Germany Berlin Study Abroad: Language, Culture, & Politics

• 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 semesters 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

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).

Required Course

• German Language

Elective Courses

IES Abroad Language & Area Studies Courses (taught in German)

• History of Photography
• Art and Society: Germany in the 20th Century
• German Popular Culture
• Theater in Berlin
• Contemporary German Film
• German Political Thought
• The German Social Market Economy
• The Politics of Memory: Museums & Memorials in Berlin
• The German Welfare State
• Let's Talk Business (Wirtschaftsdeutsch)
• Germany and the European Union
• Literature and the City: Berlin Perspectives

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) Courses

For specific course offerings, visit the HU course directory and browse options.

Please note: Local universities' course directories are typically updated end-of August for the Fall semester, and end-of February for the Spring— course offerings vary from semester to semester, and some course options may not be available for non-degree-seeking students.

Students on the Language and Area Studies Program can opt to live in a local homestay or may choose an apartment-style residence.

Local Homestay

• 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.

-or-

Apartment Style Residences

• IES Abroad offers single rooms or same-gender shared rooms in mixed-gender student apartments. Students will live with other IES Abroad students in apartments with fully equipped kitchens.

• Fall Semester: late-August to mid-December
• Spring Semester: early-February to late-May*

*dates will be different if student chooses to take courses at HU.

This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.

Fall Semester

• Applications Open December 15
• Applications Deadline March 15

Spring Semester

• Applications Open June 1*
• 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.

Please note: Non-U.S. citizens must contact BU Study Abroad prior to submitting an application

• 2025/2026 Tuition & Fees: $27,462
  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