Berlin, Germany

Language, Culture & Politics

Study Abroad

Program Options:

Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning, Global Pillars Courses, Part-Time Internship

•

Length:

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

German

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level German; enrollment in a German course in the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Previously known as Language & Area Studies, this program is set in Berlin, a place of new ideas, where arts and culture are a way of life, with galleries on nearly every corner and thriving creative industries. But don't forget, this dynamic city is also a center of modern European history—it has no equal for leaving its imprint on the political, social, and cultural history of the 20th century.

Berlin will be your classroom. Imagine learning about German politics and policymaking in class and then taking a quick walk to visit the Reichstag, or discussing Berlin migrant literature and then touring one of the city’s bustling Turkish neighborhoods. Wherever possible, our courses take advantage of the city’s many historical, artistic, and cultural sites, and several courses include course-related trips.

Improve Your German

With all German-taught courses.

Study at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Enroll in at a local university and choose from a variety of disciplines.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Participate in an internship placement and accompanying seminar.

Travel throughout Germany

Journey to Munich, or Potsdam.

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

August 27 - December 13

Application Deadline:

May 8, 2025

Program Advisor

Sabrina Wu

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment, Homestay

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

German

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level German; enrollment in a German course in the last year

Part-Time Internship (Optional):

Included in Program Fee

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Destination

Why Berlin?

The minute you step off the plane in Berlin, you’ll feel its energy. It’s a place of new ideas, where sustainable technology and modern design are a way of life, and art galleries can be found on nearly every corner. But don’t forget, Berlin has also been at the center of modern European history--from the intellectual foundations of Socialism and the introduction of the modern European welfare state to the catastrophe of two world wars that divided the continent: Berlin has no equal for leaving its imprint on the political, social, and cultural history of the 20th century. We invite you to study the historical and cultural heritage of this vibrant city.

Learn More About Berlin

Get to Know Your New City

Relax in Parks & Green Space

Stroll, cycle, swim, or picnic in one of Berlin's 2,500 parks.

Visit Neighborhoods

The city's neighborhoods give Berlin its unique character.

Observe the Architecture

See restored buildings juxtaposed against modern structures.

Check Out the East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall is now an outdoor art exhibition.

The Student Experience

Photo of Tal on a bouldering wall, jumping horizontally to reach the next climbing hold.

Tal Pemstein

Tal Pemstein, Nov 15, 2024

Bouldering in Berlin

Finding a place to climb, and finding community there.

Cultural Immersion Daily Life

Digital sticker reading "I Voted From Abroad" with an American flag across one corner

Processing the U.S. Elections While Abroad

Candid photo of a group of students sitting around a long table. Some of the students are wearing Halloween costumes, and there are Halloween-themed snacks on the table.

The Twelve-Person Communal Kitchen Is Actually Kind of Great???

View All Blogs

Housing

Apartment
Living with Locals

Apartment

Small Studio Apartment - You will 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.

Shared Apartment - Live with other IES Abroad Berlin students in mixed-gender student apartments with separate rooms and shared living room, fully equipped kitchen, and bathroom. No meals are provided with this housing option. All studios include high-speed internet. Laundromats are available at no extra cost.

Living with Locals

We offer you the unique experience of living with local residents throughout the city. You will live in a single room in a shared apartment with single adults, single parents, or families. Students typically prepare their own meals in their housing or dine in student cafeterias or affordable restaurants. Meals are not included in the program cost. All apartments include high-speed internet.

Academics

Partner Institution

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) is located within walking distance of the IES Abroad Berlin Center“ at Johannisstr.With a size of approximately 35,000 students, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) offers a wide variety of courses in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. The university has 9 departments (Fakultäten) and offers 189 degree programs, 57 of which are undergraduate programs. Founded in 1810, the university established the concept of the modern university that unites teaching and research. HU’s main campus is located within walking distance of the IES Abroad Berlin Center. Most science courses, however, are held at the university’s second campus in the district of Adlershof, about 50 minutes commute by train from the Center.

Visit Website

Courses

You take 15–19 credits per semester—all IES Abroad courses are worth 3 credits, excluding the required 4-credit German Language courses. All courses in this program are taught in German. You can combine your IES courses with courses at the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (HU) (credits for HU courses will vary). 

In addition, you have the option to participate in an internship that runs parallel to your IES Abroad courses.  For internship students, the internship seminar Leading Across Cultures is required. Please note that students who choose to take courses at a local university will need to remain in Berlin for the duration of the standard German university semester, which runs through mid-to-late-February (Fall semester) and mid-to-late-July (Spring semester). 

