Berlin Study Abroad: May 18 – May 31, 2012 SUMMER  2012: Plans are now firm for another two-week documentary journalism trip to Berlin, Germany’s capital. It's a cosmopolitan, historical city of more than 3.5 million people. Journalism professor John Freeman, who began his photography career there in high school, will lead the course (for the 8th time) to capture changes since the Wall fell 21 years ago.  The course is open to all majors with no prerequisites. Applications are now open and are handled through the UF International Center website.  Participation will be limited to 12 students. Nine applications are being processed as of Jan. 10; selection is "first come, first served." Start the process here: https://www.abroad.ufic.ufl.edu/ - Click on “Search for Programs,” enter “Berlin Photojournalism” in the Program Name box. The $250 deposit holds your space. COURSE FORMAT: The JOU4930 Special Topics class will count as a 3-credit-hour professional elective and will be listed as a Summer A course. Students will conduct interviews, write profiles and produce online slideshows or video during the two weeks. A  website and "Blurb" book will be produced. Newsworthy topics will be determined before arriving in Berlin. The class meets once in April.  * NEW: Click here to see the 2011 website and book. NEW: Click here to see a YouTube video about the trip. PROGRAM FEES: $1,907 for undergraduates (graduate students: $2,887). The program fee covers three course credits, 13 nights of lodging and breakfast at The Transit Loft Hotel, an unlimited city subway-bus-tram pass, a hardbound book of the class projects and feature photographs, a musical /acrobatic show, bike and walking tours plus five group meals, including the farewell dinner 680 feet above Berlin in the TV Tower's revolving restaurant. Airfare is not included because students may wish to travel independently in Europe before or after the program. See a "Fun Times" slideshow from previous trips.

Reviewing photos along the way. The 2006 group on tour at The Berlin Wall. Returning via M4 tram to the hotel area. Got questions? See the FAQs below or email Prof. Freeman: jfreeman@ jou.ufl.edu – or come see me in 3070 Weimer Hall. See the students who went in May 2010. See the 2010 Soundslides projects.

Hotel Lobby and Sights


Transit Loft-Hotel - Students are housed 3-5 to a room (single beds). The hotel provides private showers, a large breakfast with cold cuts, free Internet in the lobby and is close to a city tram stop and a variety of ethnic restaurants. The lobby/bar is open 24/7. Rooms are on the fifth floor.



Two tours, including a five-hour, eight-mile bike excursion, will introduce students to Berlin during the first days of their two-week adventure documenting Germany's capital. German language proficiency is NOT a requirement for the course, listed as JOU4930. The farewell dinner is in the soaring Tele Cafe', a revolving restaurant high above Berlin in the TV Tower (lower left photo).

SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Where do I sign up? The formal application process is handled through UF’s International Center, at the Hub. Their web link is: http://www.abroad.ufic.ufl.edu/  Non UF-students are eligible for the course but must submit the right application material. Contact UFIC Study Abroad Adviser Dena Roberts at droberts@ufic.ufl.edu –First come, first served. The trip has been a sell-out the previous seven years.
2. What are the exact dates and times? Everyone should be at the hotel for a 5 p.m. meeting on Friday, May 18. Most people will depart the USA on overnight flights on Thursday, May 17. The farewell group dinner is Wednesday, May 30, which is our last night at the hotel. You check-out on the morning of May 31 (Thursday). – DO NOT BUY YOUR PLANE TICKET until all 12 participants have been confirmed as “accepted” for the course, just in case the course would be cancelled.
3. What is not included in the program price? As mentioned, airfare is not included because some students will travel on frequent-flyer miles, or may choose to spend extra time in Europe before or after. Continental and Delta airfare prices run about $1,100 out of Orlando and Jacksonville. Any meals besides breakfast at the hotel and the five group meals are not included in the program fee. Extra tours, phone calls, souvenirs, taxis, Internet access, etc., are your responsibility.
4. What is the course structure? Everyone will photograph or report on a particular subject during the stay in Berlin. Days in May are long -- sun-up is about 4:30 a.m. and it sets at 9:30 p.m. Everyone submits 20 photographs and one 90-second audio track for a picture story to be presented in Soundslides. Also, a 100-word written story. Material will be posted online from Berlin. Everyone submits five good random photographs and updates a blog on the trip. Professor Freeman will provide individual coaching of your work and we will have several group sessions talk about everyone’s progress in a supportive manner. The course will be listed as "off-book" for Summer A. Do not sign up for JOU4930 online with ISIS. Official sign-up will happen through the department of journalism office, after your application is approved by Prof. Freeman and the UF International Center.
5. Is there any “free time?” Yes, we usually have one group activity most days, but many hours during the evening are free-time. Coursework is of course your first responsibility, not tourism.
6. Do we meet as a class before the trip? Yes, once the group is finalized, Professor Freeman will set up one or two meetings before the spring 2012 semester ends. We’ll discuss possible themes and topics and hear briefly about the history of Berlin. You’ll also receive some handouts to read. We won't meet formally after the trip, but you must maintain email contact.
7. Is there photo equipment available? Yes. We will have an assortment of Nikon and Canon lenses available for the trip. Canon Digital Rebels are also available for check-out.
8. Can students go on the trip if they haven't taken a photo class? Yes, you'll get a crash course in quality photojournalism to produce your  “words and pictures” packages.
9. Do I need to know German? No, many of Berlin’s citizens are fluent in English.
10. When is final payment due? Final payment of fees is due in early April.  But because the hotel is popular and requires a partial payment to hold our reservations, all prospective travelers should complete applications with the $250 deposit according to UFIC guidelines (within 7 days of sign-up).
11. Where do I get a passport? First, apply now and beat the summer rush. It could take up to six weeks. Go to the University Station Post Office just north of University and off 17^th Street. The web link for first-time passports is: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html
12. Any health concerns? Food and water are safe; Berlin is a major cosmopolitan city. One drawback compared to U.S. standards is that smokers seem to outnumber non-smokers.
13. What's the hotel like? At Transit-Loft, rooms are clean but plain. There is no TV, phone, hair dryer or air conditioning. The weather is usually mild, though, 55 to 80 degrees in May. Your room has three to five single beds, and one bathroom with shower, sink and toilet.
14. What about laptops and Internet access? The hotel has free wireless in the lobby. A laptop is strongly suggested for the trip, or at least a good friend with a laptop to complete the coursework.
15. Cell phones -- U.S. AT&T and T-Mobile phones work great. Calls are usually $1.29/minute, though. Most Verizon and Sprint phones are not on the correct frequency for use in Germany. Some people buy a European cell phone on prepaid plan. Some students use SKYPE to call others.
16. How do I sign up again?! – Start here: https://www.abroad.ufic.ufl.edu/ - “Berlin Journalism”