Freie Universität
Berlin, Germany
Freie Universität Berlin is a leading research institution. It is one of nine German universities successful in all three funding lines in the federal and state Excellence Initiative, thereby receiving additional funding for its institutional future development strategy. Freie Universität Berlin was founded by students and scholars on December 4, 1948, with the support of the American Allies and Berlin politicians as a response to the persecution of students critical of the system at Universität Unter den Linden in the Soviet sector of the divided city of Berlin. These students and scholars wanted to study and carry out research at Freie Universität, free of political influence.
The Law Department at the Freie Universität Berlin lies in Dahlem, a district of southwest Berlin, well-known for its many predominant Villas and green spaces. More than 3,600 students, 19 professors and approximately 100 honorary professors, lecturers, research assistants and staff make the Law Department one of the largest in Germany. Three Presidents of the Federal Constitutional Court, three Judges in the Constitutional Court for the state of Berlin, one president of the High Court Berlin and many advisers at the Supreme Court began their academic career as lecturers at Freie Universität Berlin or serve these institutions in addition to their occupation as a lecturer in the Law Department.
PROGRAM DATES
The program is offered in both the spring and fall semesters.
Fall: Early October – Mid February
Spring: Early April – Mid July
APPLICATION
Semester Abroad Application for WCL Students
Semester Abroad Application for Visiting Students
Please complete, sign, print, and fax or mail application to:
Study Abroad and International Exchange
Office of the Dean
4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016
Fax: (202) 274-4005
LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION
The official language of instruction at the Freie Universität is German.
COURSES
Students will receive up to 12 credits towards their law degree. Only the credits and not the grades will transfer per ABA requirements. The acceptance of any credit or grade for any courses taken at the Freie Universität, including externships and other clinical offerings, is subject to determination by the WCL, Office of the Registrar.
The following is a selection of courses offered at Freie Universität. Please visit the University’s website for a complete list of course offerings.
- Introduction to Civil Law
- Introduction to Public Law
- State Organizational Law
- European Law
- Introduction to Criminal Law
- Administrative Law
- Constitutional Law
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Phone: (202) 274-4237 or (202) 274-4177
Email: studyabroad@wcl.american.edu
Freie Universität Website
