The CIEE Berlin Open Campus program allows students to experience life in Germany's cultural capital while furthering their studies in a variety of academic fields. Students take two courses (3 sh each) per six-week block and participate in two or three blocks (12 or 18 sh total) per semester. To focus their studies, students select one of the following seven tracks of coursework: Art and Architecture; Business; Communications, New Media, and Journalism; Global and Community Health; International Relations and Political Science; Language, Literature, and Culture; or STEM and Society. In addition to taking the course(s) in their chosen track, students can enroll in courses from other tracks. The CIEE Berlin Global Institute also offers opportunities for students to engage in internships, research, or service learning projects for academic credit.

This program is administered by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) on behalf of an academic consortium of which the University of Iowa is a member. UI participants on the program join a group of students from other U.S. colleges and universities. University of Iowa students earn resident credit for this program.

Academic Program

Academic Tracks

Students must select one of the following academic tracks:

• Art and Architecture
• Business
• Communications, Journalism, and New Media
• Global and Community Health
• International Relations and Political Science
• Language, Literature, and Culture
• STEM and Society

Block System

UI students must choose two or three academic blocks during either the fall or spring semester. Each academic block is six weeks long. Students need to take at least two courses per block, which typically equates to six semester hours per block.

Two Academic Blocks

• Two courses per block
• At least two courses in the chosen academic track
• Two additional electives
• CIEE Academic Project (internship, research project, service learning) is optional and can be used as an elective during the second academic block

Three Academic Blocks

• Two courses per block
• At least two courses in the chosen academic track
• Four additional electives
• CIEE Academic Project (internship, research project, service learning) is optional and can be used as an elective during the second or third academic blocks

For updated course offerings, descriptions, and syllabi, visit CIEE's program webpage.

Cultural Activities

Excursions

The academic program is supplemented with excursions to points of interest in and near Berlin that highlight topics covered in class. Students may also participate in day trips to explore the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, famous museums and historical districts.

Program Dates

Fall, Blocks I & II: Mid-August to early November

Fall, Blocks II & III: Late September to mid-December

Fall, Blocks I, II & III: Mid-August to mid-December

Spring, Blocks I & II: Early January to late March

Spring, Blocks II & III: Mid-February to early May

Spring, Blocks I, II & III: Early January to early May

For exact program dates, visit CIEE's program webpage.

For more information

Steps to Studying Abroad

1. Before initiating an application with CIEE, students must complete a Discover Study Abroad session at the University of Iowa. 
2. After completing the Discover Abroad session, students will receive an email with their study abroad advisor assignment.
3. Once assigned, students must meet with their study abroad advisor to receive program application instructions.

Study Abroad
1111 University Capitol Centre
Iowa City, IA 52242

Phone: 319-335-0353
Email: study-abroad@uiowa.edu

CIEE Berlin Global Institute

The Global Institute in Berlin is located Kreuzberg district, in close proximity to various restaurants, cafes, and shops.

CIEE Berlin features classrooms, student lounges, a study space, a student life office, an academic advising office, an on-campus café, and a dedicated outdoor space.

Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany. This capital city has a rich cultural scene and more than 170 museums. It is well known for its landmarks like the Bradenburg Gate and the Reichstag building. This city attracts many history buffs and art aficionados. Berlin has three opera houses, where spectacular operas and ballets are performed. Berlin is Germany’s greenest city with many parks, lakes, and wooded areas.

Germany

Germany is the most populous member of the EU, has the world’s 4th largest economy, and boasts a high standard of living. It is famous for its contributions to the arts and sciences throughout history. You can learn more about Germany at Deutschland.de.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Standard housing is included in the study abroad program fee. This includes a single room at homestay, a triple or quad room at CIEE Berlin residence hall, or a double accommodation in an off-campus residence hall or shared apartment within 45 minutes of the CIEE Berlin Center. The CIEE Berlin residence hall has four shared kitchens, five student loungres, and laundry facilities.

For an additional fee, students can opt into Select housing, which include a double-occupancy room at the CIEE Berlin residence hall or a single accommodation in a shared off-campus apartment. The third tier of housing, Select Plus, offers a single-occupancy room at the CIEE Berlin residence hall or a single room in an off-campus apartment within 15 minutes of the CIEE Berlin Center. Select Plus housing also requires an additional fee.

It is recommended students review the Housing section of the CIEE Berlin website. On this page, you will find information about meals depending on the housing option selected. Students can also review additional housing options under the select housing and select housing plus headings.

For Select and Select Plus housing, students will pay the surcharge directly to CIEE.

Passport

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens who do not have a passport should apply for one as soon as possible. More information about how to apply for a passport is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. US citizens who need to renew their passport can find more information on the US Department of State’s website. The passport must be renewed before applying for the Spanish visa required for semester or academic year programs.

Expedited processing service is available at an additional cost. UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) for information on how to ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their time abroad.

Travel Arrangements

Students book flights independently. Participants are responsible for being at the orientation site on time.

Do not purchase plane tickets until you have received instructions on how to do so from your program provider.

Local Transportation

Berlin has an excellent public transportation system comprised of underground and light-rail trains, as well as buses and trams. Berlin's modern, international airport provides a hub to all major European capital cities, as well as other major cities around the world.

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA: Student must have at minimum a 2.5 cumulative GPA to participate in this program.
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students must forfeit their acceptance, will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.

Costs

The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill, as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.

The cost sheet includes the CIEE program fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee and Mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance. Please contact your study abroad advisor with questions regarding this cost sheet – call 319-335-0353 to schedule an appointment.

Cost Sheet for CIEE Berlin Open Campus, Spring 2026, Blocks I & II

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities.

How to Apply

Interested students should make an appointment with the designated UI Study Abroad advisor to discuss the program and the application process. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 319-335-0353. During the appointment, the advisor will provide full application instructions. Note: Application materials will not be reviewed unless a student has already met with the advisor to discuss the program.

The application process consists of the following steps:

• Complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee. As part of the UI Online Application for Study Abroad, applicants will need to upload a copy of their passport picture page and a list of courses to take while abroad.

• Complete the CIEE Online Application.

Post Acceptance

Acceptance into the applicant's chosen study abroad program is made by CIEE directly via an email to the applicant. This acceptance notification will refer the applicant to additional documents posted to the myCIEE account.

Application Deadlines

Fall and Academic Year: Mar. 1

Spring: Sept. 20

Acceptance & Confirmation Materials

Acceptance and confirmation materials will be posted after the next application deadline.

Health & Safety Planning

All students preparing to study abroad should review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

Two blocks: US passport holders enrolling in two academic blocks do not need a visa to participate. If you’ve traveled in the Schengen zone within the last 6 months and plan to join the Open Campus program for two blocks, please contact CIEE to confirm travel eligibility.

Three blocks: Participants studying in Berlin for three academic blocks will need to apply for a Residence Permit on-site. Be sure to follow the guidelines from CIEE for this application process.

Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with CIEE regarding their visa requirements.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

This orientation will be facilitated by your study abroad advisor and will cover content specific to your program and host country. It could be conducted in a group setting or one-on-one. Your study abroad advisor will send you more information about this mandatory in-person session.