Study Abroad | Berlin

Universities

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.

Areas of Interest

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for German Language, Humanities and Social Sciences Session 1

• Open to First Year, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
• Minimum of 2.75 GPA

Program Options

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

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

Class time Classes meet for 45 contact hours, except for Intensive German language, which meets for 80 contact hours, and is recommended for 4 semester credits. 

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 Abroad participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available. 

Student support The AIFS Abroad 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.