Degree Details
The Berlin Language & Area Studies Program offers students the opportunity to pursue 15-19 units by taking courses in German language and area studies in the German capital of Berlin. Students will also be able to take advantage of courses, staff, facilities and cultural excursions offered by a partner study abroad provider, IES Abroad. Berlin offers students the opportunity to experience a city that has been the center of modern European history and is now a global leader in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Key Facts
Area of Study
Location
Home University
Program Structure
Internship Availability
Term
Coursework Level
BU Hub Offered
NoneHousing
Language of Instruction
Units
- 16 Units
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Admissions requirements for all programs
- Students must also meet eligibility requirements for IES Abroad.
- Per IES Admissions policy, 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require additional documentation)
- 4 terms of college-level German or the equivalent
- Enrolled in a German course within the year prior to the program start date
- Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins
- Per IES Admissions policy, 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require additional documentation)
Curriculum
Students will enroll in courses offered by the IES Abroad Language & Area Studies Program. Students may also enroll in courses taught by a local host university, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU).
Housing & Student Services
Students on the Berlin programs can opt to live in an apartment-style residence or choose a local homestay.
Apartment Style Residences
- Shared Apartment – Live with other IES Abroad Berlin students in mixed-gender student apartments with a shared living room, fully equipped kitchen, and bathroom. No meals are provided with this housing option. Includes high-speed internet. Laundromats are available at extra cost.
- Small Studio Apartment – Live in a single studio with a private bathroom and either a private or shared kitchenette. Students typically prepare their own meals in their housing or dine in student cafeterias or affordable restaurants. No meals are provided with this housing option. All studios include high-speed internet. Laundromats are available at extra cost. An additional fee applies for this housing option and the cost will be the responsibility of the student in addition to the standard program fee.
Living with Locals
- IES Abroad offers the unique experience of living with local residents throughout the city. Students will live in a single room in a shared apartment with single adults, single parents, or families.
Program Dates
This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.
FALL TERM
Program Dates
Late August – Mid-December
FALL TERM
Applications Open
December 15
FALL TERM
Applications Due
March 15
SPRING TERM
Program Dates
Early February – Late May*
*Dates will be different if student chooses to take courses at HU.
SPRING TERM
Applications Open
June 1*
SPRING TERM
Applications Deadline
October 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
In addition to completing the standard BU Study Abroad application, students must apply through the IES Abroad online system. The IES Abroad application may not yet be available for your chosen semester.
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2026/2027 Tuition & Fees: $28,595 per term
Cost includes tuition, housing, program related activities, administrative fee, overseas medical insurance and emergency evacuation coverage. - Estimated program budget, including cost of living expenses.
- Grants and Scholarships available
Ready to Study in Berlin?