Freie Universität Berlin

Freie Universität is one of the eleven universities to have been successful in all three lines of funding in the German government’s Excellence Initiative in 2012. The future development concept of Freie Universität is based on three key strategic centers: the Center for Research Strategy, which focuses on research planning; the Center for International Cooperation; and the Dahlem Research School, which supports next-generation academic talent.

When Freie Universtät was being established in 1948, the idea was to create a university similar to Oxford. The idea came by famous Berlin scholars of the time, like Einstein, Lisa Meitner and others, to create a unified progressive environment for younger and eager students to learn and collaborate. In the beginning not much was offered by Freie Universität because of the hard conditions. By donations from USA to help in the foundation and construction of building complexes, Freie Universtät grew and extended so much as to now offer 15 departments and central institutes including veterinary studies. It also offers the Dahlem Research Campus, a strong international research campus and one of the best botanical gardens in Germany.

Studying in Germany - No German? No Problem

Let’s face it -- not everyone goes to study abroad to perfect their language skills. Going for the cultural experience and life in a new place is just as much a factor. Using a study abroad program allows you to tailor a program to fit what you want and make sure that learning in English is a priority.

Finding a program that offers the majority of its courses in English is a great first step. Check out these study abroad opportunities in Germany to find one that meets your language-learning needs. If you’re uncertain, you can ask a question right on the study abroad program page and alumni from that program will answer you.

You can also visit your school’s study abroad office to find out about partner universities in Germany. Often times, North American schools will partner with foreign institutions that specifically offer programming in their native language. It’s not a bad idea either to ask your school if they offer German language courses. Even a semester’s worth of language classes or short summer intensive will go a long way to prepare you for life in Germany. Chances are you might be able to use some of the credits to pad out your degree as well!

Furthermore, many German universities provide different options for varying levels of German-language abilities, including English instruction for absolute beginners.

You can even choose whether to take courses alongside local German students or other international students. With a little extra research, you'll be able to find the perfect program that pairs survival German classes and other subject courses taught with English instruction.

Remember that there is no best option when it comes to choosing a study abroad experience; just choose the best one for you.

For English speakers who aren’t comfortable speaking German except for the occasional “pass the schnitzel” or “Nein!” it’s no problem (or “Kein Problem,” as the Germans would say) for those wanting to study here.

Not only is Germany a hugely cosmopolitan country, with many English services available in its larger cities, but a 2012 survey by the European Commission revealed that 50% of Germans feel comfortable speaking English. In my experience, that number tends to be even higher amongst German youth and students -- the exact people you’ll be interacting with the most during your time studying abroad.

For those students who aren't confident in their German language skills, there are plenty of programs taught in English all over the country. You'll just need to be a little pickier when you're selecting which program in Germany to study abroad with.

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