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Freie Universitat Berlin - FU-BEST, Germany

Spend a semester studying abroad with the Freie Universitat Berlin European Studies Program (), one of the top research universities in Germany.

By enrolling for a full semester, you’ll also have plenty of time to explore surrounding towns and villages in Germany, as well as neighboring countries such as Poland or the Czech Republic… your options are endless thanks to convenient rail networks and affordable flights within Europe!

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Location

Berlin, Germany

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Term

Fall, Spring

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Housing

Apartment, Homestay, Independent

Program Highlights

Berlin is a living canvas of the tumultuous events that shaped the 20th century, evident in remnants like the iconic Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie. Yet, amidst this historical tapestry, you'll discover a city that continually reinvents itself.

From avant-garde galleries to trendy cafes, you’ll find yourself in the middle of all the action, as well as in the cultural heart of Europe.

While studying in one of Germany’s best research universities, you can take courses in English, plus study the German language for a more authentic experience.

Program Contact Information

Desiree Dube

Education Abroad Advisor

Email: ddube1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-7980

Important Dates

Application Deadlines:

  • Fall: March 1
  • Spring: October 1

Program Dates:

Program dates vary each year based upon the host institution's academic calendar, but the following are general guidelines:

  • Fall: Last week of August to mid-December
  • Spring: Last week of January or the first week of February to the third week of May
Application Process

Students will be required to complete two applications:

  •  an internal MŮ Education Abroad application,

  •  and a partner university application.

These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Guest Application (If applicable)

Are you a student at another university? To apply for a MŮ education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to MŮ as a “Guest Student”. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student” or as a “Graduate Guest Student”, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a MŮ student, you will receive an email with your FlashLine login credentials. Activate your account and then proceed to the next step, which is to apply to the Education Abroad program of your interest. You can return to this page and follow the “Apply Now” button to start that application.

You can also refer to the FAQs for Guest Students if you need further help.

3. Wait for Acceptance

Once you have submitted your application, it will be reviewed by an Education Abroad Advisor. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Please note that acceptance to the program by MŮ does not serve as final approval. The host institution or program provider grants final approval for each applicant.

4. Complete the Host University Application

Once your Education Abroad application has been accepted, you will be nominated to the host university. You will complete the host university’s application and wait for official acceptance to the program. 

Academics

Eligibility

  • You must have completed at least one semester at MŮ prior to applying (i.e., students must have a MŮ GPA, and the minimum GPA is 3.0)
  • You must have at least second semester sophomore class standing

Academic Programs

German Language Course

Students are required to take an intensive German language class; these classes are offered at all levels (no prior knowledge of German is required).

Subject Courses

The are taught in English. Subject classes taught in German are available to students who meet the language requirement, and are dependent upon sufficient enrollment.

Classes taught in English are available in the following subjects:

  • 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
  • Philosophy
Transferring Credits

Transfer Credits

With this program, students enroll in courses at a partner (host) institution. You will need to transfer the credits you earn abroad back to MŮ.

Upon successful completion of the program, the host institution will issue you an official transcript, which will be needed for the credit transfer process.

You must earn passing grades on the courses you take abroad for the credits to transfer. 

Prior to departure, students will meet with their academic advisor to complete a Transfer Course Planning (TCP) Form, which will outline the courses you plan to take while abroad and how the courses will transfer to MŮ. 

Some courses have already been pre-approved for transfer to MŮ and can be viewed on the Transfer Credit Guide. Please note that this is only a guide and is NOT a comprehensive list of courses available at each partner institution.

Credit Approval

Prior to departure, it is your responsibility to meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses you plan to take while abroad.

If a course needs to be evaluated for transfer, you are responsible for working with your education abroad advisor to obtain the syllabus and have it reviewed by MŮ faculty. 

Location

Berlin, Germany

Germany's capital, Berlin, is a thriving city with a history that spans through centuries. Students will find no shortage of sights and activities.

Studying abroad in Germany is perfect for students interested in important historical events and the merging between past, present, and future. Significant educational sights in Berlin include the Reichstag Building, the Jewish Museum Berlin, the Memorial of the Berlin Wall, and the Brandenburg Gate.

With one foot in the past and the other in the future, Berlin is also a city of extremes. The music and art scene here has an edge to it like nowhere else in the world. Meanwhile, the tech and start-up scene - much like the city’s nightclubs - never stops buzzing. 

Berlin is also known for its variety of museums, such as the Dahlem Museums, the Egyptian Museum, the Berlin Cultural Forum with the new National Gallery, and the Museum of Transport and Technology.

The city is also surprisingly green, with beautiful trees contrasting the old stone buildings in many streets. The Spree River runs through the city’s center, where students will find the peaceful Tiergarten park.

Airports

Students will most likely fly into Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).

Local Transportation

Students have a variety of clean, efficient public transportation options to choose from in Berlin, including the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams, or buses. You can also easily make your way around the city by bike. 

Housing

Semester Housing

Freie Universitat Berlin offers students a variety of housing options. ​​​​​​​For more information, please refer to the university’s .

Homestay:

You can live with a host family, immersing yourself in German culture and giving you more opportunities to practice your German language skills in a relaxed, natural setting. This option also includes breakfast and dinner.

Apartment:

If you choose to live in a single apartment, the Akademia Residenz are located in the Reinickendorf district of Berlin, and have been recently renovated. They are fully furnished, and include internet/WIFI access.

Independent:

Alternatively, you also have the option to find your own housing.

Internship Housing

Summer internship housing is arranged through the internship provider. Please consult the for more information.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

There is a financial aid counselor specifically for Education Abroad. You can schedule an appointment with them on KSU Advising (Group Name: Education Abroad) or email finaideducationabroad@kent.edu

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on MŮ-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most MŮ scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

  • international travel procedures;
  • in-country resources;
  • health and safety resources and information;
  • culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center. 

Visa Information

A visa is a document required by many countries, in addition to your passport, that allows you to enter the country for a certain purpose (whether that’s to stay, transit, or exit). Essentially, it is the country's government giving you legal permission to enter their country to travel, study, work, etc.

Please note, it is solely the responsibility of the student to: 

  • determine the entry, transit, and stay requirements for the country or countries to which they will travel,
  • and to apply for any necessary visas, stay permits, or any other immigration requirements of the host nation(s).

It is also the responsibility of the student to:

  • verify the correct documentation required to apply for the required visa(s), 
  • apply for the visa(s) early enough to ensure there is enough processing time,
  • and pay any fees associated with obtaining the visa(s).

MŮ's Office of Global Education is available to provide general guidance regarding student visa requirements and procedures; however, each student who travels abroad is expected to manage their own legal obligations regarding international travel.

It is strongly recommended by the Office of Global Education that you carefully review the appropriate consulate or embassy website for the nation(s) you plan to visit in order to determine current entry/study/exit visa requirements.

Costs and Funding

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Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program. 

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and the Financial Aid Counselor for Education Abroad to see how your aid may apply to an international program by emailing finaideducationabroad@kent.edu

 

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