International Programs - News

Freie Universität Berlin invites applications for participation to study in the field of German Studies offered through its FU-BEST (Berlin European Studies) program. In particular, the program seeks to provide North American colleges and universities a program at no financial risk to the sending institution.

The FU-BEST program is based on the North American academic calendar, featuring Fall and Spring semesters, and is open to all qualified degree and non-degree students. Its primarily target is undergraduates but graduate students who wish to obtain FU-BEST credits are also welcome.

Participants are required to enroll in 6-8 credits of intensive German language training and select from other courses, taught mostly in English, designed to enable students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary developments in Germany and Europe at large. Additional experience is available through an April-July 'Sommersemester'. Some of the courses include:

“Modern German History in European Context: A Thematic Approach”
“German Cinema before 1945”
“Berlin: History, Memory, Literature”
“Contemporary Germany in European Perspective”
“Literatur& Film in Deutschland seit der Wende” (taught in German)
Intensive German Language (mandatory 6-8 credits)

As part of the program, students participate in local and off-site field-trips and a series of cultural events. Housing is available in the form of host-families or fully furnished, single-occupancy studio apartments.

The application and scholarship deadline for the Fall 2006 semester is March 31, or May 1 if not applying for the scholarship. Additional application deadlines for the Spring 2007 semester are October 15 (admission plus scholarship) and November 1 (admission only).