FU-BEST (Freie Universität Berlin European Studies Program) is a semester program of Freie Universität Berlin for incoming students based on the American calendar. FU-BEST is offered in Fall and Spring and features a combination of university-standard German language instruction on all levels and a large menu of subject courses. All courses make practical use of Berlin as a resource and have a strong focus on Berlin, Germany, and Europe in their respective subjects. Student services, cultural offerings, a week-long excursion to German and European destinations, and accommodation in homestays or studio apartments add to an intensive, enriching academic and intercultural learning experience for over 300 students each academic year. *German language courses German language, offered at all levels, (6-8 credit hours for intensive instruction at all levels and 3-4 credit hours for non-intensive instruction at the beginner level). FU-BEST does not require knowledge of German prior to enrollment. *Subject courses A menu of subject courses (3 credit hours) taught mostly in English by expert faculty, covering such topics and disciplines as cultural studies, art history, comparative literature, the European Union, German history, German and European politics, sociology/psychology, film studies, legal studies, architecture, environmental studies, transatlantic relations, business, music history, and philosophy. *Cultural Program and Field Trips Local field-trips as an integral component of many of the courses, in addition to individualized assignments when feasible. A week-long excursion to Poland, Munich, Dresden, Prague, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Budapest, Paris, London, or other destinations, varying from semester to semester Opportunities for contact with German students and German society in general, for example through volunteering opportunities or a language tandem, are made available throughout the semester.