The Freie Universität Berlin
Berlin, Germany
Option 1 Direct Exchange
Students must be nominated by the IPO director. Reed students with at least 2 years of college-level German language can participate in a direct exchange that enables students from both institutions to exchange places for a semester or full year. Reed participants are provided with general orientation guidance as well as academic advising; they can enroll in courses taught in German at either the Freie or Humboldt Uni alongside regular students at the universities. Housing is provided in student residences throughout the city.
FU Berlin Academic Calendar:
Winter semester: October–March; Summer semester: April–July.
Important: Students can apply for the entire academic year (Winter and Summer semesters) or for Reed's Spring term (FU-Berlin Summer term).
Direct Exchange Program website
Flyer - Become an Exchange Student at The Freie Universitaet Berlin (PDF)
Option 2 Freie Universität Berlin European Studies (FU/BEST)
Reed students without prior German language experience or less than 2 years of college-level German language are welcome to study in this program. After a placement test, students take a German language course at their level, as well as 4 courses taught in English or German that cover a variety of subjects. Unlike the other options in Germany, this program runs on the traditional U.S. semester calendar thus making it possible for students to study either fall or spring semester.
Option 3 Columbia University Program - Berlin Consortium for German Studies (BCGS)
Reed students with at least 2 years of college-level German can enroll in a broad range of German university courses with the support of a structured program. This program was founded in 1995 with the goal of helping students improve their German and focus on related areas of study. As such, students begin with a 6 week German Discourse and Culture course followed by direct enrollment in courses at the Freie in a broad range of subject areas of their choice.
Program Information
Terms Available: year, semester, summer
Languages of Instruction: English, German
Language Prerequisite: It is recommended to have a B1 German level.
- Credit Transfer System
- Typical course load: 3-4 courses per semester (FU-BEST: 3-5 courses)
- Units recorded in: n/a (FU-BEST: Contact hours/ ECTS credits)
- Conversion to Reed units: 1 course = 1 unit
- Grading system: 1-6
- GPA Requirement: 3.0
- Course Catalog
Application
Application Deadline: FU/BEST: Fall: April 1; Spring: Nov 1
Program Application
Program website
Housing:
Residence Dorm, Shared Apartment, Host Family
FU/BEST: Students may live with German host families or in housing arranged by the program. BCGS: Students begin with a "Guest Stay" housing program with German hosts followed by shared apartments or residences.
Financial, Immigration
Cost to attend:
Reed College charges the same tuition fees for a semester or year off-campus as for a semester or year spent on campus, plus the program's actual room and board fees. Reed College encourages students to choose programs based on their academic rather than financial needs to reflect Reed's belief that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, should have the opportunity to study abroad.
Financial aid continues for eligible students during the off-campus program. Students should discuss with the Financial Aid Office how other outside aid may impact their existing aid package. Check out more details directly on the Reed College Financial Aid page.