CIEE Open Campus Block in Berlin, Germany

This program is no longer offered. View more programs from CIEE.

Video and Photos

CIEE Study Abroad Berlin students posing on a green lawn

Group of students posing in front of Johann Sebastian Bach statue

Students outside socializing in Berlin, Germany

Six students sitting around each other talking and laughing

View All Photos

About

Do Berlin on your own terms by customizing your experience through the Open Campus program. Take one, two, or three six-week blocks, select your academic track from six options, then choose your courses from a wide range of subject areas. No matter how you build your program, you’ll surround yourself with the language, culture, and people of the vibrant, international Kreuzberg district – a hub for the arts, music, and digital technology.

The thriving global city of Berlin is home to nearly 3.5 million people. Live among the locals and see for yourself why Berlin is ranked among the top for global urban quality-of-life – with excellent public transportation, you’ll have no problem exploring the city’s parks, orchestras, museums, festivals, and historical landmarks.

Highlights

STAY IN BERLIN FOR THE DURATION of your study abroad or add on blocks in other CIEE Open Campus locations in London, Rome, Paris, Madrid, and Cape Town.
EXPLORE BERLIN’S architectural masterpieces and world-class arts scenes.
SEE HOW GERMANY AND THE EUROPEAN UNION are addressing major healthcare challenges through courses and fieldwork.

Study Abroad Risk Free!

In the unusual event we have to cancel your study abroad or internship program due to a health, safety, or security concern, you’re covered with our Program Assurance Advantage.

Learn More

Scholarships

CIEE Offers More Than $8 Million in Scholarships Every Year!

We know cost is one of the biggest barriers to studying abroad. At CIEE, we dedicate real resources to help break down the cost barriers so every student who wants to study abroad, can do so.

Value

$500 - $2,500

Learn More

Questions & Answers

Reviews

Looks like there aren't any reviews yet for this program. Leave a Review

Alumni Interviews

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

Why did you choose this program?

Having studied in Berlin before, I knew I wanted to return one day so I jumped at the opportunity to go back. On top of that, I especially wanted to learn German; German history and culture have always fascinated me. The classes offered by CIEE Berlin perfectly matched my learning interests.

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

CIEE helped me figure out what to pack and what to expect. I had to book my travel arrangements on my own.

View Entire Interview

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

Don't freak out when things don't go the way you planned or expected them to. What may be inconvenient or uncomfortable at first may turn out to be the best possible outcome. One of my favorite quotes is by G.K. Chesterton who says,

“An adventure is only an inconvenience rightly considered. An inconvenience is only an adventure wrongly considered.”

You will grow as a person when you study abroad. It's inevitable, so be open and flexible to the change when it happens. Try journaling about your daily experiences to track how you grow as a person.

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

In my summer course, we were in class for three to four days a week. Each class session was three hours. We discussed assigned readings and explored the city on site visits.

There were other programmed events during the week, but most of them were optional. As a participant in this program, you will have plenty of time and freedom to explore the city as little or as much as you want.

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

My biggest fear was not being able to communicate and get around the city. But in Berlin, that is virtually impossible. A majority of the population speaks some degree of English.

As to getting around the city, Berlin's public transportation system, the BVG, is easy to understand and navigate. Granted, it takes a few tries to get used to it, but once you do, you'll be a pro.

What was your biggest frustration? What was your biggest joy?

I missed my plane from Berlin to London because I miscalculated the amount of time it would take me to get to the airport via public transport. When I realized I wasn't going to make the flight, I cried for five minutes and then made an executive decision to be an adult. I walked up to the airline booth, paid the change fee, and booked myself for the next flight to London.

My biggest joy was getting to see President Obama and Chancellor Merkel speak at Kirchentag, or Church Day. This year's celebration was especially big because this year marks the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The lines to get in were unbelievable. Two friends and I waited for hours and then ran all around Tiergarten trying to get into the main area, and I actually ended up losing them in the crowd. But it was so worth it.

Seeing two world leaders speak about the importance of unity at the Brandenburg Gate while surrounded by thousands of Germans is something I will never forget.

About CIEE

A nonprofit, non-governmental organization, CIEE is the world leader in international study and exchange programs. For more than 75 years, CIEE has helped thousands of students, professionals, and educators gain the knowledge and skills necessary to live and work in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world by offering the most...

Learn More