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:

• Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
  • Free University, Berlin

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).

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

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:

• UC Berkeley
• UC Davis
• UC Irvine
• UC Los Angeles
• UC Merced
• UC Riverside
• UC San Diego
• UC Santa Barbara
• UC Santa Cruz