UMD Exchange: Freie University (Germany)

 

All students accepted to an Exchange program are automatically considered for an award of $1,000! See Cost tab for more information.

Host Institution
Freie Universität Berlin is one of the leading and most prestigious research universities in Germany and continental Europe. It distinguishes itself through its modern and international character. It is the largest of the four universities in Berlin. Research at the university is focused on the humanities and social sciences, as well as on health and natural sciences.

Host City
Freie University is located in Berlin, the capital of Germany, which is a metropolis of more than 3.5 million inhabitants. It is a center of politics, media, and education, and boasts a number of prestigious institutions. Of these, the Freie Universität, is the largest and one of the most well-known. Rich with history, Berlin is home to more than 200 museums and theaters, and is often called one of the cultural capitals of the EU. Additionally, the city has some of the most vibrant nightlife in Europe, making it a "city that never sleeps."

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Exchange programs are highly competitive and space in each program is limited. You must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply to this program:

• 3.0 GPA
• Completion of 2 semesters at UMD
• Students must have completed GERM301 before participating in this exchange

Exchange programs are a good fit for students looking for immersion, personal growth, and the opportunity to strengthen qualities such as independence and adaptability.

Student Visa Information
A student visa is required for participation on this exchange. For more information, please visit our study abroad visa guide to view instructions for the country you will be visiting. Please note that visa information is subject to change and you are responsible for checking the embassy website for updates.

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1. Click "Apply Now" at the top of this page. You will log in with your UMD directory ID and password.
2. Submit all application materials by the deadline listed below. This includes meeting with your EA advisor (listed at the top of this page), and may include requesting a faculty letter of recommendation, and submitting an official transcript. If a letter of recommendation and/or official transcript are required, it will be listed in MyEA once you start an application for this program. 
3. After the application deadline, we will review all completed applications and nominate students for available spots in each exchange program.
4. If you are nominated to participate in this exchange, you will work with your EA advisor (listed above) to apply directly to the host university, who will formally admit you to the exchange program. Nominated students must complete the host university application in accordance with the host university’s stated deadlines and instructions. 
5. Nominated students will then work with their EA advisor (listed above) and our partner universities to coordinate all aspects of the stay at the host university such as course registration, visas and arrival.

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Academic Planning

Visit the Academics & Study Abroad page which outlines key considerations for your academic planning as you navigate different phases of study abroad:

• Pre-Departure Course Selection & Approval
• Finalizing Course Enrollment Abroad
• Transcripts and Credits on your UMD Record

Coursework

The Freie Universität Berlin offers a broad variety of undergraduate programs taught in German.The courses offered during the current semester are listed in the course catalog (Vorlesungsverzeichnis, VV) which is available three months prior to the beginning of the semester. It is structured by departments, degrees and modules (individual classes).

Almost all subjects are taught in German. Please note that subjects taught in English outside the Departments of English and North American Studies are very limited in number. Availability may vary and cannot be guaranteed. An overview of subjects taught in English is available at www.fu-berlin.de/vv under “Courses in English”. Also, please note that Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy are NOT open to exchange students. Restrictions apply in Law, Economics and Business Administration. 

A six-week intensive preparatory German language course (20 x 45 min of instruction per week) will be offered before the beginning of the winter term and a four-week course will be offered before the beginning of the summer term. Basic knowledge of German is required. For further details, please check http://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/studienkolleg/index.html. The course fee will be approximately 500 € and is not included in basic tuition costs. Basic German language proficiency is required.

 

There may be other course offerings on this program that are not currently listed in the Study Abroad Course Database (SACD).  If you are interested in taking a course not listed in the SACD, please submit a transfer credit evaluation request.
 

Credit

All credit you earn on this program will count as transfer credit towards your UMD degree.  Most courses at Freie University will be converted as follows:

Freie University Credit	UMD Credit
1 ECTS Credit	0.5 UMD Credit
7.5 ECTS Credits	3 UMD Credits

The chart above was last approved by the UMD Transfer Credit Committee on July 10, 2015.

Grading

Undergraduates must receive a C- equivalent or better in order to be eligible for the transfer of credit.

Freie University Grade	UMD Grade
3.7	C -

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Students use University housing service ERG, which offers a variety of accommodation options, including dorms, share flats and fully furnished single apartments. All housing options are available from the beginning of September or October onwards and are about 250 – 410 € per month. Since there has been a dramatic increase of student housing demand, students wishing to use University housing service ERG must apply online by June 15 (for academic year) or by December 15 (for summer term). Registrations will be dealt with on a first come, first serve basis.

For more the housing application and more information please see the following website: http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/unterbringung/index.html.

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Exchange Program Cost of Attendance
UMD students participating in an Exchange program have the benefit of paying UMD tuition rates to attend an institution abroad. For specific information about this Exchange program, please reference the Cost of Attendance Chart.
 

Tuition and fees for exchange programs are charged directly to your UMD account, which means you can apply UMD scholarships, state and federal financial aid, and alternative loans towards the cost of an exchange. Housing costs are paid directly to the host institution or on-site housing agency.

You can use the cost of attendance comparison worksheet to view how study abroad programs compare to each other and the amount you pay on campus at UMD. As always, your EA advisor (listed above) is available to help you complete this worksheet and find affordable programs that fit your study abroad goals.

Exchange Scholarship
All students accepted to an Exchange program are considered for an automatic award of $1,000! To be considered for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a current degree seeking undergraduate UMD student (graduate students are not eligible for this award)
• Not currently receive full tuition scholarship/benefits (i.e. Banneker Key, tuition remission, Frederick Douglass Scholarship, etc.)

Additional Financial Resources

• Financial Aid
• Scholarships
• Financial Policies

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Maximize your time abroad by taking advantage of resources at your host institution!

Student Clubs and Organizations
There are many types of clubs and organizations available to students. Among these are inexpensive sports classes, student orchestras or music clubs,  language clubs, and international club. 

International Welcome/Orientation
The international club organizes different fun events available to international students in order to strengthen the international community and allow students the opportunity to participate in some really cool events! There is also an orientation for international students in order to relay important information about the university.