Berlin became the capital of Prussia in 1701 and capital of the German Empire in 1871. It remained so until the end of WW II in 1945. From the rise and fall of Nazism to the Cold War, Berlin has been the central focus of some of the most significant political and historical events of the 20th century. As a political result of World War II, which left Berlin devastated, the city was divided. East Berlin became the capital of the GDR (East Germany) while West Berlin remained a West German enclave. East and West Berlin were separated by the Berlin Wall from 1961 to 1989. The two German states were reunited in 1990 and Berlin was designated once more the official capital of Germany.

Berlin is Germany’s largest city in area and population, and the second most populous city in the European Union. A gateway between eastern and western Europe, this world-class city, rich in culture and history, is today one of the most influential centers in European politics, culture and science and home to some of the world's most prominent universities, research faculties, and museums.

With its numerous parks, lakes and wooded areas it is sometimes easy to forget that Berlin is a sprawling metropolis of just under 3.5 million inhabitants.

Students will particularly enjoy exploring the city’s extensive cultural offerings which include the Brandenburg Gate, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum, the Eastside Gallery, the Jewish museum, the Pergamon Museum and Potsdamer Platz. Many of Berlin’s theaters, cinemas, museums and galleries, including the five museums on the Berlin Museumsinsel (Museum Island) are a short walk from the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin campus.

The city’s vibrant nightlife is also second-to-none, with areas such as Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg offering some of the city’s best clubs, bars and restaurants. The Love Parade, one of the most famous dance celebrations in the world, draws a crowd of more than a million to the streets of Berlin in July.

Whatever your interests are, an unforgettable summer is in store for you with CEA in Berlin!