Berlin - Summer Study Abroad

Take the three-week Berlin summer study abroad program and earn 6 units of upper division COMM credit in Germany’s vibrant capital city.

Rock star David Bowie called Berlin “the greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine.” One of Europe's most cutting-edge cities, Berlin has something for every taste and budget. Hundreds of historical sites, world-class art and architecture, beautiful parks and lakes, excellent international cuisine, and a vibrant music and cultural scene are just some of the many things you will enjoy in this amazing city.

Open to all

The Berlin program is perfect for SJSU COMM majors and minors, but it's also open to everyone else, so encourage your peers to apply, too.

• any major or minor
• all class levels
• undergraduate or Master's students
• transfer students
• graduating seniors
• students who have already graduated
• students from SJSU
• students from other colleges or universities
• individuals who are not current students

Earn 6 upper division COMM units

By participating in the Berlin, Germany study abroad program, you'll enroll in two 3-unit upper division COMM classes, and you'll earn 6 units units total:

• COMM 193, Activity Projects in Intercultural/International Communication
• COMM 195, Special Topics in Communication Studies 

Berlin covers the COMM Applied Activity + one FIP

All COMM majors can use the 6-unit Berlin study abroad course to cover both of these COMM major requirements:

• the COMM Applied Activity requirement (2 units)
• plus one Foundations, Inquiry, or Practice (FIP) course (4 units), to be chosen in consultation with a COMM major advisor

To learn more about how to use the Berlin study abroad course toward your graduation requirements, contact your major advisors.

Explore Berlin's dark past & bright future

Our three-week course will have a dual focus. In the first part of the course, you will learn about the concept of cultural memory, and how it is playing out in society today. Together we will look back in time at key moments connected with WWII and the Cold War. We will visit famous sites across the city to examine how Berliners are coming to terms with Germany’s dark historical past through the city’s many monuments and memorials.

In the second part of our course, we will look ahead to Berlin's bright future in the realm of contemporary culture. Together we will explore vibrant countercultural sites, uncovering Berlin’s unique street art, exploring its hidden neighborhoods, discovering lively community spots, and more.

Learn by doing

Using the city of Berlin as our classroom, you will explore historical and cultural sites by engaging in fieldwork, tours, observations, interviews, and other hands-on activities.

The course instructors have crafted this unique course to show you the best that Berlin has to offer, including famous sites as well as hidden gems that are off the beaten track.

All course participants will stay in comfortable hotel accommodations in central Berlin, within walking distance of our study center and many of Berlin's famous sights. Daily field trips and excursions around Berlin will provide ample opportunities to discover this wonderful city. All field trips, course activities, and course excursions are included in the course fees. Highlights from previous years have included:

• Historical walking tours of Berlin
• The Jewish Museum
• Guided tour of the Berlin Wall
• The Reichstag
• Memorial of German Resistance
• Graffiti & street art tour
• Exchanges with local university students
• Princess Garden
• Tempelhof Field
• Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• The palaces of Potsdam

Estimated costs

The cost of Berlin program includes:

• 6 units of coursework
• Comfortable hotel accommodation in central Berlin
• Daily breakfast
• 4-week Berlin transportation pass
• All course excursions in and around Berlin
• Welcome dinner
• Farewell dinner
• Health insurance for the duration of the course
• 24/7 health and safety support while in Berlin

Note that the course fee does not include airfare. Berlin students arrange their own flights to/from Europe in consultation with the course leaders. Consider extending your travels by coming early and/or staying on in Europe after the course ends.

Scholarships and financial aid

Competitive scholarships are available, and financial aid is available for students who take six or more units during the summer.

Begin your research into scholarships and financial aid at the following sites:

SJSU Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (FASO)

SJSU Study Abroad for All

Apply for the Berlin FLP!

The Berlin program can only accept a limited number of students, so submit your application as soon as possible.

Apply online through the Berlin, Germany FLP SJSU Study Abroad and Away page.

Applications will be accepted until the program is filled.

Space is limited so don't delay! 

Learn more

Have questions or want more information? Fill out this Berlin interest form and we'll reach out directly with any info you need.

Want to know what its like to experience the Berlin study abroad program? Check out this video from program alum, Tyler Austrie, and this video from co-director Andrew Wood.

Fall 2023 info sessions

Drop in to any of our info sessions to learn more.

The Zoom link for all sessions is https://sjsu.zoom.us/j/85050430719 

Any questions? Email us!

• Dr. Tabitha Hart tabitha.hart@sjsu.edu 
• Dr. Andrew Wood andrew.wood@sjsu.edu 

We look forward to hearing from you!