Berlin, Germany

Summer - Urban Studies & Culture

Study Abroad
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Apartment

Credits:

6 to 9 per Summer

Language of Instruction:

English, German

Language Prerequisites:

None

About the Program

Previously known as Metropolitan & Urban Studies, this program explores how Berlin as a city has both rebuilt and redesigned itself over the past century. Berlin remains a city of contrasts—and of innovation. As part of your coursework, you might tour Berlin's memorials and monuments to explore the politics of memory in the urban landscape, or even trace the local sites of a Berlin-based movie you analyzed in your film class. Come and study abroad in Berlin and experience the energy and excitement of this amazing metropolis

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Berlin Will Be Your Classroom

Courses take advantage of Berlin's historic and cultural sites.

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Travel throughout Germany

Discover the culture and traditions of your host country.

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Study in the Historical Center of Berlin

Which has vibrant cafes, restaurants, and galleries.

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Connect with Your Program Advisor

Your IES Abroad advisor is your #1 resource for preparing to study abroad.

Summer 2025

Program Dates:

June 03 - July 19

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
6,953

Program Advisor

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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

About the Destination

An arial view of Berlin, Germany.

Why Berlin?

Are you ready to explore the urban landscape of a city that is truly diverse, creative, and innovative? Built on a tumultuous past and rebuilt over the past century, Berlin constantly changes and keeps reinventing itself. Today, the city is a hot spot for the arts, sciences, and alternative lifestyles. At the same time, Berlin is a lab for urban planning, sustainable architecture, and environmentally friendly mobility.

Learn More About Berlin

Get to Know Your New City

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Relax in Parks & Green Space

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

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Visit Neighborhoods

The city's neighborhoods give Berlin its unique character.

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Observe the Architecture

See restored buildings juxtaposed against modern structures.

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Check Out the East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall is now an outdoor art exhibition.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A student apartment in Berlin with a view overlooking the city
  • 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.

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. We offer unique courses that explore Urban Studies, History, and Culture, and other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our experienced faculty facilitate a unique academic experience and provide you with new perspectives both in and out of class.

Courses

Listed below are the course options for the IES Abroad Berlin Summer Urban Studies & Culture Program. You are required to take two courses (for a total of 6 credits), but may enroll in a third course (for a total of 9 credits) for an additional fee. 

German language is not a required course and is offered at the beginning and intermediate levels. 

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.

 

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (8)

Architecture (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
US/AT/ES 315 - Urban Design and Sustainability Fall, Spring, Summer English 3
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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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. 

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.

Summer 2025

Tuition
$
5,227
Housing
$
1,591
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
6,953

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Berlin Center is located in the city’s historical Center, called Mitte. Whether you’re taking a stroll through the nearby Humboldt University, bopping around the world-famous Museum Island, or commuting past the Brandenburg Gate, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Berlin
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Berlin. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Berlin and attend a welcome reception to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of German culture and get to know the other students.

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

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CISI International Health Insurance

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

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24/7 Emergency Support

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

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

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

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Location-Specific Information

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

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

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

Program Dates

Summer 2025

Program Dates:

June 03 - July 19

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Graduate students and continuing education students encouraged to apply 
  • No previous German language study is required 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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