Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for students looking to take interesting summer courses in a great European city.  Courses taught in English are available in a variety of subjects.  Students can also take regular German language courses, intensive German language courses and content courses taught in German for advanced students. 

Academics

Spend your summer earning college credit at one of Germany's finest institutions of higher education, the Freie Universität Berlin. The Freie Universität's International Students' Summer Program (FUBiS) offers two sessions in which students take a range of courses, focusing on language, history, culture, politics, semi-intensive German language and intensive German language courses. Students may choose a variety of academic combinations and credit options to suit their needs and interests. The suggested credit awarded at AU for Freie Universität Berlin Summer courses varies by session and track.

Note: You would choose one course from Track A and/or one course from Track B or you choose only Track C (Intensive German). 

Session I Courses: 6 weeks
Track A and B: 3 AU credits
Track C: 5 AU credits

Session II Courses: 4 weeks
Track A and B: 2 AU credits
Track C: 3 AU credits

Student Life

Berlin is a fascinating metropolis, not only because of its unique history, but also due to its diversity. It is truly a city of contrasts and juxtapositions. You will find areas with impressive new buildings, emblematic of the Berlin of the 21st century. In contrast, you will also find modest neighborhoods where time seems to have stood still for decades. Along those lines, the character of a neighborhood may change dramatically from one block to the next, representative of the city's historic and architectural diversity.

Housing and Meals

All students are responsible for coordinating their own housing. Students may choose to use FUBiS-sponsored housing as long as they apply early. Space is limited. The Freie Universitaet Berlin -- like most German universities -- does not own any student dorms or housing facilities. FUBiS arranges appropriate off-campus accommodation for the duration of the program as an optional service at the student's request. Accommodation options can be chosen during the application process. Unfortunately, FUBiS is unable to accommodate early arrivals, late stays and/or find alternative accommodation in case its capacities are exceeded.

The following options are available:

• Single room in shared apartments at the student dorms
• Single occupancy apartment
• Homestay with Berlin host family

Please note that FUBiS only serves as a middleman. FUBiS is not liable for any agreement between the two parties of renter and landlord. FUBiS accommodation is only available for the duration of the FUBiS programs.

Should you take part in both summer terms, you can stay in the chosen accommodation for the one week break for a small extra charge. Please see the accommodation options for further details.

Excursions

An essential part of all FUBiS courses are extensive class excursions which will be incorporated in the regular class hours. Additionally, FUBis organizes several extra-curricular activities in the local area, as well as weekend trips to Weimar, Dresden, and Hamburg, for a small additional fee. The FUBiS office will also provide you with information regarding leisure options in and around Berlin. Beyond these excursions, a number of extra-curricular social and cultural activities on weekends or evenings are being offered, including the acclaimed FUBiS movie night!

Visa Information

U.S. citizens do not need to obtain a German student visa and may travel to Germany on a Tourist Visa, since the roughly six-week session does not exceed the 90-day tourist period.

Non-U.S. citizens requiring a German student visa will be provided a letter by the Freie Universität and/or AU Abroad upon acceptance to the Program. Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for contacting the German Embassy or Consulate to find out which additional documents are needed to obtain a student visa. It is also recommended that you bring a document (i.e. from your parents or funding agency) to Germany which certifies that you can cover the costs of accommodation and incidental expenses. Since you will not be automatically insured during your stay at the FU regarding illness or accident, the German Embassy and FUBiS requires all attendees to procure health insurance coverage for their stay in Germany and to bring the corresponding certification.