Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Busy but exciting Past Review

By (Master of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 12/12/2015 with

Hertie School of Governance: Berlin - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about Berlin and how it is very different compared with the rest of Germany. My classes were good and it was a good learning experience. I don't know that I would go back to Berlin though as it isn't the friendliest place.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There was no housing provided and everything was up to me. I did manage to find adequate housing but some help would have been nice. It took me about a month to find a place to live.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $300

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • I enjoyed my classmates.
  • I was busy as I was working at the embassy
  • I also enjoyed my professors
* What could be improved?
  • Exchange students at the Hertie School seemed like a bit of an after thought.
  • Help finding housing would be good.
  • I didn't learn much German and wish I had learned more.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Berlin is a fairly spread out city and depending on where you live, you will spend a fair amount of time on public transportation. Also, Berlin is a very "late" city and sometimes it felt difficult to have a professional schedule and match that with social requirements. Almost everyone speaks English and it proved difficult to learn the language. Berliners are not very friendly as well.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.