The entire curriculum in the Bachelor's programme is taught in English.
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The Bachelor of Arts curriculum in North American Studies provides broad disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge on cultural studies, history, literary studies, political science, sociology and economics of North America. It allows a specialisation in two or three of these disciplines, emphasising both the historical-empirical and the theoretical-analytical aspects in the critical discussion of methods and theories. The curriculum is intended to create a competence to judge and apply scientific reasoning in disciplinary and interdisciplinary contexts, preparing students to pursue professional and academic careers. Because the programme is taught entirely in English, students are also trained in their oral skills and writing skills. The programme thrives on its international community of students and scholars.
After a first phase of basic disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies, the students enter consecutive phases of disciplinary orientation and concentration in two or three disciplines. There is also the option to add a module package from a wide array of other disciplines. Advanced language instruction as well as courses and modules that help to acquire general occupational competence and to establish the employability of the students are integral elements of the curriculum. The curriculum includes a phase of studies abroad, which usually takes place in the fifth semester. A thesis must be submitted in one's first discipline of specialisation.
The curriculum includes a compulsory study abroad section – a length of at least one semester (extending this phase to a full academic year is encouraged). This phase will be completed either at one of the Freie Universität's partner universities in the United States and Canada or at one of the more than 50 partner institutes offering American Studies in Europe (ERASMUS).
At least one internship has to be completed as an obligatory element of the curriculum. Programme advisers can assist students in finding and choosing appropriate internships.
In total, the semester contribution amounts to 312.89 EUR. It includes a fee of 198.80 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use public transportation in Berlin for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 54.09 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.
Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen somewhat in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 950 to 1,200 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 400 and 700 EUR in Berlin.
For the application, a higher education/university entrance qualification and proof of English proficiency is needed.
For application deadlines, see the Freie Universität's academic calendar:
http://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/studienorganisation/termine/index.html
Applicants must provide proof of their English language skills: C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
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Freie Universität Berlin
c/o uni-assist e.V.
11507 Berlin
Germany
There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as waiting staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.
The student support service at the university, called studierendenWERK Berlin, and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students. When searching for a job, look at online job boards, ads in local newspapers, and notice boards on campus.
You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.
If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-gesucht or Craigslist) or on notice boards on campus.
Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the city's size.
Every BA programme at Freie Universität includes a compulsory component of 30 CPs devoted to professional skills (Allgemeine Berufsvorbereitung – ABV).
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