Berlin School of Economics and Law
The Berlin School of Economics and Law (BSEL) is one of the largest and most distinguished academic institutions for business studies and postgraduate management education in Germany. The various undergraduate degree and ten postgraduate degree programs demonstrate the school’s depth and breadth in the fields of business and economics. The university enjoys an excellent national and international reputation that is regularly reflected by excellent marks in national ranking surveys.
The BSEL mission emphasizes the integration of an international perspective in teaching and research, a strong orientation towards business practice and an integrative and interdisciplinary approach. As a specialized university for business and economics, it calls for a study concept that guarantees all students strong links to business and professional life. In close partnership with more than 400 companies (e.g. BMW, Daimler Chrysler, IBM, Ikea, Siemens) the BSEL runs different cooperative study programs that provide high-level practical experience in addition to the study courses.
A considerable number of the university's courses are offered in English. Every year the Berlin School of Economics welcomes a large number of exchange students. Participants from all over the world join the annual three- to four-week summer school.
Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city with 3.5 million people. Berlin is an exciting and cosmopolitan city with large communities from nearly every country on earth. Berlin is one of the great political, cultural, commercial, educational, transportation, and media centers of the world, and the influence of this city cannot be doubted.
It is hard to find a more important transportation center in Europe than Berlin. Berlin's new Main Train Station is the largest railroad crossing station in Europe with direct service to cities all over Germany and Europe several times a day. The German National Railway Website. Berlin has two major international airports, Tegel in the west is headquarters to Air Berlin, the second largest German airline, and Schönefeld in the east is a major hub for EasyJet, and the home of the Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport. Both Berlin airports handle over 21 million passengers a year with service to various destinations around the world. Berlin is a major media center as well. Several important German newspapers and magazines are published in Berlin.
LSU New Orleans ISEP Exchange
Regular International Exchange students can go for one semester or for a full academic year. The exchange agreement between LSU New Orleans and Berlin School of Economics and Law allows students to pay tuition at their home institution but they must pay all other expenses, such as housing, transportation, insurance, meals, etc. LSU New Orleans students at the Berlin School of Economics and Law must pay a "Semester Fee" every semester while they are at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. The Semester Fee pays for a variety of services for students, including Internet access and a pass good for all public transportation in Berlin
Please keep in mind that the German academic calendar does not coincide with that of LSU New Orleans, so those students wishing to study abroad for only one semester may find it beneficial to attend the "summer" semester in Germany.
Courses
While the Berlin School of Economics and Law offers courses in English, fluency in German will increase the availability of courses. Without enough language skills students will be restricted to classes within special programs, or to a small number of courses offered in English. German language courses are offered in all levels and will be credited by the Berlin School of Economics and Law yet may not be included in the exchange program.
There is a German Intensive Language Course offered prior to the start of each semester. Exchange students can take part in a two-week Intensive Language Course. The course will start in March (summer semester) or September (winter semester). Also, during the semester regular German Language classes are offered.
Exchange students are free to select any of the courses offered within the undergraduate study programs B.A. in Business Administration, Economics, and International Business Management. There is a wide variety of English-taught courses (English Stream of Courses) available. Exchange students can study for one or two semesters completely in English. However, German is the main language of instruction for most classes. To learn more about the study programs offered, click here.
Accomodation
LSU New Orleans students on exchange at the Berlin School of Economics and Law are given priority for rooms in the university's residency halls. Students are responsible for making their own living arrangements while in Berlin and the cost of these arrangements are borne solely by the student on the exchange. The rooms are furnished, and bathrooms and kitchens are shared with the rooms on the same floor. There are several more possibilities for exchange students to find accommodation during their stay in Berlin. As for transportation, a car is not needed to get around in Berlin. The public transport system runs day and night.
Arrival Support
Every exchange student will have a German student (Buddy) as a constant contact person. Furthermore, if requested, your Buddy will pick you up at the airport/train station and will bring you to your residence hall/apartment. Your Buddy should be your contact person concerning day-to-day questions. During the first week of the semester, a Welcome Day/ Orientation period will be organized for all Incoming students.
Job Opportunities
Students can apply to work as student assistants at the Berlin School of Economics and Law and seek other jobs elsewhere. There are special employment agencies which supports students in finding jobs.