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Study abroad in Berlin
Since Spring 2008, the German program and SU Abroad offer students the opportunity to study abroad in Berlin through SU's World Partners Program. In the following, we want to give you an overview over the program. For more information, either contact the German program (for contact information see Faculty page) or SU Abroad (suabroad.syr.edu or by phone at 1-800-235-3472).

Program overview
Students can study either one semester (Fall or Spring) or a full academic year in Berlin and earn credit for their major or minor. Berlin is a major center in European politics, culture, media and science and home to several notable universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras and museums. The city is the seat of the German government and houses numerous historical sites, including the former Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag and the Holocaust Memorial. Every year in early spring, movie enthusiasts gather at the Berlinale, one of the major European movie festivals. During the last almost 20 years many architectonically interesting buildings were erected in Berlin. The Sony Center is only one example. Since the reunification in 1990, the once divided city has grown into one of the top tourist destinations in Europe.
Berlin is very easy to get around in. Public transportation is very convenient and save and a monthly pass for public transportation is included in the program fee. Other cities in Germany and Europe can easily be reached by train.
Freie Universität Berlin is located in the center of Berlin and is one of Germany's most renowned universities. The university has strong international research and education links. The FU-BEST (Freie Universität - Berlin European Studies) program is designed for foreign, mainly American, students, who are interested in a European experience in Berlin. The courses are specifically designed for students of the program and include mandatory language courses on all levels, from beginner to advanced classes.

Program of Study
The program does not ask for any prior knowledge of German, but participating students are required to take a language class. The level of the language class students enrol in during their stay is determined by an on-site placement test. Next to the language class, students can take one or two content classes. These classes are mainly taught in English. Each semester, one class in German is offered for more advanced students. The content classes are approved for SU credit by different departments. Below you will find an overview.
Course registration for the program takes place on a first-come first-serve basis, so you should hand in your application early. Courses and grades from FU-BEST will be posted to your academic record and will be factored into your overall GPA at SU.
Advanced language students, who are able to pass the language requirements test for Universities (DSH) can extend their stay for the regular German Sommersemester (mid-April to mid-July) and enrol in classes directly at Freie Universität Berlin.

Housing options
Students have two choices: They can stay with a host family or live in a single-occupancy studio apartment. Housing is included in your program fee (except security deposit if you opt for the apartment). Homestays include breakfast and dinner.
We recommend the homestay option because it gives you the chance to really immerse in the German culture and language. You can experience daily life, practice your German and you will have an easier time adjusting in the new environment.

Program cost
To participate, you will pay SU tuition and you can apply all SU financial aid except Work Study. A program fee ($ amount TBA) includes the pre-departure meeting, an International ID card, housing, two program dinners, on-site orientation, several events during the stay, a montly public transportation pass, a one-week long excursion and the course material. Students are responsible for their round-trip air fare and money for personal effects and incidentals. FU-BEST also has scholarships available. Please see their website for details and due dates.

How to apply
Application deadlines are March 10 for the following fall semester and October 5 for the following spring semester. You can apply online at suabroad.syr.edu
The fall semester in Berlin runs from late August to mid December, with a midterm break during the last week of October. The spring semester runs from early January to mid-April, with a midterm break in late February / early March.

Overview over Courses approved for SU Credit

Language classes
GER 101 Beginner I (4 credits)
GER 102 Beginner II (4 credits)
GER 201 Intermediate I (4 credits)
GER 202 Intermediate II (4 credits)
GER 306 Intermediate III (3 credits)
GER 400 Advanced I (3 credits)
GER 506 Advanced II (3 credits)