Study Abroad

IES Berlin: Language and Area Studies

  • Location: Berlin, Germany
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
  • Language of Instruction: German
  • Class Eligibility: Juniors and seniors

Introduction

Berlin, a center for modern European history, has no equal for leaving its imprint on the political, social, and cultural history of the 20th Century.  One of Europe’s most vibrant cities, Berlin boasts a wide array of museums, art galleries, and theaters.  Its taste for artistic and social experimentation and effervescent nightlife is once again alive today as they were in the 1920s. The IES Center is a five-minute walk to the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate, and the German Parliament.

There are a wide range of courses offered in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences at the  Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

  • Visa:

    Not required; must obtain a temporary residence permit.

    Non-US citizens should consult with IES and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.

  • Fees: Students pay regular tuition to Haverford College. Haverford is then responsible for making payments to IES. Students pay housing costs directly to IES.
Requirements

Students must have completed four semesters of college-level German (intermediate level or equivalent). Students must have taken an appropriate level German course no more than one year prior to the program start date. Students must enroll in a four-credit German language course.  In order to receive major/minor credit, the German department requires that students take the majority of courses in German at one of the universities. Courses at the university during the fall semester run from October through February. Therefore, German majors/minors who require major/minor credit may wish to go abroad during the spring semester.

Academic Credit

Each semester, students must carry 15 semester credit hours. Students are not permitted to take less than 15 credits unless they have the permission of their dean and advisor in advance. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students received a grade of a C or above.

Curriculum

Integration is made available through housing with local residents and full access to Humboldt’s excellent facilities including libraries, cafeterias, and sports centers.

Students may participate in an internship for credit. Please note: The internship is accompanied by a related seminar that will culminate in a long paper. Students must participate in this seminar, as it is the seminar for which students receive academic credit.

Course Highlights

Art History, Cultural Studies, Drama, Economics, Film Studies, German Language, History, International Business, Internship Seminar, International Relations, Jewish Studies, Literature, Political Science, Sociology, and Women's Studies.

Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.

Review the Full Academic Requirements for Studying Abroad

Orientation

The first 3 weeks are divided between intensive German language instruction in the morning and a series of lectures, tours and excursions related to the history, art, and culture of Berlin in the afternoon. Students will often be accompanied by German students on excursions to such destinations as Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, a suburb of Berlin, Pergamon Museum and German Parliament.

Number of Students

Approximately 50 students attend each semester.

Housing/Meal Plans

Apartments or homestay.

IES Abroad housing gives students the unique opportunity to live with local Berlin residents throughout the city.  Students will have their own furnished room in an apartment shared by Berlin residents.  Rooms are rented from single adults, German university students and a small number of “traditional families.”  Meals are not included with the program fee. Students typically prepare their own meals at the host’s kitchen or dine in affordable student cafeterias or restaurants. Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.

Notes

Additional Resources

View Scholarship Information

Apply to Study Abroad!

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  • Program List

Options

  • Semester

Dates

  • Semester I: Late August to mid-December
  • Semester II: Early February to late May

Application Deadlines

  • Semester I: March 1
  • Semester II: October 5

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