The German university system is very different from higher education in the U.S.  There is a strong emphasis on research and writing, so it is important to balance your courses so that you have a course schedule that will work for you. 

You will be able to modify your course selection after you arrive in Berlin, but to identify courses for your application, it is best to work with Frau Gunhild Lischke, Cornell BCGS Language Director, in the German Studies Department.

Students typically take courses at the Freie Universitaet, but may take classes at the Humboldt and/or the Technical University of Berlin.

With permission, students may take courses designed for international students and/or courses in English.  Students in Arts & Sciences may only take one course in English if it is related to their major and unavailable in German.

Course Selection & Enrollment

• To find a list of departments and a link to courses, go to the academics tab on the BCGS website.
• For assistance in selecting courses, see your faculty or college advisor. (Note: You may earn elective, distributional, minor or major credit depending on your major and college.)
• You may need to look at courses from a previous semester (i.e.: the most recent spring semester if you want to select classes for a future spring abroad) 

Course Load & Credits

• Study the language of the host country (or take a course in that language) when studying in a non-English speaking country for a semester or year
• Take the equivalent of 15 Cornell credits for a full semester, even if it is possible to take fewer and still graduate on time
• Decisions on the final allocation of credit are made upon successful completion of the course (must earn grade equivalent of a “C” or higher—all courses must award a letter grade).
• For more information on courses and credits from abroad, including policies regarding start/end dates, refer to the Academic Policies page on the Education Abroad website. 

Transcript & Grades

• Grades will appear on the Cornell transcript in the same format as they are recorded on the original transcript generated by the host institution. Grades are not factored into the Cornell GPA.
• For information on how grades appear on the transcript and frequently asked questions, including transcript dates for graduating seniors, please refer to the Transcripts and Credits page on the Education Abroad website.
• Your program will send your transcript to the Education Abroad Office.