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FUBiS
- What is FUBiS?
- How can I contact FUBiS?
- What kinds of courses are offered?
- How many courses can I take per term?
- How are the German language courses structured?
- How do I know which level is the right one for me?
- Are there any other courses taught in German besides the language courses?
- Who teaches the FUBiS courses?
- How many credits will I receive? Will they be accepted by my home university?
- How much does FUBiS cost?
- Can I travel during FUBiS?
What is FUBiS?
FUBiS is the International Summer and Winter University of Freie Universität Berlin, an intensive academic short-term program that takes place in one winter and two summer terms. Students from all over the world can choose between German language courses and subject courses held in English and German. Some courses can be combined with each other, allowing, students to tailor their schedule according to their interests. For their achievements the students receive ECTS credits which they may count toward their degrees at their home universities.
Students from all over the world participate in FUBiS, creating an international environment which promotes the learning and use of intercultural competency skills. Participation in the FUBiS program is an academic, cultural and personal enrichment for students.
How can I contact FUBiS?
For questions and/or suggestions you can contact us per e-mail, telephone or postal mail:
E-mail: fubis@fubis.org
Telephone: +49- 30- 838 73472
Fax: +49- 30- 838 73442
Address:
Freie Universität Berlin
Internationale Sommer- und Winteruniversität FUBiS
c/o ERG Universitätsservice GmbH
Otto-von-Simson-Str. 26
14195 Berlin, Germany
What kinds of courses are offered?
FUBiS offers German language courses as well as subject courses. The German language courses are generally offered at five different proficiency levels from beginner to advanced and are suitable for anyone who would like to extensively improve his/her language skills in a short period of time. The subject courses are taught in English or German. The FUBiS course offerings cover a variety of different academic disciplines such as politics, history, law, media, art (history) and German literature. An overview of the FUBiS courses can be found here.
How many courses can I take per term?
You can take up to two courses per term. The courses take place on the following days:
- Track A Semi intensive German courses: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
- Track A Subject courses: Mondays and Thursdays
- Track B Subject courses: Tuesdays and Fridays
- Track C German intensive courses: Monday through Friday
- Track D Subject courses: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
A-Track and B-Track courses can be combined with each other (one course from each track). The courses on the C and D track are intensive courses and therefore cannot be combined with other courses.
How are the German language courses structured?
Our German courses are taught by highly qualified DaF instructors (DaF = German as a foreign language) and have a maximum of 15 students. The focus is placed on improving students’ writing and speaking skills. Class excursions are organized once a week and actively integrate the city of Berlin into the course. These excursions, which are accompanied by the respective instructor and are a mandatory component of the course, give students the chance to practice their language skills in various situations. The German language courses are offered on up to five levels:
- A1 - Beginner 1
- A2 - Beginner 2
- B1 - Intermediate 1
- B2 - Intermediate 2
- C1 - Advanced
These levels follow the European reference frame. An exact description of the course content for each level can be found in the course descriptions of the respective terms.
How do I know which level is the right one for me?
In order to make sure that you are placed in the class which best suits your language level, FUBiS has developed a three step placement process:
- First, you estimate your own level. You will find descriptions of the different levels in the course syllabi on our website.
- A few weeks before FUBiS starts, you will take an online placement test. FUBiS will notify you when the test portal has been opened.
- On the first day of class you will have a short interview with one of our German language instructors, who will evaluate your speaking skills.
Your German language level will be determined by this three-step process and you will then be placed in the course which best suits your language proficiency level and guarantees you the best results.
Are there any other courses taught in German besides the language courses?
For the students who already speak German fluently (minimum level: Intermediate 2) FUBiS offers subject courses in German. These courses are planned so that they can be combined with a German language course. For the subject courses taught in German there is no separate language test, but in order to guarantee your learning success, it is imperative that you have a language proficiency level of Intermediate 2 or higher.
Who teaches the FUBiS courses?
The faculty of the International Summer and Winter University disposes of a long-standing teaching experience in their respective research fields. Many of our faculty have taught as visiting professors at international universities. For more information about the FUBiS faculty, please click here.
How many credits will I receive? Will they be accepted by my home university?
For your participation in the FUBiS program you will receive credits of Freie Universität Berlin which are calculated following the European Credit Transfer System. This system (ECTS) is based on the principle that 60 credits represent the amount of work done by a full-time student within an academic year. The amount of work includes attending class as well as the individual work and studying outside of class. The Academic Senate of the Freie Universität Berlin has stipulated that an ECTS credit of Freie Universität Berlin corresponds to a workload of 30 hours.
Depending on the term and course(s) you take, you may receive between 4 and 9 ECTS credits per FUBiS course.
Please note that every academic institution proceeds by its own directives when accepting study achievements of other academic institutions, so-called "foreign credits.” Therefore, we recommend that you speak with your academic advisor or professor before you register for FUBiS to make sure that the FUBiS credits you receive will be recognized by your home university.
Also note that credits can only be awarded if you are currently or have been enrolled at a university.
How much does FUBiS cost?
The price of the FUBiS program consists of different components which can be combined by the students individually. You can find an overview of the current prices of courses, housing, insurance and excursions here.
Can I travel during FUBiS?
Because FUBiS is an intensive short-term study program and class attendance is compulsory, longer trips are not possible during the FUBiS program. If you would like to use your leisure time for a short trip, keep in mind that preparing for your classes also requires time and that your travel plans should not conflict with this. It is advisable to plan a trip within Germany/Europe before or after a FUBiS term rather than during the term. Please understand that FUBiS cannot store the luggage of participants while they are travelling.
