Exploring Engineering in Berlin, Germany
Berlin, Germany

Engineering & Innovation

STEM

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Highlights

Career exploration

Daily activities and excursions

Dorms

Group collaboration

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Highlights

Career exploration

Daily activities and excursions

Dorms

Group collaboration

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Dreaming of an engineering career? Go behind the scenes in Berlin to learn how world-class companies tackle modern challenges.

Gear up to explore a variety of engineering projects in and around Berlin. Through expert-led classes and hands-on workshops, learn firsthand about German technology, innovation, and production. Team up with other Global Navigators to propose a real-world solution to a contemporary engineering problem! 

Meet industry insiders on exclusive tours of production facilities and businesses, such as car factories, solar-powered startups, or biomedical engineering hubs. Gain insight into Berlin’s history after WWII and reunification and how engineering will shape the 21st century. Find inspiration in the different disciplines in the field. 

In cosmopolitan Berlin, walk up to the Brandenburg Gate, pick your favorite artwork at the East Side Gallery, savor currywurst at local spots, and enjoy the city’s green spaces. On excursions, venture to Potsdam and Dresden to witness their modern advancements at play. Your time in Berlin will deepen your understanding of different engineering careers and introduce you to the best innovations coming from Germany.

Why Choose This Program?

Explore

Have fun discovering Berlin's diverse neighborhoods and clever engineering solutions.

Network

Meet new friends and engineers. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Investigate how engineers design solutions for major global problems. Collaborate to propose an engineering solution to a contemporary challenge.

Destination
  • Exploring Engineering in Berlin, Germany
  • Exploring Engineering in Berlin, Germany
  • city shot

The Destination

Welcome to Berlin, one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals and a powerhouse in engineering and innovation. 

Berlin—with its urban grit, historic landmarks, and progressive mindset—lies between the Spree and Havel rivers in northeastern Germany. The city is adorned with modern buildings, lush parks, and incredible street art among famous sites like the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, the Berlin Wall Memorial, which once marked the division of the city into East and West. Over the past three decades, Berlin has witnessed numerous innovations addressing the challenges of the past, present, and future—spanning improvements to electricity lines, roads, bridges, transportation, defense, airspace, aeronautics, and more. Renowned for its high-quality products and engineering prowess, Germany boasts a rich tradition of investing in science, technology, and engineering. There's a reason why the "Made in Germany" label is celebrated worldwide. 

This tolerant and multicultural metropolis attracts people from all across the globe, with over 20% of its population hailing from non-German backgrounds. Its resulted in a unique mix of cultures coexisting all in one place. Get ready to taste various international flavors alongside traditional German cuisine! 

Cultural Awareness 

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. 

 

Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective

You will begin to design and evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering. You will decide the focus of your engineering project.

Highlights* 

  • DRIVE Exhibition for an immersive journey into the world of automobiles
  • Berlin city tour to visit the Brandenburg Gate, the Jewish Memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie
  • Staatliche Münze Berlin tour to study precision engineering in coin production
  • Tempelhofer Feld cultural activity with games and sports

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will go from developing engineering ideas and solutions to using computer simulations to model the impact of your proposed solutions. You will continue to work on and refine a technological solution that reduces the impact of human activities on natural systems.

Highlights* 

  • German Museum of Technology visit to learn about technological innovations
  • MotionLab workshop to learn from entrepreneurs how they have brought their business idea to life
  • Sound engineering workshop at Trixx Studio Berlin to create your own recording, exploring the technical aspects of sound engineering from instrument playing to microphone placement
  • Potsdam day trip including a guided tour of Sanssouci Palace
  • Guided kayaking tour through the canals of Kreuzberg

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

It is time to put the finishing touches on your engineering project, gather feedback from your peers and instructors and refine both the design and overarching concept based on this input. You will be asked to think about the tradeoffs that account for a large range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts. At the end of the week, your hard work throughout the program will pay off as you present your final project!

Highlights* 

  • Sustainable Berlin walking tour
  • Futurium visit exploring future technologies in science and engineering
  • Overnight trip to Dresden visiting the Volkswagen Factory
  • Final project evaluation and preparation for public presentation
  • Flea market visit to explore Berlin’s famous flea market culture in Sundays
  • Farewell  dinner and cultural reflection

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Monday–Friday  

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.  

  • Breakfast at the dorms or out in the community 
  • Experiential learning with expert instructors and engineers 
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators 
  • Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop 
  • Dinner at the dorms or out in the community

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites  
  • Quality time with friends 

Housing

  • Dorms, shared rooms with other Global Navigators
Activities

Sample Activities

berlin-germay-class.jpg

Sound Engineering Workshop at Trixx Studio in Berlin

At Trixx Studio, the art and science of sound engineering come to life in a hands-on workshop. Stepping into the studio, you're immersed in a setting of innovation. Walls are lined with high-tech equipment, and you feel the anticipation of crafting the perfect sound. You and your fellow Global Navigators explore the intricate and technical world of audio engineering, from instrument playing to microphone placement.

As the session unfolds, everyone collaborates to capture the perfect sound. The challenge peaks as your group selects the best recording, a moment of both teamwork and creativity. Beyond the music, this experience not only introduces you to a different facet of engineering, but it also equips you with valuable skills that will enhance your future career in engineering and beyond.

berlin-germay-group-shot.jpg

3D Printing Workshop at MotionLab

3D printing is revolutionizing engineering, making it possible to transform ideas into tangible prototypes with remarkable speed and precision. At MotionLab, Berlin’s premier innovation hub for hardware startups, you’ll dive into this cutting-edge technology firsthand. While you won’t design or print your own creation, you’ll be shown through the state-of-the-art facilities and meet engineers who use 3D printing in their work to create innovative products.

As you tour MotionLab’s CNC lab, metal lab, electronics lab, and more, you’ll gain insights into how 3D printing, along with other technologies like laser cutting, is shaping industries and pushing the boundaries of sustainable engineering. You’ll also learn how the community at MotionLab is driving its mission for a climate-neutral future.

This immersive experience bridges the gap between theory and practice, inspiring you with new ideas and perspectives on how technologies like 3D printing are transforming engineering and innovation.

Testimonials
From CIEE

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By Rosemary Grout at CIEE

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By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.

From CIEE

Why Go Abroad in High School to Explore STEM Careers?

By High School Summer Abroad at CIEE

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Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.  
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee 

$25 

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.   

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!  

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,450
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,450

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

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.

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

Request Info