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European Studies, Free Univ. Berlin (BEST)
You can study in English in one of the most dynamic cities in Germany. Choose from a range of humanities and social sciences courses that focus on Europe, Germany, and Berlin. Many FU-BEST courses feature field trips and assignments that make use of the incredible historical and cultural resources in Berlin.
 
You’ll be in classes with U.S. and some international students and have a chance to make new friends during a week-long program excursion. Past excursions have been to Prague, Copenhagen, and Munich. Berlin itself is a multicultural city with a variety of fun activities; you’ll enjoy its renowned museums, its concert halls and opera houses, and its pubs and clubs.
 
FU-BEST is offered by Free University and located in a charming section of Berlin within easy reach of the city’s downtown areas and vibrant nightlife.
 
Students attend classes with international students.

Course Opportunities

Four courses are required for the program:

 
  • One German language course (6 UC quarter units)
  • Three non-language courses taught in English (4.5 UC quarter units each). Course topics such as the following may be offered:
    • Contemporary Germany in European Perspective
    • Integration, Conflict, and Security in Europe
    • Themes and Trends in Modern Central European Literature and Theater
    • Perspectives in 20th-century Art in Central Europe
    • German Cinema Before 1945
    • Human Psychology and the Totalitarian Experience
    • Berlin: History, Memory, and Literature
    • Modern German History in European Context: A Thematic Approach 
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
​If you wish to focus more on language study, you can take two consecutive German language courses (up to 6 UC quarter units each) and two non-language courses.

Units

​You are required to take a full-time course of study on EAP.
 

Language of Instruction

English; German


Language Study

 
You can take one German language course or two consecutive language courses during the course of the semester. The courses combine classroom language instruction with field trips. Various language levels are available.


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships, research, and independent study for academic credit are not a component of this program.
 

Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
 
Fall :  
late August to mid-December

Spring :  
​early January to late April

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​Consider extending your EAP participation from the fall to the spring program.

Housing

​You can choose to live either in a homestay in a private home with a German family or in a fully furnished single-occupancy studio apartment. Your housing is organized by FU-BEST.

On-site Support

​EAP students are supported by UC’s network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. FU-BEST staff will assist you with the logistical aspects of living in Berlin, residence permits, local information, safety, and other issues. Additional support is provided by the UC Study Center in Berlin.
 
You may also take advantage of the “FU-Buddy” program to improve your language skills and get to know German students personally.
 
See the UCEAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Host Institutions

FU-BEST, European Studies, Free Univ. Berlin

Host Institution
Welcome to FU-BEST, the Berlin European Studies Program of the Freie Universität!
 
If you want to get a sense of the reunified Germany and the challenges of the post-Cold War era in a fast-changing Europe, there is really almost no better place to come to than Berlin. Located in the heart of Europe, this metropolis with some 3.4 million inhabitants will offer you unrivalled educational, intellectual, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Berlin's rich museum landscape, its monuments and memorials, its concert halls and opera houses, its stage and movie theaters, its pubs and clubs, and its range of recreational offerings will all be at your disposal.
 
The program will enable you to enroll in stimulating courses taught by expert faculty. You will find yourself making solid progress in your German language skills, from elementary through advanced, by way of mandatory participation in intensive language training. Group-based or individualized local field-trips will be linked to many of the courses.
 
The Freie Universität, a German leader in international education, will be your host. You will have full access to its facilities and will have the opportunity to get to know and interact with its students. The university is located in a charming, quiet section of the city, yet within easy reach of the city's downtown areas.
 

Estimated Cost

​
Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at host institution
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Predeparture expenses (student visa, health clearance, etc.)
  • Room and board
  • Week-long program excursion
  • Trips and activities in and around Berlin including concert, opera, and soccer events
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Local transportation

Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • $16,500
  • $16,400
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Language Prerequisites:

German
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 0 quarters / 0 semesters and maximum 5 quarters / 3 semesters.

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: