Location Details

Berlin is the dynamic and fascinating capital of Germany with a dramatic and disturbing past. As a center of German cultural and intellectual life, the influence of Berlin reverberates around the world. It offers an incredibly wide range of cultural offerings, including many museums, theaters, restaurants, cafés, music venues, and green spaces. With low rents and inexpensive food prices, Berlin is an attractive place for artists and young people who flock to the city and make it one of the most dynamic places in the world to work, live, and study. The 24-hour public transportation system is extensive and the city is well connected to other cities.

Visa Information

U.S. citizens may NOT require a visa* in order to participate in this program. Limited information about the visa application process may be provided by the ASU Study Abroad Office and/or CIEE, but it is your sole responsibility to research, apply, and secure a visa. Failure to obtain a visa may result in your inability to participate and, ultimately, your withdrawal from the program, subject to the terms of the Study Abroad Withdrawal Policy. 

Consult this page for additional information regarding visas. If you need assistance securing a U.S. Passport, visit the ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office in Tempe.

PLEASE NOTE: Visa requirements for non U.S. citizens may differ from those for U.S. citizens; students who are not U.S. citizens are advised to contact their International Coordinator and begin independently researching the visa requirements for their nationality as soon as possible.

*At the time of writing. This information is subject to change without notice; students should independently confirm this requirement with the relevant consulate/embassy.

Academic Program & Courses

Class Format - CIEE Global Institute
Courses taught at the CIEE Global Institute are typically for CIEE students only. Each course is a full semester in content taught in a six-week block, so the pace is accelerated and the workload demanding. Classes are scheduled Monday-Friday and meet either two, three, or four times per week. Required co-curricular excursions complement your coursework and immerse you in German history and culture.

During the first six weeks of your program, you will complete two courses through the CIEE Global Institute. The second part of the program will entail an eight-week CIEE full-time internship and academic course taught in an online learning environment. In addition, students have the option to enroll in one additional CIEE elective course if their internship schedule allows.

Internship
Students will meet with CIEE onsite staff via Skype prior to departure for Berlin to review applicant background, experience, skills and goals to help determine possible opportunities. At this time, students will also receive individual resume/CV consultations and interviewing skills. CIEE will then facilitate a customized placement and arrange an interview between you and your prospective supervisor. Information regarding available industry sectors and sample placement fields can be found here.

Students will be assessed by CIEE via assignments and activities related to the academic seminar, including but not limited to: online discussion forums, small group peer coaching, reflective papers, individual or group presentations, analysis of readings, an informational interview and internship work plan, and feedback from internship supervisor. Internship supervisors and students each provide written evaluations of progress towards goals.

ASU Internship Credit Requirements

All participants on this program must coordinate pre-approval for ASU credit for their internship experience by completing the Internship Coordinator Review Form. Certain departments may require additional assignments in order to assign internship credit at ASU. Please schedule a meeting with the Internship Coordinator for your major as early as possible to determine possible credit opportunities. In order to receive 6 internship credits for this experience, you must complete 270 placement hours over the eight-week internship.

Global Institute Course Levels, Credit & Grades
CIEE Open Campus programs follow U.S. grading and credit standards. Attendance requirements are strict and grades will be impacted by missed classes due to the intensive nature of 6-week course duration.  

Program Housing

Housing and Meals

Students live in an on-campus residence hall with a mix of CIEE and German students and resident assistants. Our resident assistants are local experts who help students adjust to life in Berlin and coordinate a variety of weekly cultural activities, Institute-wide events, and excursions. Students live in single, double, or quad rooms with en-suite bathrooms and shower facilities. Students living in the residence halls can prepare their own meals in the full kitchens. CIEE provides basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. Students also may get coffee, tea, soft drinks, and snacks at the on-site CIEE café, or explore the myriad restaurants and cafés in the Kreuzberg neighborhood. Lounges of the residence hall allow students to mix and mingle over meals, cultural activities, study groups, and special events. Larger common areas, quiet study areas, and a library are on the ground floor, and inner courtyards offer comfortable spaces to pass the time.

CIEE also offers an “Adopt a Family” option for students who choose to live in the residence hall but would like to connect with a local family for weekend activities and occasional meals.

Internet
You are strongly encouraged to bring a wireless-enabled laptop. Wireless Internet is available at the CIEE Global Institute.

