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Free Univ. Berlin

Program Overview

Free University is one of only nine German universities awarded the status of “elite” institutions of higher education. At present, there are 52,000 students enrolled at Free University (including some 5,500 international students), making it Berlin’s largest university and one of the largest in Germany. The institution was founded in 1948 under the motto “Truth, Justice, Freedom.” It is located on attractive grounds amid grand villas that once housed the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute and the site of Allied Command Headquarters after World War II.
 
Free University is located in a charming, quiet section of Berlin within easy reach of the city’s downtown areas. Berlin is a dynamic, multicultural city with a vibrant nightlife and wide array of cultural and recreational activities.
  
If you need additional German instruction to meet the program requirements or if you would like extra language preparation, you can enroll in the Pre-Intensive Language Program (pre-ILP), Berlin.
Students attend classes with international and/or host country students.

Language of Instruction

German


Language Study

 
With the exception of the spring (advanced only) option, the program will begin with an intensive language program (ILP) to help you develop your German writing, grammar, and conversation skills and prepare you for taking German university courses. Language study is encouraged but not required during the term.


Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.
 
Pre-ILP + Fall :  
mid-July to late March​

Fall :  
​late August to late March

Pre-ILP + Year :  
​mid-July to late July of the following year

Year :  
​late August to late July

Pre-ILP + Spring :  
early January to late July​

Spring :  
​early March to late July

Spring (Advanced Only) :  
​late March to late July

  :  


The fall option extends through the UC winter quarter (or UC spring semester for Berkeley or Merced).​

Housing

​You can either find your own housing in a private apartment in Berlin and live with German students, international students, or UC students, or you can apply for a dorm room through the university. The dorms are often on the outskirts of Berlin so many students opt to find a room in an apartment more centrally located. The UCEAP Berlin Study Center will give you tips and suggestions on how to find housing. The cost of living in Berlin, including housing, is very reasonable.



Extracurricular Activities

There is a wide range of extracurricular activities available to you in Berlin. There are opportunities to participate in sports, clubs, volunteer work, tandem language partnerships, music groups, and much more. You can find an extensive list of extracurricular activities here.
 


On-site Support

​UCEAP students are supported by UC's network of UCEAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with UCEAP host universities throughout the world. Local UCEAP staff at the UC Study Center in Berlin will help you integrate into the culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

​See the UCEAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Free University, Berlin

Host Institution
During the semester you attend regular university courses at Free University in a wide range of fields. Instruction is usually in German, although some courses taught in English may be available.
 
 

Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

Courses are available in these subject areas: American studies, art history, communication, comparative literature, economics/business administration, English, German, history, Latin American studies, philosophy, political science/international relations, and psychology.
 
Use the following resources to learn about courses on EAP:

 

Units

​You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad.
 
Summer Pre-ILP: 3-10 UC quarter units (2-8 semester units)
Winter Pre-ILP: 3-7 UC quarter units (2-4.7 semester units)
ILP:       3-8 UC quarter units (2-5.3 semester units)
Term:   18 UC quarter units (12 semester units) per semester
 
Students typically enroll in four courses per semester.


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Internships and special studies may be possible on this program. If you are interested in seeking an internship, you should identify the field you are interested in, research institutions and organizations in that field, and get in touch with them to see what opportunities are available. Internships are easier to obtain in the spring term or in the summer following the year program. Arrangements are generally made after arrival.
 
Students have worked in several organizations in Berlin including the Natural History Museum and international media companies. The UCEAP Study Center can suggest appropriate possibilities based on previous internships and volunteer work done by UC students.
​
​
Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Fall302617.3$9,650$9,500
Pre-ILP + Fall373624$12,650$10,750
Spring (advanced only)191812$7,500$6,100
Spring232617.3$9,650$7,250
Pre-ILP + Spring283322$11,850$8,250
Year484429.3$16,450$12,950
Pre-ILP + Year555436$19,450$14,250
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

​
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at Free University
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Predeparture expenses (student visa, health clearance, etc.)
  • Intensive language program
  • Room and board
  • Program excursions and activities
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Local transportation
While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

German
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 1 year (3 quarters / 2 semesters) with a minimum language GPA of 2.85.
* The 1 year minimum requirement qualifies you for the Pre-ILP + Fall or Pre-ILP + Year option. For other options the minimum requirements are: Fall, Year, and Spring: 2 years; Pre-ILP + Spring: 4 quarters/3 semesters; Spring Advanced: 7 quarters/5 semesters.

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. After selection by your UC Campus EAP Office, final admission is determined by Free University.