berlin_reichstag-parliament-building.jpg
Berlin, Germany

Taking Climate Action

Social Change

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Highlights

Daily cultural activities

Dorms

Global citizenship

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Highlights

Daily cultural activities

Dorms

Global citizenship

Weekend excursions

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Discover eco-friendly Berlin and develop your own creative urban solutions to combat climate change.

The need for climate action is here—delve into eco-friendly practices in Berlin, a city that is set to become carbon neutral by 2045. Witness sustainable initiatives firsthand: miles of bike lanes, successful recycling campaigns, numerous green spaces, and more. With other Global Navigators, identify a key aspect of Berlin's effective climate action efforts, create a plan for adopting it back home, and pitch it to an expert panel. 

Collaborate with local startups and NGOs minimizing waste. Explore Schumacher Quartier, where renewable raw materials and rainwater collection are the norm. Don't just admire the city's green areas; clean them up as a Kehrenbürger (sweeping citizen). 

Hop on public transportation to reduce carbon emissions, commuting to iconic sites, like the East Side Gallery and Brandenburg Gate. Discover local spots, like Brammibal‘s Donuts and Curry at The Wall, making classic street food more sustainable. On excursions to Potsdam and Dresden, experience green initiatives in other cities, too. In and around Berlin, witness urban development at play and learn about the country’s commitment to sustainability and climate-resilience.

Why Choose This Program?

Explore

Have fun discovering Berlin through its sustainable initiatives.

Network

Meet new friends and local activists. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Develop skills on influencing public opinion on climate change. Collaborate on your own advocacy strategy.

Destination
  • berlin_museum-island.jpg
  • berlin_open-campus.jpg
  • berlin_smiling-inside-the-subway.jpg

The Destination

Welcome to Berlin, a city at the crossroads of historical significance and forward-thinking goals for a greener world.

One of Europe’s largest cities, Berlin sits on both sides of the Spree River. With more than 2,500 public parks, wide use of bicycles, and public transportation for commuting, sustainability is deeply ingrained in everyday life. There’s also a strong DIY (Do-it-yourself) culture in which people like to make their own things, such as their own clothes and furniture. One example of Berlin's creativity is the East Side Gallery, a one-mile stretch of the Berlin Wall turned into the longest open-air art gallery after the collapse of the GDR in 1989.

As you stroll through Berlin, you’ll encounter famous landmarks like the Reichstag Building, the Holocaust Memorial, and the Berliner Fernsehturm. These are juxtaposed with unique concept stores, second-hand shops, and restaurants for every taste. Berlin is one of Europe's most vegetarian and vegan-friendly cities, where it’s easy to eat less meat and reduce your carbon footprint. The German capital leaves a big impression on visitors, showing how a more sustainable and modern city can be created.

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. 

 
Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective

You will settle into Berlin and immerse yourself in the vibrant city that seamlessly blends history and modernity. You will begin your exploration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), circular economies, and smart city initiatives. You will experience the innovative urban landscape and discover how Berlin addresses these global challenges. 

Highlights*
 

  • Berlin city tour
  • Visit to Berlin waste management companies, BSR or Alba

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will take a journey through Berlin’s unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and sustainability initiatives. You will engage in discussions about climate change origins and evaluate the city’s practices in waste management and energy conservation. 

Highlights*
 

  • Tour of green startup that focuses on sustainability.
  • Visit to Berlin's former airport and the new FUTR HUB in TXL (Tegel)
  • Historical site visit at Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will reflect on your own carbon footprint and explore ways to mitigate its impact. As you get more familiar with this diverse and dynamic city, you will craft a strategy for action, addressing a climate change challenge that aligns with Berlin’s commitment to a greener future. 

Highlights*

  • Exploration of Berlin's public transport company and cycling initiatives
  • Visit to the Futurium to learn about the "houses of futures" in Berlin.

*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 local activists. 
  • 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

flowers_berlin.jpg

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Discover Berlin’s innovative urban farming projects, like the Prinzessinnen Gardens, Farmly Place, or the Roof Water Farm. 
  • Go in search of the next Banksy on a street art tour and learn more about the city’s urban art scene. 
  • Immerse yourself in the history of World War II by visiting Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp or Flughafen Tempelhof, a vast, decommissioned airport with secret passageways and bunkers. 
  • Grab fresh, affordable produce and locally-produced goods at one of the dozens of farmers' markets across the city.
  • Envision the world of tomorrow through the interactive exhibits and hands-on laboratory of Futurium museum, known as the “house of futures” in Berlin. 

Please note activities are based on past programs and 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. 

Testimonials
From CIEE

Learning about German History

By Emily Griggs at CIEE

This past weekend, students embarked on an epic day trip to Potsdam, the capital city of the German state of Brandenburg, to discover more about Germany's past. After enjoying a... keep reading

From CIEE

How To Write a Great Scholarship Application Essay

By HS Summer Abroad Program Leaders at CIEE

Earning a CIEE Global Navigator Scholarship is a prestigious honor that can help you stand out for years to come, especially on college applications! Plus, these scholarships give hundreds of... keep reading

From CIEE

7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing

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.

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above. 
  • Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program. 
  • 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

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.

Program Balance = $6,450

Total Fees = $6,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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.

See Scholarships

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.

Program Balance = $6,450

Total Fees = $6,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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.

See Scholarships

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

Center Director

Andrea Adam Moore holds a Master in Business Administration. Andrea was previously the Director of the Indiana University Europe Gateway in Berlin.

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

Request Info