The Berlin Study Abroad Program offers students the opportunity to pursue 15-19 credits 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. German language students may also choose to enroll in an internship or courses offered by a local host university, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU). 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.
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Admissions requirementsfor 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)
- For Language & Area Studies Track only:
- 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
Curriculum
Metropolitan & Urban Studies Track
Students will enroll in a combination of courses offered by the IES Abroad Metropolitan & Urban Studies Program:
Elective Courses
- Evolution of the Modern City: Urban Development and Architecture
- Bio-Politics and Migration in the 21st Century
- Urban Design and Sustainability
- German Popular Culture
- Urban Identities in Contemporary Europe
- Transatlantic Cinema: Germany and the U.S.
- German Language (multiple levels)
- Gender in Historical Perspective: Berlin Past & Present
- Espionage and Diplomacy in International Politics
- Security in Europe: Actors and Challenges
- German Political Thought
- Museums and Memories: The Practice of Public History in Berlin
- Gender in Historical Perspective: Berlin Past & Present
- Germany in the Global Economy
- Europe and the Middle East
- Europe in Crisis? Perspectives on the current state of the EU
- Global Marketing for Startups
- The Entrepreneurial City
- The Politics of Urban Space
- Evolution of the Modern City: Urban Development and Architecture
Security Studies & International Affairs Track
Students will enroll in a combination of courses offered by the IES Abroad Security Studies & International Affairs Program:
Elective Courses
- Evolution of the Modern City: Urban Development and Architecture
- Bio-Politics and Migration in the 21st Century
- Urban Design and Sustainability
- German Popular Culture
- Urban Identities in Contemporary Europe
- Transatlantic Cinema: Germany and the U.S.
- German Language (multiple levels)
- Gender in Historical Perspective: Berlin Past & Present
- Espionage and Diplomacy in International Politics
- Security in Europe: Actors and Challenges
- German Political Thought
- Museums and Memories: The Practice of Public History in Berlin
- Gender in Historical Perspective: Berlin Past & Present
- Germany in the Global Economy
- Europe and the Middle East
- Europe in Crisis? Perspectives on the current state of the EU
- Global Marketing for Startups
- The Entrepreneurial City
- The Politics of Urban Space
- Evolution of the Modern City: Urban Development and Architecture
Language and Area Studies Track
Students will enroll in a combination of courses offered by the IES Abroad Language & Area Studies Program and an optional internship. 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 Model of Social Market Economy
- The Politics of Memory: Museums & Memorials in Berlin
- Let's Talk Business (Wirtschaftsdeutsch)
- Germany and the European Union
- Berlin Perspectives in German Literature
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.
Housing & Student Services
- This option is only available for students in the Language and Area Studies Track
- 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.
Apartments
- 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.
Program Dates
- 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.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester: March 15
- Spring Semester: 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
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2023/2024 Tuition & Fees: $25,915
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
