Learning Abroad Center

Accessibility: Exchange in Germany

Program Page

Learn about Exchange in Germany.

Attitudinal

In general, people with disabilities participate in daily activities (work, school, etc). Freie Universitaet is open for students with disabilities and tries to adapt learning conditions according to the specific needs of students with disabilities. There is a specific antidiscrimination section in the Berlin Universities Act addressing students with disabilities.

Classroom and Academics

The University hosts students with a variety of disabilities from Germany and abroad. There is a disability services office on campus and there is generally not a fee to use these services. It is important that students contact the University as early as possible so they can be familiar with an individual’s needs and can find the appropriate support, accommodations, and help.

Generally students spend 20–30 hours in class per week and 15-25 hours at home. A full course load takes about 40-45 hours per week. Students are expected to learn in a variety of ways depending on the course (lectures, readings, video, independent research, languages labs, etc). Homework is typically expected to be typed.

Classrooms are accessible or could be relocated to an accessible location. Accommodations such as finding note takers, allowing lectures to be recorded, allowing extra time to complete an exam, completing an exam in a separate room, and allowing service dogs in the classroom, could be made. Sign language interpreters are available but they use German Sign Language.

The University will support students in finding an individual solution for an accessible internship site.

Excursions and Field Trips

Field trips or excursions are course specific. Alternatives or accommodations could be identified for students with disabilities on an individual basis.

Housing and Food Services

Wheelchair accessible apartments are available in town. It is important to contact the University as soon as possible to organize appropriate housing. Service dogs could be allowed in sponsored housing. Kitchen facilities could be available for student use. Wheelchair accessible dining facilities could be available.

Technology

Computer labs with Internet access are available and are wheelchair accessible. Services for the blind including a Braille printer, and Braille displays are available.

Library Services

Students have access to library facilities. The library is (or could be made) wheelchair accessible and assistance is available to help access library materials.

Transportation

Usually students travel 30-60 minutes from apartment to university. The Berlin public transportation is generally wheelchair accessible but some U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations and bus lines are not.