CUAbroad

The FU-BEST Program
Freie Universität
Berlin, Germany

CUA students in Berlin, Germany

Dates: Fall Semester: August 26 - December 11, 2009
Spring Semester: January 6- April 23, 2010

Description: After the fall of the infamous Wall in 1989 and the reunification of Germany a year later, Berlin has regained its status as capital of the country and has become a most dynamic European metropolis. Whatever you choose as your starting point for a stroll through contemporary Berlin - the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag's new glass dome, Potsdamer Platz or the Holocaust Memorial - you'll be following in the footsteps of famous history makers, musicians, and artists, in a city that's youthful and alive.

Participants study in the Berlin European Studies Program at the Freie Universität - one of Germany's premier institutions. Located in the southwestern part of Berlin, Freie Universität boasts a strong international community. A unique feature of this program is that students typically take content courses in English and prior study or knowledge of German is not required. Participants are required to enroll in German language. Students travel on a week-long excursion within Germany and neighboring countries, in addition to local field trips and cultural events.

Accommodation: Students may choose between living in a single occupancy studio apartment or with a host family. Students are strongly encouraged to live with host families to aid in cultural and language immersion.

Credits: In addition to the required 1-2 German language courses, students take courses in such subjects as art history, literature, European international relations, German history, German and European politics, architecture, philosophy, business, music history, and film studies. You may find a list of course offerings here on the program's website. Also, please read over FU-BEST's Academic Regulations.

Cost: CUA tuition plus a $5,000 program fee, which includes accommodation (breakfast and dinner if student lives in home stay), two program dinners (Welcome and Farewell), several concerts/operas/museum visits, a monthly public transportation pass, one week-long off-site excursion, course materials, pre-departure and on-site orientation, ISIC card, and On-Call International emergency evacuation insurance. Airfare, visa, and personal expenses are not included. Please contact CUAbroad for the complete cost breakdown of the program.

Eligibility: Applicants must be a full time student, and have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at the time of application (students with a GPA below 3.0 should consult CUAbroad). You also must be at least second-semester sophomore at the time of departure (have completed 45 credit hours). Students should not study abroad the last semester of their senior year if they are concerned about graduating on time.

How to Apply:

1. Consult with the CUAbroad Global Program Manager to determine the application procedures for your specific semester/year program.
   
2. Consult with your academic advisor. Make sure that the credits offered for the program will fit into your academic program.
   

3. If receiving financial aid, coordinate with CUA's Office of Financial Aid to determine your available aid for education abroad.
   

4. If you live on campus, notify CUA Housing of your education abroad plans.

Submit your application materials by the deadline for your specific program to CUAbroad. Your application package must include:

• Completed CUAbroad application form
  

• $100 non-refundable application fee
  

• An official academic transcript
  

• CUAbroad Credit Approval Form and CUAbroad Credit Approval Guidelines, accompanied by the course descriptions or syllabi- This form documents your initial chosen courses for your semester abroad. While changes can be made, this is extremely important, as it pertains to course equivalencies and where they will go on your tracking sheet

• One photocopy of the photo page of your passport (black and white copies are acceptable). If you do not currently have a passport your application will still be considered. Please apply for a passport immediately and inform the CUAbroad Global Program Manager. Each student is responsible for obtaining his/her passport. If you do not get a passport before the departure of the program, you risk not being able to participate on the program.
  

• 2 academic letters of recommendation from professors whom you have had in class within the last year. They should evaluate your overall academic work. Recommendations should be written on departmental letterhead and should be returned to you to include with your application.
  

• 4 passport-size photographs (for your file and International Student ID card, and 2 to be sent to Freie Universität)
  

• One-page typed biographical essay and statement of academic objectives while abroad
  

• Freie Universität requires a separate application that can be found here. This needs to be submitted directly to CUAbroad.
  
  

UPON ACCEPTANCE
1. Submit a non-refundable $500 deposit to the CUAbroad (see instructions in your acceptance packet). Stay informed with payment deadlines and pre-departure orientation.

2. Meet with the office of Financial Aid to determine the necessary steps in assuring your aid will cover your tuition and program fee, and submit the CUAbroad Financial Responsibility Form.

3. A copy of a letter from your health insurance company, on letterhead, stating that you will be covered during your time abroad.

4. Affidavit of family support during your stay to be used for student visa.

All materials should be submitted at the same time in an envelope, marked with the student's name and ID, to:

Madison Bolls, Global Program Manager
CUAbroad/Center for Global Education

McMahon Hall 111
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC 20064

Deadline: For Fall Semester 2009: March 1, 2009
For Spring Semester 2010: October 1, 2009

Questions? Contact Madison Bolls, CUAbroad Program Manager