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Fall 2007 Semester dates
Start of Fall semester: August 29
Midterm break: October 19 - 28
End of Fall semester: December 13
Spring 2008 Semester dates
Start of Spring semester: January 9
Midterm break: February 29- March 9
End of Spring semester: April 24
Additional "Sommer Semester" (In conjunction with Spring semester)
Mid-April to Mid-July
Spend a semester or two in Berlin, studying at Freie Universität, either learning German for the first time or immersing yourself in the language you have already begun to explore. Students who intend to major or minor in German language or studies are required to take two German language courses plus two to three content courses in English - see below for descriptions. A special beginning language course is also available for non-majors and minors. Before the first week of classes, there will be an orientation program, including a welcome dinner, to help you settle in and to tell you about the university and campus life.
Summer Intensive German Language Program
The purpose of the Summer Intensive German Program is to help students achieve a better grasp of the German language before beginning their studies.
The FU-BEST program follows the U.S. academic calendar, as to be flexible for international students.
Students may apply for either the Fall Semester Program with an intensive German course in the summer; Fall Semester only, Spring Semester only or the full academic year program.
A student enrolled at FU-BEST may transfer up to 15 credits per semester (fall/spring) back to Mason, provided the letter grade is a "C" or above. The courses are transfer credit, and therefore will not factor into the GPA of the participant. Most courses are taught in English.
Courses for 2007-2008
Intensive German Language (4 credits each)
The program teaches four skills: reading, writing, listening comprehension, and conversation. The program aims especially at enhancing linguistic and cross-cultural competencies. Project-oriented elements such as local field-trips, newspaper reading, and radio listening are integral components of all courses.
Grundstufe I
(= U.S. 100-level, i.e., Beginner/Elementary)
This course introduces into the basic structures of the German language including declension, conjugation, and simple sentences. Basic vocabulary structure for everyday interactions is an essential part of this course. In addition, phonetics is embedded in communicative situations. We also practice different strategies of listening comprehension.
Grundstufe II
(= U.S. 200-level, i.e., Lower Intermediate)
This course focuses on German grammar in its more complex structure, emphasizing the use of subordinate clauses. We work on language use in most important everyday situations. At this level listening comprehension involves the comprehension of more difficult texts. Moreover, in the realm of writing skills we deal with and produce different types of text.
Mittelstufe I
(= U.S. 300-level, i.e., Upper Intermediate)
In this course we deal with more demanding grammar, such as the subjunctive and conjunctions. In order to improve your writing skills we acquaint you with different types and structures of texts. By means of in-class presentations you will improve your oral proficiency.
Mittelstufe II
(= U.S. 400-level, i.e., Advanced)
The objectives of this course are to improve your knowledge of academic-level German and your expressive capabilities. A key goal of this course is to build up your German academic writing skills. Readings of complex text structures, poetry, essays, and journalism are analyzed for style and the meaning of vocabulary in precise contexts. These texts also serve as the basis for subsequent discussions of various aspects of Germany's social, cultural, and political life.
For additional courses click here
Students have two choices for housing - home stay or apartment.
Home stay
As far as study abroad housing is concerned, this is certainly one of the most frequently asked questions! Spending a semester or even a full academic year abroad is bound to be an adventurous journey into a new and unfamiliar cultural and social environment, with or without a home stay. Yet a home stay can add immeasurably to the experience. More than apartment housing, it almost guarantees linguistic and social immersion, providing you with unrivalled opportunities at improving your language and intercultural skills. It can also be comforting to be with a family when confronting the often inevitable moments of homesickness. When you are for some reason physically ill, a host-family can be an important care-giving environment.
At the same time, of course, a home stay does somewhat reduce your range of freedom and independence, since you are expected to behave like a member of the family. Even if you can more or less come and go as you please, you do assume the responsibility of maintaining solid communication with your hosts about your presence at or absence from the home, especially when meals are involved. You will have your own key and your own room. Bathroom (and other) facilities may or may not be shared with others. Rarely would you have a private telephone line, so here, too, a considerate attitude vis-a-vis your hosts is important (especially including payment for any long-distance and overseas calls you make). Many host-families offer to undertake various activities with their guests, ranging from sightseeing to concert visits, although this is not a formal program expectation; it is always courteous and interesting to accept at least a few of such invitations, and in return, to offer your host-family a glimpse of your home country or region, for example by cooking some specialty from home!
Apartment
Apartments are fully furnished, single occupancy studios. The kitchen is fully equipped, including dishes pots, pans, etc. Blankets and sheets are available but towels are not included. There is a TV as well. Coin-operated laundry machines and dryers are on the premises. Separate, private bathroom with toilet and shower and/or bathtub in each apartment. Stores are available nearby. No meals are provided for this option.
This program is open to Mason students ONLY. Students must be at least second semester sophomores by the time of departure and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students are considered on a case-by-case basis. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher may apply for a FU-BEST scholarship. See website for details.
Program Fee:
$10,130 (one semester in apartment)
$10,550
(one semester with host family which includes 2 meals/day) for Mason students.
The program fee includes:
The fee does NOT include:
CGE reserves the right to raise its program fees in light of currency fluctuations or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Fall Semester 2007 : March 1, 2007
Spring Semester 2008: October 1, 2007
International university deadlines may vary. Please be in contact with the program officer for regular updates.
To apply, first, consult the How to Apply section and then complete the online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please contact the program officer for further application instructions. Be sure to download the latest version of the application from the FU-BEST website. All forms should be completed online.
For more information, please attend a study abroad info session
Program Officer: Lamyaa El-Fadaly