Overview - Berlin Consortium for German Studies (BCGS)
The Berlin Consortium for German Studies is an academic-year or spring semester program dedicated to helping students improve their German language skills by providing intensive language training, encouraging them to function independently in the German university system, and offering a program that allows them to fully experience German life, customs, and culture.
The academic year program runs from September to July, while the spring semester program runs February to July. There is no fall semester option.
Program Eligibility
Must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in good standing
Must have completed at least two years of college-level German or the equivalent. It is highly recommended that students applying for the spring semester have at least one additional course beyond the required two years.
Minimum 3.0 average language GPA
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
Welcome from the Director
Dear Student:
Welcome
to the Berlin Consortium for German Studies. You have chosen one of the
best schools in the U.S., receiving not only an excellent education but
also taking advantage of extracurricular activities and enjoying the
personal and academic exchange with congenial fellow students. Why
should you leave that inspiring and comfortable American home campus for
a semester or even a full academic year?
Let
me tell you why. One of the leading universities in Germany, in one of
the most exciting and vibrant places, a true cultural hotspot at the
crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe, is waiting for you in order to
give you the opportunity of enriching your undergraduate career through
the experience of studying abroad.
The
Berlin Consortium for German Studies at the Freie Universität Berlin is
a once in a lifetime chance to fully immerse yourself in another
culture and academic world, and to see life through an entirely
different lens. Enroll directly in a German university, live with German
hosts for the first month and then move in with other German students
or young professionals. You can even consider an internship. Just dive
into a life that you would otherwise never have had the opportunity to
experience.
No
doubt, cultural transitions may also include stressful moments, but you
are not alone, there is an extremely well-functioning support system
you can always fall back on. The BCGS directors, language instructors,
program assistant, and tutors will guide you through the ups and downs
of becoming a bi- or even multilingual undergrad with first-rate
academic and professional opportunities. See you in Berlin!
Carmen Müller, Resident Administrative Director
606 Kent Hall MC 3948 1140 Amsterdam Ave New York, NY 10027 Phone: 212-854-2559 Fax: 212-854-5164
