IES Berlin: Language, Culture, and Politics
- 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.
Academic Overview
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. Transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C (2.0) 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.
Non-Academic Overview
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
- Support for LGTBQIA+ Students
- IES Abroad Student Diversity & Access
- Mental Health & Self Care While Abroad
- Diversity Abroad
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