Summer in Berlin was Incredible Past Review
By Lauren S (German/Biology, Wellesley College) for
Duke University: Berlin - Duke in Berlin Summer Program
Yes, it was. I now know that I want to send more time in Berlin and I gained greater independence from the experience.
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. |
The academic experience was very good overall, but some aspects could have been improved upon. I would have enjoyed less of an emphasis on grammar in one of my classes and perhaps more emphasis on developing writing skills. However the grading was fair and since the teachers were all guest professors at Duke, they were all excellent. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The faculty in Berlin was very helpful and concerned with our welfare. They were very accesible and since the program was small, they knew everyone on a first name basis. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The neighborhood was very vibrant and interesing. It was relatively safe and located centrally. Cookware, sheets, etc was provided. |
* Food: |
We were able to feed ourselves which allowed for freedom and flexibility. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were many opportunities for cultural as well as social activities. Operas, theatre, etc were widely available. Other students often got together to socialize. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Berlin is safe and the medical services there are good. We were provided with emergency numbers and the professors kept tabs on all of us. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Language acquisition improvement? |
We spoke German almost continually and as we were living in apartments in Berlin we had to speak it in order to get around and complete day to day tasks. |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | An independent, adventurous, and self sufficient student would enjoy this program |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
Advanced German in Berlin |
Course Department: | GERMAN 115S |
Instructor: | Professor Joerg Henrik-Sohst |
Instruction Language: | German |
Comments: | The course was challenging in some ways and easy in others. There was a lot of emphasis on grammar and difficult aspects of grammar rules. Relevant and historical books were often incorporated into the lessons. The teacher was exceptionally well prepared and he was an excellent resource. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | I have not transfered credits as of yet. |
Course Name/Rating: |
Aspects of German Culture: Current Issues and Trends in Germany |
Course Department: | GERMAN 153 |
Instructor: | Monika Fiedler |
Instruction Language: | German |
Comments: | The course was very informative and gave me a better understanding of Berlin and German culture. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | i have not yet done this. |