When is the application deadline?

The final deadline is Friday, 20th of July, but to get the early bird special you must apply before the 1st of June. Be sure to get a visa in time if you need one!

 

How much does it cost?

The regular tuition fee is € 1900. The early bird special amounts to € 1750. That is approximately $ 2500 or $ 2320 respectively.

 

How do I apply?

The application form can be downloaded as a PDF document here.
You can send the filled out form via fax, email or by mail.

 

Which documents do I have to submit in addition to the application form?

A copy of your enrollment confirmation at your university and a copy of your passport are required.

 

How do I pay?

Once you are accepted you will receive an invoice. You can pay via PayPal, credit card or bank transfer. € 350 will be held as non-refundable deposit should you decide to not join the course.

 

Will I get a letter of acceptance so I can apply for a visa?

Yes, we will send a letter of acceptance as soon as you are enrolled properly by paying the deposit of € 350 or the whole amount of € 1.750 or € 1.900.

 

Will I get a participation diploma/certificate?

You will get a transcript of the course content and a certificate of participation with 6 ECTS (equals 3 US credits).

 

Is this a credit course?

Yes, 6 ECTS will be given in addition to a written transcript. This equals to 3 US credits. More information on this can be found here.

 

Can I participate in two, three or all four of the courses?

No, all courses run simultaneously. You may only pick one. However, regardless of the course, you will all partake in the same activities around Berlin. 

 

Do I need prior knowledge of specific software/hardware?

Some applicants may already be experts in the course they choose; Others will have no experience at all. The idea is that skills will cross-pollinate across the group via teamwork and collaboration.

 

Is a portfolio required?

Whether you need to send in a portfolio depends on the course you apply for. This information can be found in the detailed course descriptions. 

 

What is the language of instruction?

The official language of the btk Summer School is English. Many of the faculty and staff at the institute are fluent in other languages but all Summer School communication and materials will be delivered in English.

 

What kind of equipment should I bring?

A laptop is not required. You will work in our brand new computer labs and use the technical infrastructure of the university. The campus and the hostels will have Wi-Fi access and printers. Paper, pencils, etc. will also be provided.

 

What is included in the tuition?

The tuition fee covers the workshop and materials but also accommodation, half board and transportation around Berlin.

 

What exactly do you mean by "half board"

Morning: Breakfast buffet at hostel (7:30 am - 9:00 am)

Noon: Lunch at btk or lunch box (12:15 - 13:15 pm)

Evening: Dinner is NOT included. We will provide you with a list of nearby supermarkets, restaurants and snack bars.

 

How expensive is Berlin? Living Expenses in Berlin.

Coffee in bakery                           1.00 € 

Tall Frappuccino at Starbucks   4.00 €

Big bottle of water                       1.20 €

Bread roll                                    0.60 €

Beer at bar                                   2.20 €

Cocktail at club                           6.00 €

Cinema ticket                              7.50 €

Theater ticket                            8 - 15 €

(with student discount)

 

Am I required to be present every day of the workshop or can I explore the city?

The courses will be intense as there is a lot to learn in a short period of time. You will be expected to be in the studio every working day. We cannot offer discounts to those who miss days for any reason, including illness. All courses have a strong emphasis on Berlin, in addition to that in the evenings and on the weekends will be plenty of time to explore the city.

Berlin is wonderful in summer so we would encourage you to book extra days for your stay in Berlin to explore the city and further afield.

 

Are flights included in the fee?

No, this should be organized and paid for by the individual.

 

What are the best flights?

Several airlines have direct flights to Berlin. Some long-haul flights may go via London, Frankfurt, Paris or Amsterdam. Participants are responsible for their own flight arrangements. Please book your flights as soon as you have been notified of your acceptance on to the Summer School program.

When booking your flight, you should arrive at least one day before the start of the workshop to check in to your accommodation. Discounted airfare can be found through websites such as: http://en.momondo.com, www.expedia.com, www.travelocity.com, and www.cheaptickets.com. It's possible group rates are available if there are enough people coming from one city but this would need to be organized directly with your airline.

 

Where will I sleep?

Accommodation is included in the tuition fee. There are three hostels you can choose from, further information can be found under accommodation. If you want to book your own accommodation we can provide you with a list of nearby hotels.

 

Who will I share a room with?

This is up to the individual - we will set up a summer school group on Facebook for participants to get to know each other a little before their arrival in Berlin. Room/apartment sharing can be discussed here. A single room can be booked for € 13 extra per day.

 

Where do I find information about the btk University of Art and Design?

Currently, the only English description can be found here.

 

Where do I find information about Berlin?

We recommend www.visitberlin.de/en

 

Do I have to bring any material to the course?

That depends on the course you choose. Consumables will be provided by the university and are included in the fee. The university will provide technical equipment when required.

 

Do I have to pay a deposit (in case of damage) at the hostel?

No, there is no deposit payment required for the accommodations. A lost key amounts to € 20. Damages will be charged at checkout.

 

Do you have a welcome guide?

Yes, we will provide you with a swag bag filled with a city map, a city guide, a welcome gift, and a list of special recommendations from our students!