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Study Abroad in Germany

European Studies, Free University, Berlin (BEST)

Overview

This program is taught in English and features a range of courses in the humanities and social sciences that focus on Europe, Germany, and/or Berlin. Field trips are linked to many of the program courses. Free University is located in a charming, quiet section of Berlin within easy reach of the city's downtown areas. Berlin is a dynamic, multicultural city with a vibrant nightlife and wide array of cultural and recreational activities.

Students attend classes with UC and other U.S. and international students.

Course Opportunities

Four courses are required for the program:

  • One course in beginning German (approximately 10 UC quarter units)
  • Three non-language courses, taught in English, focusing on Europe, Germany, and/or Berlin (approximately 4-4.5 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:

Units

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

Language of Instruction

English

Language Study

None

Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships, research, and independent study for academic credit are not possible through 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

You may extend your EAP participation from the fall to the spring if qualified.

Housing

You can choose to live either in a homestay in a private home with a German family or in an apartment with UC and other American students. Your housing is organized by the host institution.

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. The Free University staff assist students 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. 

See the EAP 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).