Berlin, Germany

Introduction

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Study Abroad Center offers undergraduate students the opportunity to study for the summer in Berlin, Germany. On-site, the program is coordinated by Freie Universität Berlin International Summer University (FUBiS).

The period of study is the Mid-July through Mid-August. Students may choose from a variety of courses at FUBiS.

Host Institution

Since its founding in 1948, the Freie Universität Berlin is home to approximately 32,000 students and has become one of Germany’s most progressive and international universities. In the tradition of its international spirit and as a symbol of its progressiveness, the International Summer and Winter University (FUBiS) has been part of the University’s regular program since 1998. Freie Universität Berlin is located in the southwest of Berlin, in the beautiful residential area of Dahlem with its many parks, the Grunewald forest and beautiful lakes in its immediate vicinity. Summer courses will meet in one of the buildings on the campus.

Curriculum

The UHM Summer in Berlin program provides students an opportunity to fulfill UHM major, minor, elective, focus, foundations, diversification and foreign language requirements for graduation. The program runs from early June through mid-July. Students can enroll in German language, studying grammar, conversation, and phonetics and/or take classes taught in English. All students must enroll in a minimum of six credits.

The UHM Study Abroad Center appoints a designated UHM Resident Director when appropriate. All students must participate in experiential learning activities led by the Resident Director in addition to taking classes at the host institution.

COURSE OFFERINGS

Courses at FUBiS are divided into different track types. A and B courses are 3 credits each. Within these two tracks, students can combine German-language and content courses in English. C courses are German language courses, meet five days per week and cannot be combined with other tracks. All courses have field trips that are part of the curriculum.

Students have the option to choose between the two different term.  The links below will take you to the course schedule and course syllabi for each term in the summer:

Summer Term II Summer Term III
Summer Term II June 1 – July 13 Summer Term III July 20 – August 17
  • Students must be enrolled for 6 credits total.
  • An A track course can only be combined with a B track subject course.
  • C track courses cannot be combined with other courses.
  • A track subject courses meet Monday and Thursday.
  • A track language courses meet Monday, Wednesday (field trip) and Thursday.
  • B track courses meet Tuesday and Friday.
  • C track courses meet Monday-Friday.

*Business students: Please consult with the business school “Partner Schools” page for approved, unexpired equivalencies.

FACULTY RESIDENT DIRECTOR

The UHM Study Abroad Center appoints a designated UHM Resident Director when appropriate. The Resident Director oversees students’ academic progress, mentors and/or tutors all participants. All students must participate in experiential learning activities led by the Resident Director, in addition to taking classes at the host institution.

Summer 2025: TBD

Courses taken at FUBiS will appear on UHM transcripts as UHM credits.

Last updated Sep. 2024

Location

There is no denying Berlin’s importance in the world today: it is again the capital of Germany–a new, reunited Germany. It is already, as it was before the first war, a cultural hub for opera, operetta, live theater, and over a dozen world-famous cabarets, as well as one of the world’s greatest film centers. With a population of 3.5 million, Berlin is Germany’s largest city. By day there is much to see–the Charlottenburg Palace, the castles of Bellevue and Tegel, the Jagdschloss Grunewald, countless art galleries, museums and the famous Zoological Gardens.

At night Berlin is a city of lights, theaters, restaurants and concert halls. What used to be “East Berlin” is an intriguing and exhilarating architectural showcase, a vast outdoor museum parading the masterpieces of Prussia’s finest monument builders: Schinkel, Knobelsdorff and Semper. Resilient, exciting and contradictory with a cultural heritage and a political past, Berlin now is fast becoming a leading center of Western Europe and continues to serve as the gateway to Eastern Europe.

Housing

Students will live with a German host family throughout their stay in Berlin. The homestay includes a single room and two meals per day (breakfast and dinner). The public transportation system in Berlin is efficient and inexpensive, allowing students to easily commute between school and home. A homestay is particularly attractive for German language students, since they will be able to practice their German in conversations with their host family and fully immerse themselves in German culture on a day-to-day basis.

