Overview
Take regular university courses at Free University, one of only nine German universities awarded the status of "elite" institutions of higher education. 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 German and international students.
If you want to get a head start on the academic culture of Germany, you may also enroll in EAP’s summer Pre-Intensive Language Program (pre-ILP), Berlin.
Course Opportunities
Comparative literature, political science, political economy, history, and international relations.
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:
- EAP Program Search provides information on general areas of study.
- Host institution online catalogs or course listings:
- MyEAP Course Catalog lists courses previously taken by UC students. Additional courses may be available and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.
Units
You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.
Pre-ILP: 3 to 12 UC quarter units
ILP: 3 to 8 UC quarter units
Term: 18 UC quarter units per semester (about four courses)
Language of Instruction
German
Language Study
The fall and year options begin with a six-week summer intensive language program (ILP), which is optional for graduate students with German language proficiency. Language study is encouraged but not required during the year. Effective in 2010-11, the spring option begins with an extended ILP.
Internships, Research, and Independent Study
Internships are possible during the summer following your program. Independent study may also be possible in this program. Arrangements are generally made after arrival.
Duration
Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
Spring (advanced only) 2010: late March to mid/late July
Fall: early September to late March
Pre-ILP + Fall: late July to late March
Pre-ILP + Year: late July to mid/late July
Year: early September to mid/late July
Spring 2011: mid-January to mid/late July
The fall option extends through the UC winter quarter (or UC spring semester for Berkeley or Merced).
You may extend your EAP participation in Germany from the fall to the year.
Housing
You can choose to live in a dormitory or private apartment in Berlin with German students, international students, or UC students. The cost of living in Berlin, including housing, is very reasonable.
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. Local EAP staff at the UC Study Center in Berlin will help you integrate into the culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
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
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.)
- Intensive language program
- 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 |
$19,400 |
| Pre-ILP + Fall |
$23,300 |
| Pre-ILP + Year |
$34,400 |
| Spring |
$23,300 |
| Year |
$29,800 |
Application Requirements
Class Level
Junior, senior, graduate
Language Prerequisite
Two years of university-level German by the end of the last term prior to departure, or one year plus completion of the Potsdam Language and Culture program or enrollment in the summer pre-ILP in Berlin. If you have not completed two years of university-level German (three to five quarters or two to three semesters), you may qualify by attending a four-week summer pre-intensive language program (pre-ILP) prior to the scheduled ILP.
If at the time the program begins it will have been a year or more since you last took a course in German, it is recommended that you refresh your proficiency. See your Campus EAP Advisor for details.
GPA
2.85 cumulative GPA and 2.85 language GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.
Spring (advanced only) 2010 only: At least one upper-division course taught entirely in German (the upper division course is not required for spring 2011 applicants).
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 and final admission.
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:
