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European Studies, Free Univ. Berlin (BEST)

Program Overview

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.
 
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 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.
 
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.
 

​If you would like to get first-hand information from previous participants, contact a FU-BEST returnee! 

 

Students attend classes with international students.

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.


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 UCEAP 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.



Extracurricular Activities

Each semester, all students not only participate in a week-long off-site excursion, but also visit four sites in and around Berlin on selected Fridays as integral and mandatory parts of the overall academic program: the Reichstag building and/or the Chancellor's Office, the site of the former Nazi concentration camp at Sachsenhausen, the former prison complex in Berlin-Hohenschönhausen of East Germany’s state security police, and the royal palace Sanssouci as well as the 1945 allied conference site in nearby Potsdam.
 
In order to enhance participants' German language ability and their interaction with German society, the program recommends frequent Stammtisch gatherings and participation in the events organized by the Freie Universität's International Club.
 
All participants are invited to select up to three events from a concert, opera, and soccer program, with the tickets made available through the program, in addition to numerous suggestions made by the program staff regarding other cultural opportunities in the city. Program participants also receive a pass for use in all museums associated with the Foundation for State Museums in Berlin (Staatliche Museen zu Berlin).
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On-site Support

​UCEAP students are supported by UC’s network of UCEAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with UCEAP 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 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).

FU-BEST, European Studies, Free Univ. Berlin

Host Institution
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.
 
 

Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

Four courses are required for the program

Non-Intensive Language Track:
- One German language course (6 UC quarter units/4 semester units)
- Three non-language courses taught in English (4.5 UC quarter units/3 semester units each)

Intensive Language Track:
- Two consecutive German language courses (6 UC quarter units/4 semester units each)
- Two non-language courses taught in English (4.5 UC quarter units/3 semester units each)

Course topics such as the following may be offered:
- Contemporary Germany in European Perspective
- Integration, Conflict, and Security in Europe
- Architecture in Berlin from the 19th century to today
- Perspectives in 20th-century Art in Central Europe
- German Cinema Before 1945
- Human Condition 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 UCEAP:

Units

​You are required to take a full-time course of study on UCEAP which is 19.5-21 UC quarter units (13-14 semester units) for the semester.
 


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships, research, and independent study for academic credit are not a component of this program.
 
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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 below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall1619.513$7,250$8,900
Spring1619.513$7,250$8,750
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

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These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
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
While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

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.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and 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.

These are minimum requirements. After selection by your UC Campus EAP Office, final admission is determined by FU-BEST.