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Berlin, Germany

Taking Climate Action

Summer '25 New Program!

Social Change

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Devise creative solutions for climate change amidst Berlin’s sustainable initiatives.

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.

The Take-Aways

Real-world Experience

Understand climate change policies and initiatives in Germany and develop advocacy skills. Come home ready to influence public opinion on climate change.

Credentials For Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a climate action plan to document your skill at driving change.

Life Skills And New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.

45

Hours Of Expert Instruction

3

Weeks Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-changing Experience

The Destination
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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. 

Daily Life

Daily Life

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

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

From CIEE

A week and a Life in Berlin

By John Henrichs at CIEE

First and foremost, I want to take this opportunity to thank the parents for sharing their sons and daughters with us for the past three weeks. We are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful engineering group, and I will miss our discussions and walks through the streets of Berlin. It has been an enjoyable experience watching the joy and excitement through the eyes of the students. I know each one of you will cherish these moments for a lifetime.

From CIEE

Our Görlitz Getaway

By Emily Cramer at CIEE

Students spent the weekend outside of Berlin and escaped to the quieter city of Görlitz! We left early Saturday morning and arrived just in time to explore the city for... keep reading

From CIEE

Teufelsberg Spy Tower

By Ry Elkins at CIEE

Last Thursday & Friday, our groups visited the Teufelsberg spy tower in Grunewald, in the far west of Berlin. We started the excursion with a hike through the forest to... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

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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. 

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 

Optional College Credit Fee 

$150 

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 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

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 Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our 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.

Ready to change your life?

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