IES Berlin: Urban Studies and Social Sciences
- Location: Berlin, Germany
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English, German
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
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.
- Visa:
Not required; must obtain 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
No previous German language study is required. Improve your German through IES Abroad German language courses (required for beginning- and intermediate-level students). Students are required to take one appropriate-level IES German language course. *This program does not fulfill Haverford’s language requirement.
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
With nearly half of the world’s population living in urban environments, metropolitan studies is an increasingly important topic among world leaders. A center of modern European history, Berlin was both destroyed and reinvented in the 20th century. Today, as one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, Berlin is a center for business, politics, culture, and innovation and the perfect place to study today’s metropolis. Students will have full access to the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin’s excellent facilities, including libraries, cafeterias, and computer and sports centers.
Course Highlights
Art History, Cities, Cultural Studies, Economics, Film Studies, Gender Studies, History, Literature, Political Science, Sociology, Independent Research, Urban 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
Two-week orientation program
Number of Students
Enrollment of 30-40 students each semester.
Housing/Meal Plans
Living with Locals – 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.
Apartments – IES offers single rooms or same-gender shared rooms in mixed-gender student apartments. Live with other IES Abroad students in apartments with fully equipped kitchens.
Haverford students may not opt for 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: Early September to mid-December
- Semester II: Mid-February to late May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 15
- Semester II: October 5