The adventure of a lifetime in Berlin Past Review

By (Texas Lutheran University) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/20/2016 with

CIEE: Berlin - Open Campus Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be independent and how to work against language barriers.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a great experience overall. It was challenging but with the risk.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was fine for the program. The staff at CIEE was very helpful and informative. However, registering for classes was confusing and difficult.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was in a very lively part of town. Everything was easily accessible.

* Food:

The food in the city was amazing. Plenty of places to eat and food markets.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt pretty integrated especially with the internship. The school had initiatives to have the CIEE students meet German students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was accessible and the residence life would help students receive healthcare in the city.

* Safety:

The city of Berlin is relatively safe. The facility was also very adamant about safety.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It was amazing. I loved the housing, the people I met, and my internship. The city was gorgeous.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

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

If you planned a budget, you could easily live on just $25 or $50 a week. It got difficult with public transportation costs. Walking is a great option.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20-$50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Walk wherever you can, save on transportation. Plan what events you want to attend. Maybe have a fund for spontaneous events such as going to a concert or going to dinner. When you have used that fund, just stick to your budget.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

The students were not too adamant about speaking German in the facility, but we would practice a lot and had practice outside.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 101
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just find someone who really wants to learn english and is really excited to teach you their host language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The city
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Registering for classes
  • Maybe more encouragement for speaking language in the facility
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A little more German. Also that it is okay to ask for help from others.