Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

For one, Berlin is an amazing city in which to study. Moreover, my experience at the Berlin School of Economics was phenomenal - classes were well organized; reading materials/books were supplied by the school; professors were able to easily convey their knowledge and were very enthusiastic; and the class lectures were supplemented with company visits/field trips. The specific course in which I was enrolled was the European Union in a Global World. The following is an outline of the course: The European Union in a Global World Learning Outcomes: Students gain insights into the conditions under which European firms operate in a globalised world. They can assess the interrelationships with macroeconomic processes and understand further implications for the natural environment and human living conditions. They understand the variety of answers given by different academic disciplines and the different members of faculty. Students are aware of the types of conflict between global actors and develop deeper knowledge about their causes and possible solutions. Students return to their home universities with further insights into the international environment, in which U.S. firms and government operate. Module 1, Economic Focus: The E.U. – a Dynamic Player in International Trade and Institutions * Present Macroeconomic Performance of the EU-27 * Global Economic Development – International Trade and Capital Flows * World Trade Disputes between the E.U., U.S. and Eastern Asia * The Political Impact of the E.U. on International Institutions (WTO, IMF) * Present Round of International Trade Negotiations – can “Doha” be rescued? * Conflicting positions on a Transatlantic Free Trade Area (E.U.-NAFTA) Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Antje Mertens Module 2, Business Focus: Global Challenges for European Firms * The Evolution of International Management in Europe * Industry and Size Distribution of E.U. Businesses * Changing Service and High Technology Requirements: Can Firms cope? * Financing Business Activities – Comparative Advantages for corporations in the U.S. and Asia? * Comparing the Global Performance of E.U. and U.S. Firms Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Axel Hellmann Module 3, Environmental Studies Focus: Global Warming. The Implications of the Environment for E.U. Businesses and Governments * Present Challenges of Global Warming and Environmental Pollution * How does the E.U. react? An Outline of the European Strategy for Sustainable Development * E.U. as a Partner of the Environmental Policy of the United Nations (“Kyoto Protocol”) * International Environment Disputes about Policy Improvements – Conflicts between the U.S. and the E.U. Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Danyel Reiche Module 4, Social Sciences Focus: Human Costs of Global Markets: The European Perspective * Structural Changes in Production and Job Opportunities * Increased Flexibilities of Capital and Labour vs. Social and Family Relations * Regional Development and Cohesion Policies of the E.U. * European Social Charter and Social Fund * The Changing Role of Nation States in an International Context * Cultural Differences between the U.S. and the E.U. about Social Responsibility Lecturer: Prof. Dr. José Magone

On-site administration of your program

For reasons already explained in the “Academics Overall” section, the school was a great experience because it was well organized (the entire month was planned and scheduled), class lectures were supplemented with company visits/field trips, and numerous cultural and leisure time activities were arranged – and everything, with the exception of personal consumption (i.e. food and drinks), was included in the tuition. Moreover, tuition scholarships are awarded to deserving applicants, courtesy of DAAD. The only weakness is that student accommodation is far from the school. I stayed at the “Student Village”, and it took me about 1 hour to get to school. My recommendation to students who do not wish to have such a long commute time is to find your own accommodation – naturally, this will also reduce your tuition.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The "Student Village" is one hour from school, and it is a bit old/run-down. If this is a concern, perhaps consider finding your own accommodation. However, although the accommodation was not ideal, I made life-long friends at the student accommodation and didn't spend much time there anyway. Plus, it is in a nice location - a really green area.

Breakfast is provided and lunch can be purchased at student prices - good food, even better prices.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

As described in previous sections, an excellent outside-the-classroom experience is provided by the school (Company visits, field trips, cultural activities, leisure-time activities, a free weekend - I went to Dresden and highly recommend it).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

An excellent insurance plan is included with the tuition and doctor's offices are very close to the school. The city is very safe, naturally, with a few exceptions in the former East Berlin - as would be expected. There is so much to do and see - it is a lovely city, especially in the summer.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)