About Study Abroad in Berlin, Germany - HU Berlin Program
Experience Berlin, one of Europe's most dynamic and historically significant cities, through this intensive January Term program at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, founded in 1810 and home to 29 Nobel Prize winners. You'll earn 3 semester credits while choosing from diverse courses taught in English across cultural studies, economics, education, geography, history, law, political science, psychology, sociology, and urban planning. For those seeking cultural immersion, German language courses are available at two levels, allowing you to develop proficiency while experiencing authentic Berlin life.
Your academic experience extends far beyond the classroom. Course visits to sites of historical and cultural significance—including the German Bundestag, Berlin Wall Memorial, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, and Museum Island—transform learning into firsthand engagement with Berlin's complex past and vibrant present. You'll live independently in a shared apartment with other AIFS students in a centrally located neighborhood near the U-Bahn, giving you genuine autonomy while maintaining built-in community and support.
Beyond coursework, you'll participate in curated cultural activities and social events, from German cooking classes to ice hockey games and opera visits. Optional excursions take you to Potsdam, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former summer residence of German emperors, or to Warsaw, Poland, allowing you to expand your understanding of Central European history and culture. Berlin itself offers endless exploration—world-class museums, cutting-edge modernism, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning parks create an environment where learning happens everywhere.
AIFS Abroad's inclusive program fee covers tuition, housing with internet access, all cultural and social activities, comprehensive 24/7 emergency support and health insurance, and transportation passes for Berlin's efficient public transit system. Your dedicated on-site director, Nele Thomsen, a Berlin expert with decades of local knowledge, provides academic guidance, cultural orientation, and personal support throughout your stay. Whether you're interested in understanding modern European politics, exploring German language and culture, or simply experiencing one of the world's most intellectually vibrant cities, this program offers an unparalleled January Term opportunity for undergraduate students at all class levels.