace, International Security and Human Rights
  • Global Sustainability
  • Language, History and Culture
  • Social and Criminal Justice
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:

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin was founded in 1810 and is Berlin’s oldest university. It is grouped into three main campuses. Campus Mitte is home to the Arts, Humanities, Law, Economics, Business and Theology. The Life Sciences are concentrated on Campus Nord. Mathematics and the Natural Sciences are located on the modern, high-tech Campus Adlershof. It is a comprehensive, degree-granting university and ranks among the top ten of German universities. Its scientists research socially relevant topics and challenges of the future, communicating these with the public. Its aim is to positively influence society and economy outside the university framework.

  • Area Studies
  • Criminal Justice
  • Cultural Studies
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • German Language
  • History
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • Religious Studies
  • Social Science
  • Sociology

In both Session 1 and Session 2 students can take one or two courses as outlined below: 

  • German language semi-intensive only (3 credits)
  • German language + one subject course from Stream A, Stream B or Stream C (6 credits)
  • One subject course only (3 credits)
  • Two subject courses – one from Stream A + one from Stream B (6 credits)
  • Intensive German language only (4 credits)

Session 1 and 2 Combined: Students taking both sessions can earn up to 12 credits and must list both language courses on their application. All subject courses are taught in English. Students taking German take a placement test on arrival to determine the correct level. Each class meets for 45 contact hours and is recommended for 3 semester credits.

Attendance Students exceeding the permitted number of unexcused absences may lose all or partial credits, except for Intensive German language, which meets for 80 contact hours, and is recommended for 4 semester credits.

Class time Classes meet for 45 contact hours. 

Computer facilities Students have access to the Internet and computer facilities at the university and to the internet in the apartments. 

Credits Courses are recommended for 3 or 4 semester credits – shown in parentheses in the course descriptions.

ECTS: Humboldt-Universität awards ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation 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 next to each course description 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. For further information on ECTS please click here

Grades No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available. 

Student support The AIFS Program Director provides academic advice and serves as a liaison between students and the university. 

Transcripts are issued by Humboldt–Universität zu Berlin. An official transcript will be sent directly to the student’s home university on completion of the program. 

View All Courses For German Language, Humanities and Social Sciences - Session 1
Zoe Instagram Takeover

A DAY IN THE LIFE BERLIN

Meet Zoe, a college student from Texas A&M University who took over the AIFS Abroad Instagram story recently to answer questions about what it’s like to study abroad in Berlin, Germany this summer! Watch as Zoe highlights what a typical day in her life looks like there.

Three students in Germany.

Living Abroad

Apartment

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.

Shared Apartment:

  • Single room
  • Shared kitchen and bathroom
  • Bed linens provided
  • Laundry facilities on-site
  • All students receive a a meal allowance and a Mensa card which gives access to subsidized meals at Berlin-wide university cafeterias

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.

AIFS in Berlin Director, Summer Program

Nele Thomsen headshot.

Nele Thomsen

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 specialities 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.

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of German culture, a wide range of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee. The Program Director organizes a variety of activities which usually include:

  • Berlin city tour
  • German cooking class
  • Opera
  • Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Museum Island in Berlin
  • Walking tours with various themes
  • Explore Berlin and its cuisine with group dinners at a variety of restaurants
  • Visit to the Reichstag, the German Parliament
  • Social events
  • Students also receive a Museum Pass which grants entrance to the collections of the State Museums Berlin
  • The site of the former Nazi concentration camp at Sachsenhausen

Please note that students may need to pay a small additional fee for some of the activities above.

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.

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:

A beach at the Baltic Sea.

Baltic Sea

Sightseeing and walking tour. Visit the medieval Church of St. Mary. Includes round-trip transportation.

  • Germany
  • Day Trip
  • Included in Program Fee
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
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 (Session 1 only)
Large buildings in the heart of Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague

Travel by train from Berlin to Prague. Take a guided tour of the historic city of Prague, see the huge Hradčany Castle complex, the cathedral, the 14th century Charles Bridge and Malá Strana. Guided tour of Prague Ghetto, which includes Europe’s oldest Jewish cemetery, and adjoining museums. Free time to explore on your own. Includes round-trip transportation, daily breakfast, and accommodations.

  • Czech Republic
  • 3 Days
  • $595 (Session 2 only)
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

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Open

Dates & Deadlines

Details

  • Early Application Deadline*
  • Application Deadline
    March 18, 2024
  • Deposit Deadline
    March 28, 2024
  • Scholarship Deadline
    March 1, 2024
  • Visa Deadline****
  • Optional Departure Flight from US***
    June 12, 2024
  • Program Begins
    June 13, 2024
  • Program Ends
    July 12, 2024
  • Optional Return Flight to US***
    July 13, 2024
  • *** 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
    $2,300
  • Boston
    $2,420
  • Buffalo
    $2,420
  • Charlotte
    $2,320
  • Chicago
    $2,500
  • Cincinnati
    $2,480
  • Columbus
    $2,500
  • Dallas
    $2,380
  • Denver
    $2,600
  • Des Moines
    $2,500
  • Detroit
    $2,280
  • Houston
    $2,500
  • Los Angeles
    $2,620
  • Miami
    $2,320
  • Minneapolis
    $2,420
  • New York
    $2,160
  • Newark
    $1,660
  • Orlando
    $2,500
  • Philadelphia
    $2,220
  • Phoenix
    $2,420
  • Pittsburgh
    $2,420
  • Raleigh/Durham
    $2,500
  • San Francisco
    $2,620
  • Seattle
    $2,620
  • St. Louis
    $2,000
  • Washington/Dulles
    $1,920
  • 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