Below you will find information that may help you in planning for your study abroad experience. Early discussions and planning can help to support you in having a positive experience abroad. We invite you to meet with the International Coordinator for this program to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Physical Considerations

Study abroad participants may find themselves walking or taking public transit abroad more frequently than they are accustomed at their home campus.

Disability Accommodations Abroad

Individuals with disabilities can and do study abroad, but may find accessibility and accommodation in one of more of this program’s locations very different from the United States. For example, in Germany, older city sections and more rural towns are less accessible due to centuries-old architecture, which promises cobblestone streets, narrow staircase entry-ways, and small indoor spaces.  

In general, the Study Abroad Office cannot guarantee access to public transportation, buildings, or public sites on this program. Any student who anticipates needing any kind of special accommodation due to a disability should contact the ASU Study Abroad Office early in the planning process to investigate the availability of accommodations (including accessible facilities) on this specific program. Contact the Disability Resource Center and your Disability Access Consultant to include them in the discussion; be sure to give your Disability Access Consultant permission to speak with the Study Abroad Office on your behalf. You can find additional information and resources on our Students with Disabilities page.

LGBTQIA Students Abroad

Students of diverse sexual orientations or gender identities will find that the social climate, laws, and norms of other cultures will often differ from the U.S. If you identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, or queer student - or if you are still exploring your identity - you may face unique challenges when traveling abroad.

We encourage students who identify as members of the LGBTQIA community to visit the U.S. Department of State website for helpful information about laws and attitudes in this program’s locations, including pre-travel tips and advice on staying safe while abroad. You can find additional information and resources on our LGBTQIA Students page.

Gender Identity Abroad

When traveling abroad, you may find different gender roles and norms than you’re used to. It’s possible that you may be treated differently or be expected to treat others differently based on your (or their) gender identity. 

You can find additional information and resources on our Gender Identity Abroad page.

Racial and Ethnic Minorities Abroad

Students of different ethnic and racial backgrounds may encounter unique challenges transitioning from life here in the United States to life as a student living abroad, including but not limited to access to personal care products and services. For example, in Germany, racism and discrimination do occur, but seem to be directed more towards immigrants from Africa or the Middle East.

You can prepare yourself for the situations you may experience by researching the ethnic composition of your host country and exploring its history of racial and ethnic relations. We encourage students to start that research on our Racial and Ethnic Minority Students page.

Cost Information

Partnership program participants will NOT pay ASU tuition for the courses completed abroad.  Instead, participants will pay a Program Fee as a condition of participation. Partnership program participants are also responsible for paying a non-refundable $50 Application Fee, in addition to the published Program Fee. All other costs associated with participation in the program are the responsibility of the individual student. Be sure to reference the Fall semester and Spring semester cost sheet for information on current program fees and any additional estimated expenses.

The program may allow for time which can be spent in non-program activities. Participants may wish to travel, sightsee or participate in activities or events in which they have a personal interest. Please note that the participant is fully responsible for making arrangements and for all costs of transportation, lodging, food and additional expenses that may be associated with any non-program activities.

Funding Your Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad is an investment in your future, which requires careful planning and management. However, the personal, academic, and professional rewards that you will gain from this experience will last a lifetime. You should carefully consider costs, budgets and financing when selecting and preparing for your experience abroad. If you have questions at any step of the process, we encourage you to reach out to your International Coordinator for guidance.

Steps to Financing Your Study Abroad Program

1. Review the Considering Costs Table for a general overview and cost comparison of popular programs.
2. Be sure to reference the Fall Semester Cost Sheet or Spring Semester Cost Sheet to find a breakdown of program expenses.
3. Attend a Financing Your Study Abroad Workshop.
4. Consider your Financial Aid options.
5. Search and Apply for Scholarships and Grants.
6. Exhaust your options by exploring Additional Funding Resources including our Community-Based Funding Guide.
7. View our  Financing Your Study Abroad Program Handbook for more information, including Payment Information.

Unique Funding Opportunities for This Program

• CIEE Open Campus Scholarships
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Photos

Links to Additional Resources

• ASU Study Abroad on Facebook
• U.S. Deparment of State
• ASU U.S. Passport Acceptance Office

*The ASU Study Abroad Office does not officially endorse, administer or monitor the content of these links.