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Studying in Germany

Discover the vibrant and exciting city of Berlin, the capital of Germany!

HIS2721: Cities at War

 

Program at a Glance

map of Germany

Program Dates: May 14 – June 4, 2023

 

This program is a Landmark College Study Abroad PLUS program and is designed with the needs of autistic students in mind.

Program Leaders

Academic Director: Brian Cohen
Program Director: Christie Herbert
Social Pragmatics Director: Andy Donahue

Considerations

Consider the following to determine if this course is right for you. Details below.

Free time/Independence: Variable
Physical Demands: Low
Transitions: Low
Stimuli: Low

Follow along with our Berlin program’s adventures! View the Summer 2023 Program Blog.

Cities at War is a course that explores the experience of Berlin during World War II. Through visits to museums, monuments, and historic sites, students will gain an understanding of the city’s history through multiple perspectives.

Extra support on the program makes it an ideal program for first-time travelers or students who thrive in an environment with consistency and structure.

Dates

May 14 – June 4, 2023

Program Overview

Please note that the application period for the Summer 2023 Berlin Study Abroad Program has ended.

This is a Landmark College Study Abroad PLUS Program and is designed with the needs of autistic students in mind—but the program is open to everyone. For more information on Study Abroad PLUS, please see the “Program Details” section below.

Primary goal: to explore the experiences and memories of the people of Berlin during World War II.

  • Study social, cultural, and military history in the classroom, via digital resources, and at key historical sites.
  • Focus on German and Allied perspectives, with an emphasis on “everyday” experience of Berlin citizens during wartime.
  • Explore “historical memory” and the different ways that Berlin has memorialized the war.

Housing, Transportation, and Program Activities

  • Live at the ultra modern CIEE Global Institute in the central neighborhood of Kreuzberg.
  • Transportation will include local transport: subway, bus or tram.
  • The program includes visits to local sites around Berlin.

Check out the program blog from 2018!


Berlin Program Details

  • Considerations

    Consider the following to determine if this course is right for your learning style.

    Free time/Independence: Variable
    This program is highly structured, with a regular daily schedule. During free time, program leaders will offer optional activities. However, students who want to explore independently will have plenty of opportunities to do so.

    Physical Demands: Low
    The program includes some walking in museums and monument sites. The group will use public transportation to get around.

    Transitions: Low
    The program stays in the same housing for the full three weeks. The schedule of daily activities is regular and does not change throughout the program.

    Stimuli: Low
    While students will see a variety of sights and experience public transportation in a very large city, it is included in the context of a program with extra supports and guidance to help students navigate successfully.

  • Study Abroad PLUS

    All students are invited to apply for any program that interests them. The Cities at War program in Berlin is a Landmark Study Abroad PLUS program, designed with the needs of autistic students in mind:

    • Consistent housing: the program stays in one location for the full three weeks.
    • Local travel: the itinerary includes local excursions in and around Berlin, but no lengthy full-day trips outside of the city.
    • Extended orientation: faculty spend extra time helping students get to know Berlin, including public transportation and neighborhoods near accommodations.
    • Dietary flexibility: Berlin offers opportunities to find many kinds of foods, suitable for both adventurous and cautious eaters, as well as food allergies and sensitivities.
    • Student support: three program leaders ensure that there is plenty of support for logistical, cultural, academic, and social needs.
  • Prerequisites

    This is a 3-credit, 2000-level course and requires the following prerequisites:

    • Good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or above)
    • WRT1011 and
    • EDU1011 and
    • One 1000-level History/Religion/Philosophy/Art History course

    OR permission of the department chair

  • Photo of assistant professor of history Brian CohenAcademic Director: Brian Cohen, Assistant Professor of History

    Brian Cohen is an Associate Professor of History at Landmark College. Brian has led the Study Abroad PLUS trip to Berlin for several years.

    Brian’s academic interests include military, American colonial, and 20th century history. He recently wrote and presented a paper discussing British martial law in New York during the American War for Independence

     

    Photo of professor of arts Christie HerbertProgram Director: Christie Herbert, Professor of Arts

    Christie Herbert is a Professor of Art and has taught at Landmark College since 1986. Christie is a practicing ceramic artist and creates both sculptural and functional work.

    Christie earned a B.A. in English from Reed College, a Masters in Teaching from the School for International Training, and an M.F.A. in Visual Arts from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She currently serves as the president of the board at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center.

     

    Photo of Andy DonahueSocial Pragmatics Director: Andy Donahue, Director of Social Pragmatic Programs and Services

    Andy Donahue, M.A., LCMHC, is the Director of Social Pragmatic Programs at Landmark College. Andy has served as the Social Pragmatics Director for the Berlin Study Abroad PLUS trip for several years.

    Specializing in working with autistic students, Andy has extensive experience working as a therapist, teacher, administrator and vocational counselor with students and adults in a variety of educational and community settings. He received his B.A in Psychology and Linguistics from The University of Southern Maine and a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Autism Spectrum Disorders from Antioch University New England.

  • Program Cost: $6,500

    Cost of this program includes:

    • 3-credit course
    • Group flights
    • In-country transportation
    • Field trips and housing
    • Health insurance for the duration of the program
    • Some group meals

    Student spending can vary depending on the individual. Additional costs include:

    • Most meals
    • Free time activities
    • Cell phone costs, if students plan to activate a roaming plan or purchase a local SIM card
    • Laundry
    • Souvenirs, gifts, etc.
    • Additional baggage fees beyond the first checked bag
  • Landmark College’s “Global Engagement” Scholarship offers a scholarship of up to 50% of the program fee. Scholarships are need-based and in general there are 1 – 2 available per program. Click here for the scholarship application.

  • The application period for the Summer 2023 Study Abroad program in Berlin has closed.

    Program and Scholarship Application Deadline: Friday, February 24, 2023

    Notification of acceptance and scholarship decisions: Monday, March 6

    Program deposit ($1,500 to confirm seat, nonrefundable) due: Monday, March 13

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