Excursions & Extra-Curricular Activities

Included in the total cost of the program are several excursions, Reichstag (German parliament building), a boat trip on the Spree, Berlin’s river, and weekend trips to other German cities. Optional local excursions can be arranged on-site.

FUBiS classes make use of the vast historical, cultural, and political institutions and resources Berlin offers. Study and field trips to museums, memorials as well as political and cultural institutions are integral parts of the curriculum. In some classes, students have the unique opportunity to attend specially organized and exclusive round-table discussions with decision-makers, diplomats, and experts in their field of study.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the local environment rich in culture and the arts. Berlin is a marvelous city which expresses a level of cosmopolitanism that rivals her sister cities London and Paris. Students can participate in Berlin’s famous theater life, films, concerts, museums, cabarets, and discos.

Students on the program participate in several excursions: Reichstag (German parliament building), a River Boat Tour through Downtown Berlin, and a visit to the ARD Broadcasting Studio. A full list is available on FUBiS’ website.

Optional weekend trips to Dresden, Potsdam and Lepzig are available at an additional cost on-site.

Photos

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Program Cost

Summer 2024 Session 2 Session 3
One course each from Tracks A & B: $7,307 $6,209
Track C course only: $6,273 $5,264

Please see the budget sheet for more information.

Above costs include FUBiS tuition, FUBiS-arranged accommodation in homestay, excursions, ground transportation, health insurance, meals, laundry and UHM Study Abroad and other fees.

Roundtrip airfare between Honolulu and Berlin is not included; students have the option of taking the flight arranged by Third Eye Travel or making their own travel arrangements.

FINANCIAL AID

FOR UHM STUDENTS ONLY: In order to receive financial aid, please ensure that either: a) you are receiving financial aid during the current semester, or b) that you complete the Financial Aid application during the current semester. www.hawaii.edu/fas

NON-UHM STUDENTS (those attending other colleges and universities during the regular school year) must apply for financial aid at their home institutions.

SCHOLARSHIPS

See the Money Matters page for a list of possible scholarships.

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Admission Requirements

Students are eligible to study abroad as early as the second semester of their Freshman year or later.

The program is designed primarily for undergraduate students. The minimum requirement is a cumulative GPA of 3.0; however, students with a lower GPA may be considered. Non-native English-speaking students must have taken the TOEFL exam within the last two years and earned a composite score of 600+ or have taken the UHM ELI placement exam.

Admission to the program is selective. All applicants for the program will be judged on their academic performance, reasons for wishing to attend the program, flexibility, and sensitivity to other cultures, and ability to adjust to a new cultural setting.

Immediately upon acceptance to the program, students are required to pay a $500.00 non-refundable initial payment to ensure a place in the program. The initial payment will be applied toward the cost of the program.  

Please note that students accepted to the program are required to attend three mandatory pre-departure class sessions totaling 12 hours. Failure to attend will result in students being withdrawn from the program.

Application

A completed Study Abroad Center application and two academic references must be received by the Study Abroad Center to receive consideration.

Students from outside the UH System must also submit official transcripts from every college attended.

The Study Abroad Center is closed on weekends, and Federal and State holidays.

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PROGRAM DATES
  • Summer 2024: 
    • Term II: Jun. 1 – Jul. 13
    • Term III: Jul. 20 – Aug. 17
  • Summer 2025:
    • Term II: TBD
    • Term III: TBD
DEADLINES
  • Summer 2025: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, 4:00pm HST
  • Summer 2026: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, 4:00pm HST
DETAILS

Majors: Open to all majors

Most suitable for: Art, Geography, History, Music, Political Science, Theater (in English), German language (beginning to advanced levels)

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS
  • TBD
ADVISING

Schedule an Appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor on STAR Balance.