AIFS Partnership Programs: Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Transportation
Do I have to take the AIFS flight?
Can I change my return flight once I am in Berlin?

Housing
Where will I live?
How many roommates will I have?
Can I choose my own roommates?
Can I move into my accommodations before the program starts if I am arriving in Berlin early?
What are the meal arrangements?

Culture
What activities will be included?

Money
How much money will I need?
How can I get money in Berlin?

Communication
Will I have access to email?
How can people contact me when I am in Berlin?
Can I buy a cell phone?

General
Do I need a passport?
Do I need a visa?
What should I take with me?
What happens if I get ill abroad?
Will my hairdryer/iron work in Berlin?
Can I buy textbooks and course-related materials in Berlin?
What sports facilities are available?

Transportation

Do I have to take the AIFS flight?
No, you can make your own airfare arrangements if you wish. However, with the AIFS Transportation Package, you will receive round-trip transfers between the airport overseas and your residence as part of the package. If you make your own flight arrangements, you are responsible for arranging your own transfers, and for any costs involved.

Can I change my return flight once I am in Berlin?
Maybe. For a fee and subject to airline approval and availability, you may try to change your return flight. You must contact the agent directly. Only date changes are allowed; there can be no changes to the routing, and there will be an airline-imposed fee which could be as high as $250. If you have a connecting flight in the US, you must check whether you are able to change that, as some cannot be changed. Please note that once you receive your ticket, it is your property and therefore AIFS staff cannot make the changes for you.

Housing

Where will I live?
Housing is self-catered apartments in a central location. There will typically be 4-6 students in each apartment and they will have access to a fully equipped kitchen. Bed linen, towels and wireless internet are also provided.

How many roommates will I have?
Typically there will be 4-6 students in each apartment.

Can I choose my own roommates?
Yes. You each must request one another, either on the AIFS application form or by emailing AIFS at studentinfo@aifs.co.uk.

Can I move into my accommodations before the program starts if I am arriving in Berlin early?
AIFS cannot provide you with accommodation before the start of the program. However, we can provide you with a list of accommodation options for the local area, so please contact AIFS in advance for advice if you believe you will be arriving early.

What are the meal arrangements?
Meals are not provided in the apartments, but they have fully equipped kitchens, and you will be able to cook your own meals.

Culture

What activities will be included?

There will be an academic and cultural program of events arranged by AIFS during your time in Berlin. The events will be posted on the AIFS website approximately 3 weeks before your departure and will include guided day trips to places such as boat cruise, museums, Potsdam, Babelsburg Film Studio, Frankfurt, walking tours and sporting events. AIFS will also provide details of events occurring in Berlin which you might like to join.

Money

How much money will I need?

This very much depends on individual tastes. However, AIFS recommends that students budget $700-$1000 per month for day-to-day needs. This would allow for some activities and excursions but not extensive overseas travel or expensive purchases.

How can I get money in Berlin?

Before departure please make sure you get PIN numbers for credit cards (Visa and MasterCard, preferably not American Express as this is not accepted in as many places in the UK and Europe). If you do not already have a credit card, we suggest you get one before you leave.

For checking accounts, try to get the CIRRUS or STAR system on your ATM card. You can ask your bank for a list of overseas banks that will accept your card. Do not take their word that it will be accepted everywhere – this is often not the case. Also, double-check their charges for withdrawing cash abroad.

It is also advisable to bring Visa Travel Money (a pre-paid credit/debit card) with you in case your card becomes demagnetized or is lost. Accessing your money with a combination of all three options mentioned above is the best way.

If you run short of money, or in the unfortunate event you have your wallet stolen, AIFS on-site staff can give you details of how to have money wired to you in an emergency situation from friends and family.

Communication

Will I have access to email?

You will have access to the computer labs at the AIFS Student Center, which is WIFI-enabled. Basic Internet access is provided in your housing; however, wireless Internet access is not as prevalent in the Berlin as it is in the U.S. and download speeds can be much slower, so this is to be used for email and web browsing only rather than downloading. There are also Internet cafés and many coffee shops with WIFI access in Berlin.

How can people contact me when I am in Berlin?

You should have your mail sent to the AIFS Student Center at:

Your name
OTA
Metzer Strasse 8, 10405, Berlin

Please be sure to give your friends and family the program start and end dates so that they do not mail things to you which will arrive after the program has ended.

