German Language & Culture
A gap year in Berlin is the ideal balance of structure and independence—an opportunity for growth, discovery, and preparation for your future.
Berlin is a place where every street tells a story—where past and present intertwine, underground scenes thrive, and new ideas take shape daily. On your gap year, you’ll absorb the language and energy of this electric capital, gaining fluency while exploring its dynamic neighborhoods, global food culture, and unmistakable spirit of reinvention.
Spend 15–20 hours of intensive language classes each week at GLS, a premier language institute, and make fast friendships with fellow gap year abroad travelers. Afternoons and weekends are yours for exploring—bike through the gorgeous greenery of Tiergarten, visit world-class museums on Museum Island, or discover Berlin’s young and vibrant neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg.
Living with a welcoming host family, you’ll experience life as a local, practicing German daily and getting all the best insider tips on how to live like a true Berliner.
Why Choose This Program?
Live the Language
Take 15-20 hours per week of German language classes designed to improve real world skills. A final proficiency test (STAMP) will showcase your rapid language growth.
Strike a Balance
Benefit from CIEE's global support and cultural expertise while exploring the world at your own pace.
Develop Skills
Build a strong foundation in the core components of intercultural learning. Come home with a better understanding of the world and skills for a globalized workforce.
96%
of alumni said their language skills improved
94%
said they learned to interact with different cultural backgrounds
89%
said their level of independence increased
The Destination
Berlin is a city that never stops surprising you. It’s a place where history, culture, and modern-day innovation collide in the most exciting ways. With a thriving art scene, unbeatable energy, and over 3,000 startups, Berlin is constantly reinventing itself, pulling young dreamers from all over the world.
Imagine strolling through vibrant neighborhoods, where every corner has a hidden café serving up ridiculously decadent sweet treats. To recover from your sugar coma, stroll through one of the city’s green spaces—home to over 400,000 trees—which invites you to relax and recharge in the midst of the urban hustle. Getting around is a breeze with the efficient public transport system. And, of course, Berlin’s incredible history is woven into the fabric of the city—the historic Brandenburg Gate, the iconic Reichstag building, the somber Holocaust memorial, and the stark juxtaposition of architecture across East and West Berlin.
Simply put, Berlin is one of the coolest cities in the world, and it’s waiting for you to jump in and be part of it.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
A Glimpse into Royal Germany in Potsdam
Potsdam is a picturesque city rich in royal grandeur. Only a short train ride away, you’re immediately met with a completely fresh atmosphere, the mellow energy of the pedestrian zone and the nearby Dutch Quarter offering a pleasant hum of cafés and quaint boutiques sprinkled along cobblestone streets.
You’ll explore history on guided tours of two palaces. At Sanssouci Palace, you’ll wander through majestic baroque gardens, surrounded by fountains, statues, and lush greenery—a perfect representation of 18th-century opulence. At Cecilienhof Palace, the former residence of the German imperial family, you’ll see the rooms where key moments in history unfolded, including the 1945 Potsdam Conference. You might stop for a traditional German meal, sampling bratwurst or a hearty potato salad at one of the cozy local eateries.
This day trip offers a deeper connection to Germany’s cultural heritage, giving you time to reflect with your gap peers on how the experience is shaping your future dreams and aspirations.
Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights. Get ready for maximum fun!
A Weekend in the City of Stories & Surprises, Hamburg
As Germany’s second-largest city and Europe’s second-largest port, Hamburg is a global gateway, and it’s this dynamic blend of commerce, history, and culture that makes the city so fascinating. Hamburg’s role as a trading hub has shaped its culture, giving it a rich, diverse vibe that sets it apart.
For music lovers, it’s the place where The Beatles started their rise to fame, playing legendary gigs on the Reeperbahn, the heart of Hamburg’s red-light district. Today, this street offers a mix of nightlife, live music, and (infamous) history. Hamburg is also home to the Speicherstadt, the world’s largest warehouse district, a vibrant area with attractions like Miniatur Wunderland (the world’s largest model railway exhibition) and Hamburg Dungeon—an interactive theatre that brings to life tales of medieval torture, the Black Plague, and other eerie events from the city’s past.
Add to that stunning landmarks like the Elbphilharmonie, a world-class concert hall, fresh seafood, and a laid-back yet exciting vibe, and you’ve got an unforgettable stop on your gap year abroad.
The GAP Program in Berlin: The experience of Henrik Rauch
We are always looking to hear how the experience of our students has been no matter which program they did. That’s why we take time to listen them and get... keep reading
Eligibility
- Program open to recent high school graduates (no more that 1 year post-graduation) who:
- Are at least 18 years old at the time of their departure
- Are in good academic standing
- Demonstrate—through the application and interview process—flexibility and maturity.
- No previous language experience required.
- Please note that participants may volunteer at local organizations with prior authorization from CIEE. Participants are not authorized to take any job or seek employment during their stay.
For more information, refer to our detailed GAP eligibility criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$50
Priority deadline discount
Apply to a fall semester or academic year program by June 1 and automatically get a $400 discount. Apply to a spring semester by October 1 and get a $400 discount. Discounts are deducted from the final balance.
Insurance
The program fee includes iNext travel insurance. Additional information about insurance can be found on the FAQ page.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Academic Year 2025 33 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Costs $25,500 | |
| Program Spring 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Costs $13,500 | |
| Program Spring 2025 12 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Costs $16,250 |
| Program Fall 2025 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | Costs $13,500 |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
Ready to change your life?
Our Staff
Andrea Adam Moore
Regional Director of Operations for Europe
Andrea holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
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...