Study Abroad

Spend the spring semester, or better yet, the academic year studying at Berlin’s top university in the EU’s economic and political powerhouse. Explore your academic interests by choosing from a broad range of university courses while solidifying your German skills. Discover contemporary German life and culture in a dynamic, multicultural city with a vibrant arts scene. Learn from Berlin’s advanced knowledge of environmentalism and new technologies. And immerse yourself daily in the city’s remarkable history!

Princeton University is a member of the eight-school Berlin Consortium for German Studies (BCGS), which allows undergraduate students of German to earn full academic credit from Princeton while studying at the Freie Universität Berlin. This is a rare opportunity to study abroad in an academic course tailored to students’ program needs at their home institution alongside, rather than instead of, advanced language study. Students pay normal Princeton tuition, and those receiving financial aid will continue to receive aid during their studies in Berlin. Details about the program and how to apply can be found on the BCGS program website.

Departmental students wishing to enroll in this or any other foreign study program may do so, provided they present an acceptable plan of study that includes fulfillment of the departmental requirements for independent work and their application is approved by the Committee on Examinations and Standing. Early consultation with the Director of Undergraduate Studies and BCGS Princeton liaison (Adam Oberlin) is strongly encouraged.

Applications for the Berlin program are due on the date listed on the BCGS program website for the spring term and for the following academic year, which can change from year to year - please ensure that you have confirmed the due date on the Columbia website. For information about application forms, the language diagnostic evaluation, and additional information, contact Adam Oberlin, at aoberlin@princeton.edu or (609) 258-8424; applicants should also contact Gisella Gisolo, Director, Study Abroad Program at ggisolo@princeton.edu or (609) 258-1010.

The German Department offers other opportunities for travel and study abroad in Germany during the summer months.

Immerse yourself in the culture of Germany through seminars in literature and the intensive language program of Princeton-in-Vienna.

Find a summer internship through the Summer Work Program.