Bing Overseas Studies Program-Berlin (Spring Quarter 2024-25)

The Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP) offers the opportunity to study abroad while remaining enrolled at Stanford and is considered an integral part of the Stanford curriculum. All BOSP programs offer direct Stanford credit for courses taught overseas that frequently count toward one or more majors. In addition, many BOSP courses fulfill Ways of Thinking/Ways of Doing Requirements (WAYS). Regular tuition applies, and financial aid continues. BOSP operates a variety of programs, including quarter length programs, internships and other opportunities.

The Stanford Program in Berlin is designed to expose students to the vibrant culture and agitated history of Germany. Most classes explore Berlin’s unique history by integrating into their syllabi the rich cultural life of the city—public lectures, excursions such as a Will Fund Trip to a recent EU member state or EU candidate, discussions with Berliners, museum visits, film and theater festivals, sports events, and attendance at community events are incorporated into the program. Students live with individuals or families in private homes within an easy commute of the Stanford Center, located in the suburb of Dahlem.

The core curriculum is designed to accommodate students who have attained some level of fluency in German as well as those with no prior German language experience. Embedded humanities courses focus on the art scene—film, theater, art and architecture—and on German history and comparative sports culture. A two-quarter political science sequence on the transformation of Europe from the vantage point of Berlin, and a two-quarter economics sequence on the German economy in the European and global context give students a unique opportunity to understand the concept of “Europeanization.”

For students who have never studied German, the Stanford Program in Berlin offers an intensive beginning language course during Autumn and Winter Quarters. For all students, a language resource person is on hand to help students with assignments for their academic courses, as well as to assist with individual language-learning processes. The center also coordinates the Berlin Buddy Program that links Stanford and local Berlin students for intercultural exchange and collaborative exploration of the city.

Many students validate the knowledge gained in their courses by extending their stay to complete a full-time, paid internship in a German workplace. The Krupp Internship Program provides practical, international work experience in businesses, agencies, non-profit organizations, laboratories, and cultural institutions throughout Germany.

• Program Offered: Autumn, Winter, Spring
• Program Capacity: 37 students
• Language of Instruction: English and German
• Housing Type: Homestay
• Krupp Internship Program: Offered year-round to eligible students