Study Abroad in Berlin - Freie Universität Berlin
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About this Program
AIFS Freie Universitat Berlin (FU-Best) is a semester program offered in a Fall and a Spring semester. Our mission is to educate responsible, global citizens by linking high-quality academic instruction with a broader international experience. We aim to provide an intensive and diverse study abroad experience through combining three essential elements: German language instruction, a varied menu of subject courses, and the concept of the "extended classroom." Small classes, expert faculty, and the availability of day-to-day guidance are designed to enable students to make the most of this unique educational opportunity. Using Berlin's rich cultural, political, and historical offerings as a resource, all courses integrate local field-trips into their curriculum and thus profit from the outstanding location of this fascinating city.
Program Highlights
- Course(s):
- UCOR 3100 or UCOR 3600
- Key Benefits:
- Comprehensive Advising and Support
- 24-Hour Emergency, Comprehensive Health
- Safety, and Security Support
- Airport Reception
- Spanish Visa Support
- Housing, Meals and Laundry Service
- Bridging Cultures Orientation
- Internet Access
- ISA Discovery Model
- Excursions
- Cultural Activities
- Insurance
- Professional Development Toolbox
- Full-Time Resident Staff
- On-Site ISA Offices
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- German
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Host University Program
- Internship Opportunities
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Apartment
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 24-30
- Credit System: ECTS Credits
- Typical Course load: 4-5
- Credit Per Course: 6
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Freie Universität Berlin
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 ECTS Credit = 0.8 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 18-22.5
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $8,000
- Spring Semester: $8,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
For SU-Exchange programs, students are billed SU (1) Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, and (3) Global Medical Insurance. Housing costs are separate and American College of Greece may require additional fees; these and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program’s detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.
Payment
For SU-Exchange programs, pay your SU bill through your Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with SU’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Additional expenses not included in your SU bill, like housing, special course fees, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by American College of Greece and/or their affiliate housing company. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring: Mild temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), making it a pleasant time to explore parks and gardens.
- Summer: Warm weather between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.
- Autumn: Cool, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The fall season brings colorful foliage, especially in the countryside.
- Winter: Cold, with temperatures between 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F). Snow is common, particularly in southern regions near the Alps.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by the American College of Greece.
U.S. passport holders are required to apply for a visa before studying in Greece. (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). Students participating in the ACG study abroad program will undergo a comprehensive visa pre-departure webinar conducted by the ACG study abroad team. This webinar will cover all aspects of the student visa application process, ensuring that students are well-prepared. One crucial step involves completing a background check, which can be done at any time.
Upon finalizing their acceptance to ACG, students will receive an email requesting information necessary for the creation of their visa letter. Once they obtain the visa letter from ACG, they can proceed to schedule their visa appointment. It's important to note that many appointments may not be available or scheduled until November or December, a common occurrence for Greek consulates. Students are advised not to panic about this timeline.
For those dealing with the Greek Consulate in San Francisco, it is acknowledged that the process can be challenging. Students are advised to communicate with the consulate via email rather than phone calls, creating a documented trail of communication efforts. Due to the difficulty in reaching the consulate, persistence is encouraged, and students may need to make multiple attempts to establish contact. American College of Greece will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in American College of Greece’s nor SU's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.