Berlin
Berlin, Germany

Global Architecture + Design

Study Program

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Credit

15 - 18 semester hours

22.5 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Dates

-

18 weeks

Costs

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Overview

The Global Architecture + Design program invites design, architecture, or sustainability majors or minors to create model cities that address climate change by reducing the environmental footprint of buildings. At 911Berlin, all courses are taught in English and led by experts from Berlin’s architecture and design community. All classes are complemented with 911co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

From its evocative, traditional landmarks to its contemporary design innovations, Berlin is one of Europe’s hubs for the future of architecture and design. Take advantage of all this trendy city offers as you participate in the Global Architecture + Design program.

Unique Experiences

EXPLORE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN BERLIN

with guided visits to experimental cooperative housing at Spreefeld and urban farming culture at Prinzessinnengarten.

DELVE INTO A RANGE OF ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

from the Bauhaus in Dessau to baroque palaces in Potsdam.

PARTICIPATE IN A GROUND-BREAKING DESIGN

to improve city living.

3

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

400K

TREES LINE THE STREETS

390

MILES OF BIKE PATHS

Experience
  • girls in berlin smiling by building
  • berlin skyscrapers at night traffic lights
  • berlin brandenburg students walking

Your Destination

The thriving global city of Berlin is home to more than 3.7 million people. Live among the locals and see for yourself why Berlin is ranked among the top for global urban quality-of-life. With excellent public transportation, you’ll have no problem exploring the city’s parks, orchestras, museums, festivals, and historical landmarks. 

Berlin’s 24-hour public transportation system is extensive and connects the areas of the city accessibly and quickly. 911Berlin is steps from a neighborhood subway station with easy access to the rest of the city.  Located in the heart of the Kreuzberg district, 911Berlin offers students easy access to a large public market hall, restaurants and cafés, and a variety of shops. 

Students may commute to classes or live on campus, where the classrooms, center staff, and social spaces are waiting to welcome you. Regardless of your housing accommodations, an introduction to the public transportation system is provided during orientation and students are responsible for securing their own public transportation pass. Program housing is convenient to public transportation.  

911wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local 911staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Berlin.

The Culture

berlin students powerpoint presentation envs sustainability

OTHER EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

Ample activities and daytrips will be offered to immerse you in Germany’s culture and historical heritage.  Excursions can include: &Բ;

  • Visit landmarks by celebrated architects, such as the Reichstag Dome by Foster and Partners and Potsdamer Platz buildings by Renzo Piano Building Workshop. 
  • Explore innovative projects such as Spreefeld, an experimental sustainable housing cooperative; Prinzessinnengärten, an innovative urban community garden; or Tempelhofer Feld, a historic airfield now home to a major public park. 
  • Get out of the classroom to investigate design in person at the East Side Gallery section of the Berlin Wall, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Brandenburg Gate, and more.  
  • Soak in artistic inspiration from Europe’s largest street art gallery, Teufelsberg, housing in an abandoned Cold War spy station.   
  • Get to know your peers by participating in local activities like going to the open-air cinema, taking a riverboat cruise, or playing soccer
berlin ciee students cook abroad together

PROJECTS

  • Collaborate on design projects in small groups with people from diverse backgrounds. 
  • Meet and learn from visiting faculty and professionals via lectures and critiques. 
  • Connect virtually with other 911students as they tackle the same design issues in other cities. 
  • Practice your language skills with weekly activities organized in the residence hall and around the neighborhood, including cooking events, film nights, board-game evenings, and other opportunities designed to help you perfect your German while hanging out with friends.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

German vs. Portuguese: Key Differences & Similarities

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

German and Portuguese are worlds apart in some ways, yet closer than you might think in others. From German's precise grammar to Portuguese's melodic flow, both languages open doors to... keep reading

From CIEE

What Subjects Can You Study Abroad: Top 16 [2025]

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

While you excitedly explore 911Study Abroad locations and specific program options, don’t forget to look for study abroad courses in specific areas of study, too! Being in the classroom... keep reading

From CIEE

"Studying in Berlin has made us more independent and at the same time adaptable to new experiences"

By 911Berlin at CIEE

Lily and Andrew are both High School students from the US living in Berlin since August 2022. They just finished their study abroad program where they were able to live... keep reading

What People are Saying

  • "911provided many excursions and it was a great program."

    Hae Wann K., Carnegie Mellon University

Housing
Academics

Academics

911designed this program to help students develop a language of technological design that links individual responsibility and the global environmental crisis through the study of places, cities, and cultures. The program includes the Future Cities Design Studio, a seminar, science, engineering, and technology workshop. Students have full access to cutting-edge facilities at 911Berlin. 

Courses are taught in English by 911faculty members who also facilitate collaborative projects with local professionals and peers.

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the 911academic calendar, so you can study abroad with 911while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Students must be either: 

  • Majors in architecture, environmental design, industrial design, interior design, landscape architecture, sustainability studies, or urban design. 
  • Minors in one of the areas listed above, with 2-3 semesters of design studio or project-based courses in their major.

