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FAQs

Ideally there should be no open questions left after you have perused our website carefully. If nevertheless you need to know more, please check this list of already answered questions to see whether your problem has been an issue before. If you do not succeed, please do write us an email specifying your concern!

1. Study program
2. Admission
3. Online modules
4. In-house classes
5. Technology
6. Finances

• 1. Study program
• Do I need to have studied one of the six disciplines (politics, sociology, law, economics, humanities (history/cultural studies))?
  We prefer you have. But you are welcome to apply with any other major and specify your interest in pursuing East European Studies Online. The committee on admission will decide on your application.
• Can I receive credit for any kind of earlier studies in the same field?
  No, there will be no recognition of subjects you might already have treated. All the content of our program is obligatory.
• Has the program been accredited?
  Yes, the program was accredited by the German Council on Accreditation in November 2005.
• When will be the next chance for participating in the program?
  The program starts every year in October. Check our website for calls for applications.
• Is language learning a part of the program?
  Unfortunately, we cannot offer courses in any East European language. To be admitted you should have sufficient knowledge in at least one East European language. A proof must be handed in within six months after the start of the program.
  
  2. Admission
• Does a passed intermediate examination suffice as substitute for a university degree?
  No, a bachelor or an equivalent first university degree is required.
• Do I have to have all my transcripts translated?
  No, only a certified translation of your university diploma is needed and only if it is written in any other language than German, English, French, Spanish or Italian. Chinese and Mongolian certificates, however, have to be attested by the German Embassy in Beijing.
• What is the FU Berlin's TOEFL code?
  FU Berlin does not have a TOEFL code.
  At the test center you will be asked where you would like the TOEFL score to be sent to. Provide the following address: Freie Universität Berlin, Osteuropa-Institut, EES Online, Garystr. 55, D-14195 Berlin.
  If you have already passed the test: You do not need to hand in your original TOEFL record. A certified copy is acceptable.
• Which East European languages meet the East European language requirement?
  Basic knowledge of Albanian, Belarussian, Bulgarian, Czech, Estonian, Croatian, Hungarian, Georgian, Greek, Latvian, Lithuanian, Macedonian, Romanian, Russian, Polish, Serbian, Slovak, Slovenian, or Ukrainian is accepted. Knowledge of other languages might be approved on request by the committee on admission. Such proof can be handed in within six months after the start of the program.
• What kind of certificate is accepted concerning linguistic proficiency in an East European language?
  We need some kind of authoritative proof, e.g. an attestation by a university or school.
  
  3. Online modules
  
• How do I get my study material?
  You will learn via an online learning management system (Blackboard). Within this system all you need is assembled: the individual units with their material including tasks, the compulsory reading, the discussion boards to exchange opinions with your fellow students and so on.
• Can I get a certificate for individual modules?
  We expect all participants to complete the whole program.
  
  4. In-house classes
• Do I have to participate in the in-house classes?
  Yes, participation is obligatory.
• Where will the in-house classes take place?
  As a rule, in-house classes take place in Berlin at the Institute for East European Studies.
  
  5. Technology
• Do I need to be an expert on computers?
  We do not want you to become frustrated with e-learning technology. There will always be help (well almost always!) if you incur any problem with the learning platform!
  
  6. Finances
• Do you offer any scholarships?
  Unfortunately, we cannot offer any scholarships for the time being.
• Can you advise on other scholarship opportunities?
  Scholarships can be researched e.g. either on the DAAD website or at the following scholarship data base (unfortunately only in German, but also for foreign students). Click here for a commented compilation of selected scholarship donors. You can also contact the relevant Freie Universität Berlin office.
• What if I have troubles paying the tuition fee?
  We expect you to pay yearly fees. If this is absolutely impossible for you, we might be able to work out an individual finance plan. Quarterly or monthly installments are feasible.