These are your options in the program:

IES Abroad German language course (required, 4 credits)
Language, Culture & Politics Program courses (3 credits) 
German-taught courses at a local university (credits vary)
IES Abroad Internship (includes internship seminar Leading Across Cultures, 3 credits)

On request and with permission from your home institution, you may take up to two English-taught courses from our Urban Studies & Social Sciences or Security Studies & International Affairs programs; or English-taught courses at a local university as part of your course-load. 

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (13)

Art History (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AH 325 - History of Photography	Fall, Spring	German	3
AH/CU 335g - Art and Society: Germany in the 20th Century	Fall, Spring	German	3

Cultural Studies (2)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
AH/CU 335g - Art and Society: Germany in the 20th Century	Fall, Spring	German	3
CU/SO 350G - German Popular Culture	Fall, Spring	German	3

Drama (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
DR 444 - Theater in Berlin	Fall, Spring	German	3

Film Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
HS/FS 343 - Contemporary German Film	Fall, Spring	German	3

German Language (5)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
GR 451 - German Language in Context: Competent Abroad	Fall, Spring	German	4
GR 401 - German Language in Context: Emerging Competent Abroad I	Fall, Spring	German	4
GR 301 - German Language in Context: Emerging Independent Abroad I	Fall, Spring	German	4
GR 351 - German Language in Context: Independent Abroad I	Fall, Spring	German	4
IB/GR 333 - Let's Talk Business (Wirtschaftsdeutsch)	Fall, Spring	German	3

History (4)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
HS/FS 343 - Contemporary German Film	Fall, Spring	German	3
HS/PO 352 - German Political Thought	Fall, Spring	German	3
HS/US 320 - The Politics of Memory: Museums & Memorials in Berlin	Fall, Spring	German	3
PO/HS 395 - The German Welfare State	Fall, Spring	German	3

International Business (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IB/GR 333 - Let's Talk Business (Wirtschaftsdeutsch)	Fall, Spring	German	3

International Relations (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IR/PO 361 - Germany and the European Union	Fall, Spring	German	3

Internship Seminar (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
IN 397 - Global Internship Seminar	Fall, Spring	English	3

Literature (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
LT 450 - Literature and the City: Berlin Perspectives	Spring, Summer	German	3

Political Science (3)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
HS/PO 352 - German Political Thought	Fall, Spring	German	3
IR/PO 361 - Germany and the European Union	Fall, Spring	German	3
PO/HS 395 - The German Welfare State	Fall, Spring	German	3

Sociology (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CU/SO 350G - German Popular Culture	Fall, Spring	German	3

Urban Studies (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
HS/US 320 - The Politics of Memory: Museums & Memorials in Berlin	Fall, Spring	German	3

Partner Institution Courses

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU)

For specific course offerings, visit the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU) course directory and browse options.*

If you take courses at Humboldt University, you will be directly enrolled as a student and have full access to all university facilities. This may also enable you to take courses at one of various other local universities. Course opportunities at other local universities can be explored on a case-by-case basis with the Academics Team in Berlin.

Enrollment in German-taught partner university courses requires a German language level of B2.1 (Common European Reference Framework CERF),  which is equivalent to GR401.

Local university course ECTS credits are converted to IES Abroad credits using a 2:1 conversion scale.

Visit Website

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

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Berlin, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

3 Days ($) Spring

Munich

Explore Munich, the capital of Bavaria in Southern Germany, which straddles the bands of the River Isar on the fringes of the Bavarian Alps.

Students pose in ballet positions on stone steps.

Dresden

1 Day ($) Fall & Spring

Enjoy a day trip to Dresden, the Florence of the North in Eastern Germany. We will explore its rich cultural and architectural heritage and the scenic views of the Elbe valley.

A city sitting off Europe's third largest harbor. The buildings are modern and sleek, with some traditional architecture styles.

Hamburg

2 Days ($) Fall

Explore Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city--an economic and cultural hub with Europe’s third largest harbor, stunning modern architecture, and trendy shopping areas.

Potsdam

1 Day Fall & Spring

Join us for a day trip to Potsdam, just outside of Berlin. The former residence of the Prussian Royals offers stunningly beautiful castles, parks, gardens, and scenic waterfront views.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

1 Day Fall & Spring

Visit Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Museum and Memorial.

Part-Time Internships

Placement Examples

Business

a studio audience behind a camera in Milan

Communication

student teaching on a summer internship program

Marketing

Three students in front of the European Council in Brussels Belgium

Innovation

a student sitting at a desk typing on a laptop computer

Computer Science

Volunteer Opportunities

When you volunteer in Berlin, you have the chance to make a difference in the local community while meeting new people and gaining a new perspective on the world. If you are passionate about volunteering abroad, just let the on-site staff know at the beginning of your term.

