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Study Abroad in Berlin with FUBiS - Winter and Summer

Study Abroad in Berlin with FUBiS - Winter and Summer

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FUBiS
4.56 · 9 reviews
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FUBiS

 4.56 · 9 reviews
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Location
  • Germany
    • Berlin
Term
J-Term, Short Term, Summer, Winter
Subject Areas
Architecture Art History Arts Business Cultural Studies Digital Media Economics Entrepreneurship Environmental Studies European Studies Global Studies History Human Rights Humanities International Business International Relations Language Studies Law Liberal Arts Literature Marketing Media Relations Museum Studies Music Peace Studies Performing Arts Philosophy Political Science Public Policy Public Relations Social Sciences Sociology Sustainable Development +23

Program Details

Program Type
Direct Enrollment
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Dormitory Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
Minimum costs include program fee and course tuition. Accommodation, excursions and insurance are optional. The program fee includes the official FUBiS transcript, a guided tour through the Reichstag Building (seat of the German Parliament), a river boat tour through Downtown Berlin in the summer terms, student ID, access to libraries and computing facilities on campus, welcome and farewell buffet. The tuition fee includes, in addition to the class, the course-related field work and the course reading material. An overview of all options, fees, and deadlines can be found on our website.

Tip: Don't miss out on the early-bird discount on the program fee by registering as soon as possible!
What's Included
Some Activities Classes Some Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Accommodation Activities Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Meals SIM cards Transportation Travel Insurance Visa
Jan 28, 2026
Aug 14, 2020
Wish List
28 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

FUBiS is a summer and winter university program offered at renowned university of excellence Freie Universität Berlin. Our goal is to provide a stimulating and rewarding experience - academically, culturally, and personally.

The FUBiS German language and culture classes and the English-taught subject courses make use of the vast historic, cultural, and political resources Berlin offers. Field trips to museums, memorials, and political & cultural institutions are integral parts of the curriculum.

FUBiS arranges various off-campus accommodation for the duration of the program, which students can book as an optional service during the registration process. The program also offers extracurricular activities.

Program dates for summer 2026:
• May 30 - July 11, 2026: Term II 2026 | register now until May 2, 2026
• July 18 - August 15, 2026: Term III 2026 | register now until June 20, 2026

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Apply Now

Program Highlights

  • Excursions and trips to various exciting locations in Germany
  • Berlin is your classroom - Study visits within Berlin are an integral part of all our courses
  • Expert faculty, guest speakers, and other class advantages
  • Access to all online resources of the excellent Freie Universität Berlin libraries
  • Innovative learning methods and modern class topics

Video and Photos

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FUBiS students
Boat tour in Berlin
Boat tour in Berlin
Orientation day
Reichstag Berlin
Reichstag Berlin
FUBiS students in class
FUBiS excursion
FUBiS students in Potsdam
FUBiS students in Potsdam
Farewell

View All Photos

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Program Reviews

4.56 Rating
based on 9 reviews
Leave a Review
  • 5 rating 55.56%
  • 4 rating 44.44%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.45
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.35
  • Housing 3.9
  • Safety 4.9
Showing 9 - 9 of 9 reviews
Ty
33
Male
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Truly International Experience

Apr 7, 2015

When I arrived at FUBiS, I was expected it to be another program filled with American students like myself. Boy, was I mistaken. I lived in shared housing with 25 other students that hailed from 5 different countries (Brazil, Columbia, Malaysia, Australia, and South Korea). In addition, I met students from the Caribbean, Mexico and Argentina. During my 3 weeks in Berlin, I learned more about different cultures than I ever knew before and connected with people that came from entirely different backgrounds than myself. I cannot stress enough how much I gained from this experience alone.

As for the academics, I found them to be fairly challenging, but not over the top. The professors and staff were incredibly helpful, and made sure to leave time outside of class to plan events together (Karaoke Night was my favorite!). Overall, I loved my FUBiS experience and I recommend it ot anyone that would like to spend time in one the world's best cities while getting a scholastic and cultural education.

What would you improve about this program?
The living units had not been updated in years and were very far off campus (45 mins), making the commute pretty difficult.
149 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Response from

With Berlin being the biggest German city, longer distances here are rather the rule than the exception. For locals it is completely normal to commute 45-60 minutes to get from A to B. Unlike in the US, student dorms in Germany are usually not located directly on campus. Amongst others, this is due to the fact that in general, German universities do not own student dorms, but work with housing providers like the Studentenwerk (student union). Therefore, being a commuter student like probably 99% of the students in Berlin is very usual.

By spillchampion on April 13, 2015

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Jae Geun Lyu

Program
Study Abroad in Berlin with FUBiS - Winter and Summer
Jae Geun Lyu

Why did you choose this program?

First, I wanted to make new experiences. This was the first time that I could live in Europe by myself. Through the experience, I hoped to learn how to survive in a new environment and hang out with foreign students. FUBiS is a very famous program that embraces various students from all around the world.

Second, Berlin is one of the main cities in Germany. There is a lot of content in the city which is related to wars, sports, cultures, and shopping.

To sum up, you would make special experiences through FUBiS in Berlin.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

My home university provided some amount of tuition for the program. This is one of my reason that I signed up for the program.

The staff from home university prepared an orientation before I registered the program and they let me know how to register the program.

After I started to sign for the program, FUBiS staff gave their efforts to let me know about the program and Germany. The information from them was really helpful to sign up for the program and I could know well about the university and Germany.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Most students in the FUBiS program are from various countries. They would be shy at first due to the new environment. But you would better behave courageously.

If you get close to them, they will behave warm-heartedly. It is not a common chance to hang out with various students. I hope you take many chances while spending time with new friends.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

There are several types of FUBiS program. One is for three weeks and the other one will last for six or eight weeks. The regular program that I took lasted for three weeks. You would take a class three or two times a week. It is up to a lecture that you chose when you signed up for the program.

