Studying abroad is a time for making exciting discoveries, practicing foreign languages, making new friends, and a lot of studying! With all of that on your plate, it’s important to keep this in mind: don’t miss out on what’s outside of the classroom, your neighborhood, and your comfort zone.
Consider some of these ways to maximize your experience as a study abroad student in Berlin:
Take advantage of the free art and architecture that surrounds you
Known as Germany’s Kulturhaupstadt (culture capital), Berlin has hundreds of art galleries and museums to explore. Admission fees to most museums and attractions are low—many are even free.
Remnants of the Berlin Wall, once the world’s largest canvas for graffiti artists, can still be found throughout city. Architecturally, Berlin’s mix of classic and cutting-edge styles is awe-inspiring. The Reichstag building, with its striking, modern glass and steel dome, perfectly encapsulates Berlin’s dynamic “look.”
Explore Berlin’s dynamic nightlife
Whether you’re into musical theater or opera, classical music or techno, you’ll be able to find your scene in Berlin. From grand concert halls and theaters to achingly-cool clubs and tiny, storefront venues, Berlin offers numerous options for fans of nearly every kind of music (whether performed live or spun by world-class DJs).
Enroll in courses at the prestigious Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
We are proud to be the only U.S. study abroad provider able to offer courses at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, which recently ranked #49 on the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2015-16. Taking classes at a local university is also a great way to make German friends.
Humboldt has strengths in many disciplines, including Accounting, Art History, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classics, Communications, Computer Science, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Finance, Fine Arts, Foreign Languages, Gender Studies, Geography, History, Linguistics, Literature, Mathematics, Music History, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Theater, and Urban Planning.
Interact with other cultures
Sure, students choose to study abroad in Berlin to immerse themselves in the German culture, but Berlin is also home to the largest Turkish population outside of Turkey, a thriving Vietnamese and East Asian community, and a rich Russian and European heritage. The best way to experience Berlin’s multiculturalism? Through its excellent food, colorful festivals, and the city’s fascinating neighborhoods.
Take your study abroad to the next level
Study abroad is definitely a life-altering experience, so much so that students want to spend more time living in that location. Did you know: the IES Abroad Berlin Center is particularly good at helping students return to Germany, especially through the Fulbright programs. In fact, last year IES Abroad saw several of its Berlin alumni go back to Germany through the Fulbright program.
Ready to immerse yourself in Berlin? Learn more about our semester and summer programs:
International Affairs & Security Studies (One of our NEW 12 for 12 for 12 programs)
Language & Area Studies
Metropolitan Studies
Summer Language & Culture
Summer Metropolitan Studies & Architecture
Summer Internship