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

  • ARCH 3001 GGAD: Future Cities Design Studio 
  • ENVI 3102 BRGE: Design and Sustainability Seminar 
  • ARCH 3102 BRGE: Science and Technology Workshop – Computational Design Theory and Application 
  • 1-2 courses from the 911Open Campus Block program
  • Online Course Options: substitute up to two ASU online courses

Program Credit

Total credit: 15-18 U.S. semester/22.5-27 quarter credits

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REQUIRED COURSES

Hardware Requirements

  • Windows laptop with 64-bit Intel or AMD processor (Not ARM) OR Apple Intel MacBook partitioned with Boot Camp (Boot Camp is not supported on Apple Silicon M1 Macs.; please set up Boot Camp prior to arriving in Berlin, as your university IT department may be able to help you with this) 
  • OpenGL 4.1 capable video card is recommended 
  • 8 GB memory (RAM) or more is recommended 
  • 100 GB disk space (internal and/or external) 
  • A multiple-button mouse with a scroll wheel is recommended 

Software Requirements

  • Rhino 7 or latest version (64-bit for Windows; for macOS, use the Windows version with Boot Camp and not the native Mac version) 
  • with the following Tools as plug-ins: 
    • Grasshopper 
    • MeshEdit 
    • Geco 


 

Course Credit

  • 911courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 
    • Design and Sustainability Seminar 
    • Science and Technology Workshop – Computational Design Theory and Application 
    • Elective courses from the Open Campus Block program 
  • 911language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 60 contact hours 
  • CIEE Future Cities Design Studio: 6 U.S. semester/9 quarter credits; 90 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

Students are encouraged to inquire, debate, collaborate, conduct experiments, and consider the role of today’s architects and designers. Students need open minds, a readiness to collaborate and exchange ideas, and self-motivation to thrive in an interdisciplinary learning environment.

Class Format

All courses are customized for and open only to 911students. Classes include a combination of lectures, group work, presentations, and discussions.  Some Open Campus Block courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A–F is used. Students are graded on class participation, homework, individual project work, and presentations, as well as mid-term and final exams.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English and/or German

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 911courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 911staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Course Notes

  • Future Cities Design Studio spans the full semester. 
  • Design and Sustainability Seminar, Science and Technology Workshop, and all 911courses* operate on a block schedule. Courses are condensed into three intensive six-week blocks in partnership with the Open Campus Block program. 
  • Students may not take more than one 911elective in a single block. 
  • Some 911courses are available in multiple 911locations. To help ensure you are able to enroll in the courses you need, some courses may be facilitated as a Hybrid course by an instructor from a location that is separate from your own. In a Hybrid course, you will learn either face-to-face or online, depending on your location. However, regardless of your location, you will apply what you learn from the instructor and course materials in your location. Hybrid courses can be identified in the course list as those whose course codes end in “CIEE” – open the syllabus to see the instruction location, if known. 

Language Courses

  • During course selection, students interested in a non-introductory German language course will be instructed to take an online German language assessment to determine their proficiency level. Enrollment will be finalized on site and is based on assessment outcomes. 
  • Students may opt into the non-credit Survival German course to their course load during the customary add/drop period. 

*Not all courses listed below may be available to Global Architecture + Design students as some electives may conflict with the meeting times for the core curriculum. Additional courses may be made available upon arrival depending on the final schedule.

Architecture

Course
Language
Semester Credit
English
6

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Health Professions and Related Programs

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

History, Philosophy, Religion

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block II 2025
German
3

Spring Block I 2025
German
3

Spring Block II 2025
German
3

Spring Block III 2025
German
3

Spring Block I 2025
German
3

Spring Block III 2025
German
3

Spring Block II 2025
German
3

Spring Block I 2025
German
3

Spring Block II 2025
German
3

Spring Block I 2025
German
0

Spring Block II 2025
German
0

Spring Block III 2025
German
0

Literature, Linguistics, and Writing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block I 2025
English
3

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block III 2025
English
3

Spring Block III 2025
German
3

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Spring Block II 2025
English
3

911proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

911and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the 911Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 911and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 911sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

911offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
  • 911Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant

To be considered, submit the 911Scholarships & Grants application within your 911program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2025 18 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $22,450
Program Fall 2025 18 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $22,450
Program Fall 2024 18 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $21,950

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

911offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,956**

Housing = $6,000***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $22,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $504

International Airfare = $1,250†Ġ

Local Transportation = $500

Books & Supplies = $450

Visa Fees = $80

Personal expenses = $225†Ġ†

Total Costs = $3,009

Optional Housing

911accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $750

Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500

Financial Aid

911offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

†Ġround-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†Ġ†Includes 3 GB data/month. 6 GB data would cost an extra $9/month

Program Fees

911offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,956**

Housing = $6,000***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $22,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $504

International Airfare = $1,250†Ġ

Local Transportation = $600

Books & Supplies = $450

Visa Fees = $80

Personal expenses = $225†Ġ†

Total Costs = $3,109

Financial Aid

911offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

†Ġround-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†Ġ†$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Includes 3 GB data/month. 6 GB data would cost an extra $9/month)

Program Fees

911offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 911iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $15,956**

Housing = $5,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $21,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $504

International Airfare = $1,250†Ġ

Local Transportation = $500

Books & Supplies = $450

Visa Fees = $80

Personal expenses = $225†Ġ†

Total Costs = $3,009

Optional Housing

911accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.

Select Housing Fee = $750

Financial Aid

911offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls/apartments, you should budget approx. $340 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

†Ġround-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†Ġ†$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries (Includes 3 GB data/month. 6 GB data would cost an extra $9/month)

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

911iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Andrea Adam Moore

Center Director

Andrea Adam Moore holds a Master in Business Administration. Andrea was previously the Director of the Indiana University Europe Gateway in Berlin.

Greta Krumbholz

Academic Director

Greta Krumbholz has a Master’s degree in German and Slavic Studies and a Ph.D. in linguistics at the University of Hamburg. She has taught at the University of Hamburg, the...

Eric Ginola

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT LIFE

Having grown up in the Chicago area and completed his undergraduate degree at Macalester College, Eric went on to complete his graduate work at the University of Washington-Seattle, where he...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info