Humboldt University was founded in 1810 by Wilhelm von Humboldt. Today, the university is a leading research institution, comprised of eleven academic faculties (schools) with 35.000 students in attendance. As a visiting student at Humboldt, you will have the opportunity to take coursework in German alongside local German and other international students. Students take classes from a wide range of disciplines in the Humanities such as gender studies, language and area studies; scientific fields including Natural, Agricultural and Horticultural sciences; Social Sciences; Education and Business Administration.
Beyond attending lectures, visiting students can also get involved in a range of activities, such as university sports, joining one of the choirs or joining the international club "Orbis Humboldtianus" which offers many services to international students including a mentoring program called "Studis4Studis" and a language exchange service. Students also have the option of attending intercultural training sessions and participating in group excursions and city tours.
Location
Students in Berlin are exposed to a vibrant and cosmopolitan environment, which offers a unique depiction of recent history, as the metropolis is still in the midst of reinventing itself after the long divide between East and West. The city holds keys to understanding Germany and the Germans, but also provides broader clues to understanding Europe, its long and difficult quest for common ground, and the persistent difficulties on its way. Additionally, students enjoy, overall, a lower cost of living than most other larger European cities. Berlin's location in central Europe makes the city a major hub for getting to other German cities, as well as other European countries. Humboldt University's location in Berlin could not be more ideal. Located in the central neighborhood of Mitte, HU is within walking distance of major attractions, including museums, parks, government buildings and a range of restaurants and bars. As a student, you enjoy a discounted rate to public transportation. The well-organized public transportation system makes traveling around the city, and to neighboring suburbs, easy and affordable.
Academics
Please review Humboldt's requirements for German language proficiency, which apply to all visiting students.
Browse courses in Humboldt's course catalog. You can also search for courses taught in English.
Berlin Perspectives Program
The Berlin Perspectives Program is an interdisciplinary program in English and German for both Humboldt students and international students from all academic backgrounds. It aims to support incoming international students at the beginning of their studies, through introducing students to academic German and supporting their transition to the German university system. Students discuss various aspects of Berlin including German history, society and culture, providing a useful supplement to their main studies at Humboldt.
Terms
- Year: Early October – late July
- Spring Semester: early April to late July
- Due to the German academic calendar, studying abroad for the fall semester only is not possible. Students may study for the year or for the spring semester.
- Review dates on Humboldt's Academic Calendar.
Accommodation
Exchange students may apply for housing to the HU International Office upon application. Accommodations are provided in student dormitories. Students can also find private accommodations in Berlin. For more information about housing in Berlin, visit Humboldt's Accommodation page.
UVA Student Experience
“My first few weeks in Berlin have been an incredible experience, academically and culturally...I feel that I can move through the city’s incredibly diverse architecture with knowledge of when and why districts and neighborhoods were built the way they were. I now see the beautiful late 19th century buildings now housing posh apartments and know they were built as “Mietskaserne,” the German word for tenements, and I’ve gained an appreciation for the ostensibly drab “Platenbau,” rapidly built apartments that fill the former GDR."
-Charles Bailey, History major
This program is open to students from any major, but below is a list of the top three majors at UVA who choose to study on exchange at Humboldt.
- German
- Foreign Affairs
- Government
Would you like to contact a UVA student who has studied on this program? See our list of study abroad returnees who want to help you!
CostS AND EXPECTED EXPENSES
There are a variety of associated costs and expenses when studying abroad. The information provided below is a guide to help you plan and budget. Additional resources are available on your host university's website.
Tuition and Fees: You will pay your regular tuition rate and fees to UVA for the term you are on a UVA Exchange Program. Tuition and fees will be billed to your SIS account and can be paid as normal.
Housing and Meals: You are responsible to pay for accommodation and any required or preferred meal plan. You will pay the host institution or make your own arrangements for accommodations. Check the host institution web site for accommodation and meal plan choices, cost, and application procedures.
Travel and Travel Documents: You are responsible for booking and paying for your own international airfare, as well as researching and obtaining any required visa(s) or residency permits. You should also budget for in-country transportation costs.
Insurance: UVA students are required to purchase CISI emergency medical and accident insurance. More information can be found on our insurance page.
Additional Expenses: You should be prepared to purchase required books and supplies. Also budget for additional personal expenses, including laundry, phone costs, personal travel, meals out, etc.
Education Abroad Expense Form
If you are required to complete an Education Abroad Expense Form, you can use the links above to identify costs and expected expenses to complete the form. If you are studying abroad for a semester, to calculate costs, divide annual costs in half.
If you are not able to find cost information you need in order to prepare for your study abroad program, please contact your Education Abroad Advisor.
Financial Aid
You can find detailed information regarding financial aid and study abroad on the following websites:
Accessibility
The University of Virginia believes in providing reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities on an individual basis. If you believe that you would require adjustments in order to fully participate in this program, please contact the Student Disability Access Center at 434-243-5180 as early as possible in order to begin this dialogue.
Passport and Visa
All participants will need a valid passport in order to participate in the program. Students must ensure that their passport is valid at least six months past the program return date. US Passport processing can take a few months once your passport application is received. If you are a US citizen interested in participating in education abroad, apply for your passport now. See the State Department for details and to apply. US passport holders will need a residence permit to participate in this program. All students should consult the German Missions website for information about visa and other entry requirements. International students should meet with their International Student Advisor in the International Studies Office as part of the application process.
Health and Safety Information
All students considering Education Abroad should consult the Students Abroad section of the U.S. Department of State’s web-based travel resources and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Traveler’s Health web resources to research health, safety, and security conditions; visa requirements; immunization requirements; and recommendations on staying healthy and safe in their target destination(s). Students should also carefully review the UVA Education Abroad Health & Safety Abroad web page. Parents and guardians are strongly advised to review all of these resources, as well. UVA students and visiting students enrolled in UVA Education Abroad programs are subject to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Student International Travel.
