Sustainable Smart Cities
Your Sustainable Smart Cites program in Berlin lasts a full semester and provides an in-depth look at how Germany's capital is using innovative urban design solutions to prepare for the future. You will enroll in at least one sustainability course that explores how urban planning, technology, and public policy contribute to sustainability in Berlin while also enrolling in your choice of business, communications, STEM, language, and other courses. This program offers a wide range of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary cultural and extracurricular activities related to sustainability. Live and learn in Berlin!
Unique Experiences
EXPLORE BERLIN’S URBAN GARDENS
TO DISCOVER HOW THE CITY IS PROMOTING GREEN SPACES AND SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION THROUGH COMMUNITY GARDENS AND URBAN FARMING INITIATIVES
VISIT THE BERLIN ENERGY AGENCY
TO LEARN ABOUT THE CITY'S COMMITMENT TO RENEWABLE ENERGY AND INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES THAT ARE MAKING BERLIN A LEADER IN SUSTAINABILITY
DISCUSS CURRENT PROJECTS AND ISSUES WITH LOCAL EXPERTS
LIKE GERMAN ASSOCIATION FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, THE EBERSWALDE UNIVERSITY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, AND THE INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVE SUSTAINABILITY
Your Destination
Berlin is a sustainable smart city known for its innovative energy solutions, extensive public transportation, and commitment to green spaces. As a hub for technology and entrepreneurship, the city integrates smart infrastructure, renewable energy, and eco-friendly urban design. Students can explore historic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, world-class museums, and dynamic creative industries. Whether you are studying environmental science, business, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Berlin offers a vibrant and forward-thinking study abroad experience.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Berlin.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of related courses that explore how innovative cities utilize digital technologies and modern strategies to prepare for the future and impact the environment.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in networking events with local sustainability initiatives, activities that address how urban planning and technology can help lessen the impact on the environment, meaningful volunteer work with local organizations, and study tours to meet local changemakers and companies driving sustainability efforts.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to develop integrated sustainable solutions that address economic, social, and environmental challenges.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Berlin will open doors for you to explore Germany’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Tour Holzmarkt 25, Berlin’s largest sustainable urban development project, a landmark for urban regeneration, and a fascinating hub of artistic creativity · Gain a behind-the-scenes look at sustainability in the textile industry with organizations like MOOT, Berlin Textile Coop, and other upcycled fashion designers or the social entrepreneurship behind Humana’s second-hand stores
- Get your hands dirty and engage with locals during open gardening events at community gardens like the Prinzessinnengärten
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
3 Cities in 5 Days? Challenge Accepted!
By: Madeline Passarello Throughout my time studying abroad I had so many amazing experiences. Studying in Berlin gave me the ability to travel to 15 different cities over the course... keep reading
Berlin Bites
By: Nina Marra Studying abroad in Berlin has been nothing short of amazing. One of my favorite breakfast places in Berlin is Breggs, which is an egg sandwich place that... keep reading
Emerson Eller da Silva: "Berlin has stolen my heart!":
"Berlin has stolen my heart!" – These words from Emerson Eller da Silva perfectly capture the magic of studying abroad in Germany’s vibrant capital. The first program of 2025 at... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Berlin offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to an on-campus dorm to off-campus shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Standard Housing: Includes one of the following options: 1) a single room at a homestay; 2) accommodation in a triple or quad room at CIEE Berlin; or 3) if dorm capacity is exceeded, a double room off-campus in a shared apartment/residence hall located within 45 minutes of CIEE.
- Homestays: Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with a host family.
- Shared Apartments/Residence Halls: Off-campus shared apartments offer kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities (for fee) shared with other students. Triples and quad rooms on campus offer an en-suite bathroom and are fully furnished and equipped with a fridge, microwave, and Wi-Fi. The residence hall has four large, shared student kitchens, five student lounges, and a laundry room (service for fee).
Students who live with host families receive breakfast and dinner daily. In residence halls and at shared apartments, students can prepare their own meals in the (shared) kitchens. Basic cooking utensils are provided. In the neighborhood or throughout the city, there are plenty of restaurants ready for students to explore.
Select Housing: Includes a double room or shared apartment on campus at CIEE Berlin, or if dorm capacity is exceeded, off-campus in a private bedroom within a shared apartment located within 45 minutes of CIEE. The on-campus residence hall rooms offer en-suite bathrooms and are fully furnished and equipped with a fridge, microwave, and Wi-Fi. The residence hall has four large, shared student kitchens, five student lounges, and a laundry room. Select housing requires an additional fee.
Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room at CIEE Berlin or a single room in off-campus housing within 15 minutes from CIEE. The on-campus residence hall rooms offer en-suite bathrooms and are fully furnished and equipped with a fridge, microwave, and Wi-Fi. The residence hall has four large, shared student kitchens, five student lounges, and a laundry room (for fee). Off-campus single rooms share kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities (for fee) with other students. Select Plus housing requires an additional fee and may not always be available.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
Homestays: Include two meals, usually breakfast and dinner. For non-homestay housing, meals are not included in the program cost.
Shared apartment/residence hall: Students can prepare their own meals within the kitchen facilities. CIEE provides basic cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. Students can also explore the myriad restaurants in our multicultural Kreuzberg neighborhood or throughout the city. Students should be prepared to have a food budget.
Academics
CIEE Berlin: Study in the heart of Berlin's Kreuzberg district, in close proximity to a large public market hall, plenty of restaurants and cafés, and various shops. CIEE Berlin features classrooms, student lounges, a study space, a student life office, an academic advising office, an on-campus café, and a dedicated outdoor space.
SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences: SRH Berlin was founded in 2002 and is a state-accredited private university in Berlin. SRH is currently listed as an AACSB member and aims for accreditation in the foreseeable future. The university offers undergraduate courses in many fields, with special strengths in Technology, Creative Industry Management, International Business Administration, Business Psychology,
Illustration, Advertising & Brand Design, as well as Computer Science and Web Development. SRH’s new location at the waterfront in the lively neighborhood of Berlin-Neukölln is a short commute from the CIEE center offering state-of-the-art facilities for students, interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities, four engineering labs, three film and photo studios, stages, cinema and a large library.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Sustainable Smart Cities program offers a diverse range of courses that explore how urban development, policy, and sustainability intersect. Students will explore important topics such as sustainable business practices, green urban planning, global environmental challenges, and the future of food systems. Through an interdisciplinary approach, these courses equip students with the tools and insights needed to tackle pressing sustainability issues and create meaningful change in cities worldwide.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences | ASU Courses (online) |
Building Sustainable Cities Sustainable Development in the 21st Century Business & Sustainability Engineering, Sustainability & Society Sustainable Tourism | Marketing for the Digital Era Engineering Design and Drawing Creative & Cultural Industries Creative Entrepreneurship Introduction Lab Ethics, Power and Liability | Introduction to Sustainability Sustainable World Sustainable Energy Technology and Systems Pathways to Sustainability |
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Not all SRH courses are offered every semester, and some courses have prerequisites. The final list of courses is made available during the course enrollment process later on in the application process.
The following list of courses constitutes a representative sample of course offerings through the SRH and is subject to change. In some cases, prior background knowledge may be required to enroll in a class.
- Marketing for the Digital Era
- Engineering Design and Drawing
- Creative & Cultural Industries
- Creative Entrepreneurship Introduction Lab
- Ethics, Power and Liability
- Entrepreneurship
- App Programming
- Applied Mechatronic Systems
- Business Intelligence and Big Data
- International Management
- Global Supply Chain Management 4.0
- Market Research
- Staged Photography
- Foundations of Illustrations I
- Building Sustainable Cities
- Sustainable Development in the 21st Century
- Business and Sustainability
- Engineering, Sustainability, and Society
- Sustainable Tourism
- Global Environmental Policy
- Culture and Cuisine in Germany
- Berlin - The Capital of the 20th Century (in English)
- German Fairy Tales: Grimm Brothers to the Present
- German Language - Beginning I
- Holocaust Studies
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Comparative Health Care Systems
- Internship Seminar (in English)
- Internship Seminar (in German)
- Service-Learning Project
- Directed Independent Research (in English)
- Directed Independent Research (in German)
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
Business Management and Administration
Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Marketing, Sales and Service
Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 17 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Greta Krumbholz
Academic Director
Greta Krumbholz has a Master’s degree in German and Slavic Studies and a Ph.D. in linguistics at the University of Hamburg. She has taught at the University of Hamburg, the...
Eric Ginola
Director of Student Life
Having grown up in the Chicago area and completed his undergraduate degree at Macalester College, Eric went on to complete his graduate work at the University of Washington-Seattle, where he...
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
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Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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