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 German language course (6 UC quarter units)
- Three non-language courses taught in English, which focus on Europe, Germany, and/or Berlin (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
If you wish to take more language instruction, you can take two consecutive German language courses (up to 6 UC quarter units each) and two non-language courses.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
- MyEAP Course Catalog to see how FU-BEST courses will appear on your UC transcript (UC subject areas, units)
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study on EAP.
Language of Instruction
German, English
Language Study
You can take one “Experiential” German language course, which combines classroom language instruction with field trips; another option includes taking two consecutive German language courses during the course of the semester. Various levels of language courses are available.
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).
Host Institutions
Students will complete the application and Free University will then notify students directly of their final admission decision around May for the fall option and around October for the spring option.
Free University, Berlin
Free University, as its name implies, was founded in 1948 as a result of the ideological conflicts at Humboldt University, whose dissident professors and students formed a new, “free” university where academic freedom and scholarly autonomy could flourish. At present, there are 52,000 students enrolled at Free University (including some 5,500 international students), making it Berlin’s largest university and one of the largest in Germany. It is located on attractive grounds amid grand villas that once housed the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute and the site of Allied Command Headquarters after World War II.
Visit the Free University website
Estimated Cost
Participation in EAP is a great value! The cost of EAP 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 EAP 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 be based on the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
These expenses are estimated for 2009-10. Amounts will vary for 2010-11 participation due to proposed changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2009-10 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
- Program excursions and activities
- Books and other incidental expenses
- Round-trip airfare
- Local transportation
Estimated EAP Costs*
| Option |
Cost |
| * Based on most recent costs for 2009-2010 to the nearest $100. |
| Fall |
$15,500 |
| Spring |
$15,400 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Sophomore, junior, senior
Language Prerequisite
Zero to a maximum of 5 quarters (3 semesters) of university-level German.
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 a 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)
These are minimum program requirements. Your Campus EAP Office determines selection. The final admission decision is made by Free University.
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:
