Easily accessible are historic Potsdam, the Sanssouci Palace, the countryside in the Spreewald, and the many nearby lakes. A period of three weeks is set aside for orientation immediately upon arrival. The sessions introduce the city of Berlin, the IES Program, and student life in Berlin. The core of the program is comprised of intensive German language study and lectures on the culture of Berlin. Generally, meals are not included in the housing arrangements nor prepaid in the program fee.
Students normally prepare their own breakfast and dinner at their apartment.
Students may make independent housing arrangements. IES Berlin arranges optional field trips in Germany and Central and Eastern Europe. Students usually visit Cracow and Warsaw in the fall and Moscow and St. Petersburg in the spring. Interested students can acquire contact information for the local volunteer organizations through the IES Center. Work with charities, cultural organizations, youth services, advocacy groups, and environmental groups are available.