Can I buy a cell phone?

You will be able to purchase a pay-as-you-go cell phone once in Berlin, which you top up with credit as and when necessary. AIFS will give you information about buying a phone when you arrive. There are no telephones in the apartments.

General

Do I need a passport?

You will need a valid passport to travel abroad. If you have a passport that will expire during your program or within four months after the end of your program, renew it now. You will not be able to board your flight without a valid passport in hand.

If you are applying for your first passport, go to www.travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html.

If you need to renew your passport, go to http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html.

To obtain a passport you will need:

• Passport Application Form DS-11
• Proof of Citizenship
• Current Identification and Photocopy
• Application Fee
• Two Passport Photos

The automated appointment number for all passport agencies is (877) 487-2778. For general passport information, you may dial the Federal Information Center at (800) 688-9889, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov.

Do I need a visa?

U.S. Citizens do not require a visa when entering the Germany for less than 6 months. AIFS will provide you with a letter to show at UK immigration on arrival – this confirms that you are enrolled in one of our programs and that you are not enrolling in a German university during your stay.

Non U.S. Citizens should contact your nearest German embassy or consulate for entry requirements in case you do need to arrange a visa. Do not forget to obtain visas for other countries you may wish to visit. It is not possible to do this once you are in Germany.

Unpaid Work Placements
If you are planning to do any unpaid work placement or volunteer during your program, you will need to obtain a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa before leaving the U.S. in order to enter Germany. Please refer to the AIFS Internship Handbook for further information and then contact Sinéad Sheehan, the AIFS Head of Academic Services/Internship Coordinator, at ssheehan@aifs.co.uk for detailed information on the procedure to follow as soon as you decide to apply for the Berlin program, as the process can take several weeks.

What should I take with me?

Not too much. Every year students find that they bring clothing that they never wear or toiletries that they could have easily bought in Berlin.

If you are on medication you should bring enough to last you throughout the program as well as a copy of the prescription in case you need a refill.

The weather can be unpredictable so bring warm clothes. It is best to bring clothes that you can layer to be appropriate for all kinds of weather. You should also bring a waterproof coat. You will do a lot more walking than you are used to, so bring comfortable shoes.

Remember to leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs you will buy.

What happens if I get ill abroad?

Your host family or AIFS staff will make a doctor’s appointment for you if you are ill whilst abroad. You will have to pay all expenses up front, including the doctor's visit and any medication, and then you will make a claim on your AIFS medical insurance. For this you must make sure you have filled in all the medical forms correctly and have kept all receipts. You will receive a refund back in the US for all costs exceeding $50 (the amount of your deductible). No pre-existing conditions are covered. Please read the AIFS insurance brochure for other conditions that may be excluded. There are also pharmacies in Berlin where you can buy over-the-counter medication for minor coughs, colds, sore throats, etc.

Will my hairdryer/iron work in Berlin?

Yes, if you bring the correct plug adapter and voltage converter. Appliances designed to operate in the U.S. may not operate in Berlin unless they are fitted with a dual voltage switch or used with a transformer. Electrical sockets are different in Europe, so you will need an adapter plug to fit in the appliance. To save space, inexpensive hairdryers can be purchased upon arrival for approximately $25.

Can I buy textbooks and course-related materials in Berlin?

You can buy paper and other materials in Berlin. Berlin has many bookstores, but unless your professor has asked them to order your books specifically, they may not have the exact edition/language your professors require. Please check with your professors regarding any books / reading materials they might require you to purchase in advance.

What sports facilities are available?

Berlin is an active city with parks, gyms, pools and clubs all over the city! There are public parks such as Tiergarten for jogging and playing soccer and even table tennis! It can be difficult to become a member of a gym for less than one year as the gyms will often ask you to sign up for an official membership. Some of the larger chain gyms such as Fitness First offer 1 month long gift vouchers which enable you to use their facilities during your time away. The AIFS onsite staff member would be able to point you in the right direction of the nearest gym! Yoga is very popular in Berlin and you can find lots of local clubs and sessions advertised around your neighborhood

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact AIFS at jlees@aifs.co.uk or call 1-800-727-2437.