FU-BEST is an intensive, academic semester program that offers courses primarily taught in English from fields within the humanities and social sciences as well German lessons for all language levels. It strives to create the ideal conditions for an international community of responsible global citizens to thrive. The program forms part of Freie Universität Berlin’s internationalization strategy and has received recognition from the US-based Forum on Education Abroad as part of its Quality Improvement Program (QUIP) for its academic quality and the support it provides to students. Most of the 4,200 participants thus far have come from the United States.

At the anniversary celebration representatives from Freie Universität Berlin and longstanding partner institutions, together with instructors and alumni, looked back on two decades of successful cooperation, intercultural experiences, and inspiring encounters. The event included a panel discussion, “Educating for Tomorrow: Study Abroad and Future Leadership,” that explored the perspectives of university representatives, researchers, and former students on how international approaches to education and study abroad programs in particular can help to promote intercultural skills and leadership qualities that will be important in the future. They also spoke about the special role that universities play in instilling future leaders with a sense of responsibility to prepare them for the interconnected global society that they are entering.