FU-BEST at Freie University (Germany)
The Program
Berlin European Studies Program of Freie University (FU-BEST) is located on the Lankwitz Campus of Freie Universität in the suburbs of southwest Berlin.
Take a variety of classes in English, including cultural studies, art history, comparative literature, political science, sociology and comparative religion, alongside beginner or intermediate German language courses. Utilize all of Freie University’s facilities and extracurricular activities, plus specially organized excursions throughout Berlin, such as a trip to a concert, opera and soccer game!
Program Location
Germany
Berlin
Once divided, Berlin is once again the center of German politics, arts, and cultural life and the gateway to Eastern Europe. It is an East-West metropolis with something for everyone. Traverse the streets of Berlin and you will find the monumental Brandenburg Gate, the shops and bustling commerce on the Ku'damm and the hip Hackesche Hoefe district. In the Tiergarten the "House of World Cultures" presents a wealth of events and exhibitions featuring cultures from outside Europe.
Academics
In order to have an idea of what classes are available in the FU-BEST program, you should visit the FU-BEST website. When looking for courses, please note that prior knowledge of German language is not required for this program, but there is mandatory enrollment in a German language course. German language classes are offered at all levels, from beginner to advanced (including the German+ program). Opportunities for contact with German students, and German society in general are made available during the semester.
You can choose from a wide variety of courses (3 credit hours) taught mostly in English by expert faculty, covering such topics and disciplines as: cultural studies, art history, comparative literature, the European Union, German history, German and European politics, sociology/psychology, film studies, legal studies, architecture, environmental studies, transatlantic relations, business, music history, and philosophy.
GermanPLUS+ is a package consisting of two German language and three subject courses, all taught in German and designed to meet the needs and interests of students with advanced German language abilities.
Please note: Books and readers are included in your fees for all courses, and are distributed on-site in Berlin.
Add-On Summer Internship Program (apply early Feb)
Spring students have the opportunity to sign up for an add-on Summer Internship after their studies at FU-BEST! Students interested in doing an internship in Berlin in combination with their studies can apply for an 8-week credit-bearing placement (full-time; 35-40 hours per week) following the end of the Spring semester. The internship allows students to explore an enriching academic experience in Berlin by immersing themselves in a German workplace and gaining valuable intercultural experience along with skills for their careers. Internships are sought with organizations and companies in Berlin that match each student’s professional and academic background, previous work experience, and career goals.
Cultural Programs / Field Trips
Local field-trips as integral component of many of the courses. A week-long excursion to Poland, Munich, Vienna, Dresden, Prague, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Budapest, the Netherlands, Belgium or other destinations (varying from semester to semester; included in the program).
You will need to be sure that you are registered as a full time student according to the FU-BEST and Rutgers University. That means you will need to take at least 24-30 ECTS credits (12-15 RU credits) each semester. Thus, most students take four to five classes a term at FU-BEST. Please note that the U.S. credit conversion listed on the FU-BEST website differs from Rutgers credit equivalencies. Furthermore, courses that have 65 contact hours are worth 4 Rutgers credits and courses with 45 contact hours are worth 3 Rutgers credits. For the intensive, double-course track (Beginner to Advanced German you will receive 6-8 RU credits. For the single course track (Experiential/Elementary track) you will receive 3-4 RU credits. Add-on Internship is worth 5 RU credits. It is not possible to take classes as not-for-credit or pass/fail.
For information about Study Abroad credit transfer, registration, and transcripts please visit the Academics section of our website.
Housing and Meals
There are two housing options through the FU-BEST Program. You can choose to live in a fully furnished apartment in The Student Village or stay with a local German family in a Homestay.
The Student Village apartments are fully furnished single-occupancy apartments, each one with its own bathroom and fully equipped kitchen. Pillows, blankets, and sheets are provided. Participants must bring their own towels. Each apartment also contains a TV-set and a coffee-maker. These apartments are about 30 minutes by bus and metro from the program site. You are in charge of all your own meals when selecting this option. You can have daily access the Mensa (the name of Freie University’s dining hall) during the weekday. The meals are inexpensive and you can purchase a meal card at the Mensa.
If you choose to stay with a local family in a Homestay, you will have your own key and your own room. Bathroom (and other facilities) may or may not be shared with others in the home. The homestay includes breakfast and dinner.
For more information about housing options, please visit the FU-BEST website.
*Please note, The Student Hotel is not an option at this time.
Financial Information
Program Costs
| NJ Residents | Non-NJ Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| ATW Program cost* | $13,000 | $16,900 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• **Housing in standard accommodations - Homestay or Student Village
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad
• *Access the World (ATW)
** The Student Hotel is not an option.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $1,250 |
| Meals | $3,500 |
| Insurance/Student Fees | $225 |
| Visa (Estimate is for US Citizens) | $15 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $200 |
| Local Transportation | $100 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total | $6,790.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket and visa costs, while some of these expenses, such as meals and local transportation, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
Program Costs
| NJ Residents | Non-NJ Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| ATW Program cost* | $13,000 | $16,900 |
Program Cost includes:
• Tuition
• **Housing in standard accommodations - Homestay or Student Village
• Administrative Fees
• Emergency Medical Access Abroad
• *Access the World (ATW)
** The Student Hotel is not an option.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
| Airfare | $1,250 |
| Meals | $3,500 |
| Insurance/Student Fees | $225 |
| Visa (Estimate is for US Citizens) | $15 |
| Books and Classroom Materials | $200 |
| Local Transportation | $100 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,500 |
| Total | $6,790.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket, while some of these expenses, such as meals and personal expenses, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.
Scholarships
Student Spotlights
"My motivation for going abroad was enhancing my German skills. Learning languages does not come naturally to me, but I made it a goal of mine during my freshman year to learn another language. As my senior year was approaching and my German skills were not where I wanted them to be, I knew I had to truly immerse myself in the language and culture if I ever wanted to become fluent. I have a passion for traveling, but my real motivation came from wanting to perfect my speaking ability. I also traveled to Berlin in 2016, and immediately fell in love with the city. I knew I would go back."
"One of my favorite memories from studying abroad came during my midterm break. With 10 days off from school, a friend and I traveled to Spain and France for the week. I vividly remember this one night in a small hostel in Nice. There were six of us: two Americans, two French, one Canadian, and one German. What was so memorable about that night was that nobody could really understand each other because of the language barriers. Even the Canadians, who spoke French, couldn’t understand the native French speakers because the dialects were so different. Nonetheless, regardless of language, we were all able to interact and get along over dinner and wine. Through small phrases of shared understanding and body language, we were able to communicate, and it was a beautiful thing. Most of all, it was an experience that I never would have imagined having if I hadn't studied abroad."