Past volunteer opportunities in Berlin include:

Not-for-Profit Organizations

Engaging with and supporting kids and their families at a children’s hospital

Food Security

Volunteering at a soup kitchen

Education

Being a teaching assistant at a public school

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Fall 2024

Tuition

17,099

Housing

3,316

Insurance

245

Total

20,660

Fall 2024

Berlin - Language & Area Studies Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$17,099
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)	$3,316
Base (no additional cost)
• Apartment (no meals provided)
• Homestay (no meals provided)
• Studio (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$20,660

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Extension for Local University Courses - 2 months (if applicable)	$1,550
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required Residence Permit Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad upon arrival on-site)	$61
Biometric Photo Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad upon arrival on-site)	$15
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$800-1,300
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$50
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)	$3,600
Homestay (with kitchen access)	$3,600
Studio (with kitchen access)	$3,600
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$30-120
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,300
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

August 28 - December 14

Application Deadline:

May 9, 2024

Estimated Cost:

20,660

Academic Year 2024

Tuition

30,760

Housing

6,630

Insurance

550

Total

37,940

Academic Year 2024

Berlin - Language & Area Studies Academic Year Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$30,760
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)	$6,630
Base (no additional cost)
• Apartment (no meals provided)
• Homestay (no meals provided)
• Studio (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$550
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$37,940

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required Residence Permit Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad upon arrival on-site)	$61
Biometric Photo Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad upon arrival on-site)	$15
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,000-1,600
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$100
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)	$7,200
Homestay (with kitchen access)	$7,200
Studio (with kitchen access)	$7,200
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$60-300
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$30-240
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$4,600
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on February 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

Late August - Mid May

Application Deadline:

May 9, 2024

Estimated Cost:

37,940

Spring 2025

Tuition

16,624

Housing

4,411

Insurance

245

Total

21,280

Spring 2025

Berlin - Language & Area Studies Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$16,624
Housing (& Meals, if applicable)	$4,411
Base (no additional cost)
• Apartment (no meals provided)
• Homestay (no meals provided)
• Studio (no meals provided)
Health Insurance	$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$21,280

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
OPTIONAL Local University Courses Extension	$2,000
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Required Residence Permit Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad upon arrival on-site)	$65
Biometric Photo Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad upon arrival on-site)	$16
ETIAS Visa Fee (paid to consulate)	$8
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$800-1,200
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$50
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Apartment (with kitchen access)	$2,800
Homestay (with kitchen access)	$2,800
Studio (with kitchen access)	$2,800
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$0-130
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,100
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2024 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad. The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

January 22 - May 10

Application Deadline:

Oct 17, 2024

Estimated Cost:

21,280

2025 Fall

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Academic Year 2025

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

IES Abroad Berlin Staff

Barbara Finke

IES Abroad Berlin Center Director

Read Full Bio

Sophia Brauner

Student Success Coordinator

Heather Ellis

Customized Programs Manager

Kate Fanale • On Leave

Academics Manager (on leave)

Sascha Heller

Head of Operations & Special Programs

Saskia Kyas

Programs Coordinator

Tyler Richmond

Senior Internships Coordinator

Rolf Staudt

Administration Head

Britta Tonak

Student Affairs Head

Alina Vaisfeld

Assistant Academics Dean

Alina Weiermueller

Academics Coordinator

Orientation

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Program Dates

NOTE: If you choose to take Partner University Courses, your program's end date will be different:

Spring 2025: January 22 to July 26

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
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

Application Requirements

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Foreign Language Assessment — Fill out and sign the top portion of the PDF form and give the assessment form to a college-level language professor who has taught you in the target language.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

If your cumulative GPA is below 2.75, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Professor Recommendation — Although there is no length requirement, the recommendation must indicate a professor’s opinion of the applicant’s academic ability to pursue university-level coursework in a foreign country, in addition to any information that would help IES Abroad gain a better understanding of the applicant.
Personal Academic Essay — Although there is no length requirement, the essay must address your GPA, any particular academic challenges faced, reasons you chose this IES Abroad program, and how it fits into your academic career.

Apply Now

Passport & Visa Requirements

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

Germany does not require U.S. citizens to obtain a student visa before studying abroad for a semester or longer.

Once you arrive in Germany, you'll need to obtain a German Residence Permit. Learn more about the process to get your residence permit.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes abroad?

The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.