After the program, I traveled to other countries. Germany is located in the central EU. This would be very helpful to visit other countries.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Because I am from an Asian country, racism is one of the biggest fear. However, Germans are the kindest people that I had ever met in the EU. Do not worry about it.

Also, some students are anxious about terror or safety. I think Berlin is one of the safest cities in the EU. The atmosphere is safe and quiet in the city. While spending time in Berlin, I realized that Berlin is a good city for citizens due to public security and safety.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

It is not an easy chance to take a lecture with various students from different countries. You would succeed in team projects, English essays, and tests. It is helpful to not only study but also your career and history. I strongly recommend signing up for the FUBiS program. You would learn about various cultures and have lots of fun.

Don't forget to behave courageously :)

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Sophia Schmieder

Program
Study Abroad in Berlin with FUBiS - Winter and Summer
Job Title
Program Director
Sophia was born on the Baltic Sea and studied at Freie Universität Berlin, where she also spent two semesters abroad in the UK. Already during her student years, she worked at the university’s International Office, which sparked her dedication to fostering global academic exchange. Remaining committed to both the institution and the idea of international networking, she has been part of FUBiS since 2006. At FUBiS, she oversees program development, student services, and international partnerships, and especially values supporting students from around the world as they make Berlin their temporary home.
Sophia and students smile for the camera

Staff Spotlight: Sophia

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories is from my time abroad in the UK. I remember taking weekend trips with fellow international students, exploring small towns and coastal paths, and realizing how quickly strangers from all over the world could become close friends. Those moments of discovery, laughter, and shared adventure still remind me why international exchange is so valuable – it is not only about the places you visit, but about the people you meet and the perspectives you gain along the way.
 

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Working at FUBiS has taught me to become both more flexible and more resilient. Every program term brings together students, faculty, and partners from around the world, and each constellation is different. Over the years, I have learned to listen more closely, to adapt quickly to unexpected challenges, and to see change not as a disruption but as an opportunity. Most importantly, I have grown in my conviction that international education is about people first – supporting them, building trust, and creating spaces where they can thrive.
 

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I vividly remember a very engaged student from Mexico who joined FUBiS back in 2007. He stayed in touch with us over the years – even today we are still connected through social media – and often reflects on how much the program shaped his path. The course he took here opened up a new academic field for him, and today he is working in exactly that area. Seeing how an experience of just a few weeks in Berlin could influence a career direction so profoundly is one of the most rewarding stories I have heard, and it shows the long-lasting impact study abroad can have.
 

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

FUBiS is the short-term study abroad program of Freie Universität Berlin, so the location is always Berlin – and what a wonderful city it is to call home, whether just for a few weeks or for a longer stay. If I could join as a participant, I would choose a combination of a German language course and a subject course. What makes both types of classes special is that they are filled with students from around the world. This creates an inspiring atmosphere where you not only learn from the instructors’ expertise but also gain entirely new perspectives from your peers’ diverse backgrounds. That mix of academic challenge, intercultural exchange, and the vibrant setting of Berlin would be the perfect study abroad experience.
 

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

FUBiS is unique because it offers students a complete short-term study abroad experience in Berlin that combines academic rigor, strong student support, and cultural immersion. Our courses are taught in small groups by experienced faculty, but what really sets us apart is the international mix of participants. Every classroom becomes a space where perspectives from across the globe come together, and students learn just as much from each other as from their instructors. Added to that, Berlin itself serves as an extension of the classroom – a city rich in history, culture, and creativity. This combination makes FUBiS truly special.

I feel proud of my team often, but one moment stands out clearly: when the pandemic disrupted international travel, we worked tirelessly to adapt and keep international exchange alive. Within a short time, we developed online formats and found creative ways to support students, even when they could not be in Berlin. The commitment, flexibility, and care my colleagues showed during that time reminded me how much dedication lies at the heart of FUBiS. More generally, I am proud of how the team welcomes each new group of students – with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine passion for making their time in Berlin unforgettable.
 

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

For me, the key factor is staying true to your mission while being flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. At FUBiS, our mission has always been to provide high-quality academics combined with meaningful intercultural experiences. What makes us successful is that we never lose sight of this goal, but we are also ready to adjust our courses, services, or structures when student needs or global conditions change. Equally important is having a dedicated team that works with passion and care – because no matter how well-designed a program is, its success ultimately depends on the people who bring it to life every day.
 

Location

Location:
Berlin
Currency:
Euro
Weather:
Jan-Mar
37 F / 27 F
Apr-Jun
66 F / 42 F
Jul-Sep
76 F / 50 F
Oct-Dec
48 F / 34 F
Airports:
Berlin Brandenburg Airport
( BER )

Berlin is not only the capital of Germany, but also in many ways the capital of Europe, sitting at the crossroads of the East and West. Germany serves as the continent's largest economy and the world's fourth largest overall. It's a major player in industry, engineering, science, and renewable energy, and Berlin has recently been dubbed the start-up capital of Europe, surpassing London after the 2016 Brexit decision.

Rebuilt after being destroyed in multiple wars and reunified after being split in two for thirty years, Berlin has an unparalleled experience in recreation and reinvention. The city is now famous for attracting young people, free-thinkers, visionaries, entrepreneurs, artists, and scholars, and of the 3.5 million inhabitants, over one-third are from outside Germany.

About FUBiS

FUBiS classes make use of the vast historic, cultural, and political institutions and resources Berlin offers. Study and field trips to museums, memorials as well as politicial and cultural institutions are integral parts of the curriculum. FUBiS arranges appropriate off-campus accommodation (dorm, single apartment, homestay) for the duration of...

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