Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Berlin Summer Past Review

By (Philosophy and German Studies, Trinity University) - abroad from 07/21/2014 to 08/16/2014 with

Humboldt University of Berlin: International Language School, Intensive Language and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to get around on my own in a big city, to be safe and completely independent, to be with new friends from all over the world, and of course I learned a lot about the cultural/social/historical aspects of one of the biggest European capitals. I love the German language and culture and the history of Berlin in particular, so it was a chance of a lifetime for me to experience everything first-hand. I made literally the most of my free time and independence: I walked 6-7 hours every day (on class days), saw everything at least two or three times, visited the most "local" places, really knew my way around, had my own favorite quiet scenic places, even got to do day trips to several nearby cities, and got to exclaim "first" and "most" for a gratifyingly many times. So yes, it was definitely worth every penny and every day.

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.

Language lessons helped consolidate my grammar a lot and filled in a lot of gaps, although a month was probably too short to improve any skills significantly. I enjoyed these morning lessons considerably. It would have been better, however, if students were required to speak only German all the time, as most students only hung out with their native groups and spoke in their native languages during breaks, afternoon programs or sometimes even in class.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everything was well-managed, except for a few minor problems in the beginning (e.g. our three-people apartment was missing one key so we had to share; the bathroom light was broken after a week...). Although it took longer than necessary to solve the small problems, administration was easy to contact and very friendly/helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was good, location was very convenient (10 minutes walk to station, just one ride to the largest station downtown). However, because rooming was assigned by arrival time, I got randomly assigned with two American students, so it was not a very good experience as far as language practice was concerned.

* Food:

The food at the university cafeteria was good, but I didn't eat there frequently because the lines were always too long.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't get a lot of local exposure during the afternoon culture program. We visited museums and sites and listened to guides in German, which were all very fascinating and informative, but other than that I didn't gain a lot from the afternoon programs. The evening social events took us to interesting local places we would probably not be able to discover on our own, but students generally stayed within their native groups. It was during our own explorations that we felt the most exposed and "integrated".

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health-related issues.

* Safety:

In general Berlin was just as safe as any other large city could be: you just have to look comfortable, know where you're going, and don't put your things where they could get stolen. If you go in a group you'll be fine. I didn't have any dangerous incidents.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The U.S. student ID card works at most places where you have to buy a ticket (museums etc.), which will help save a good deal of money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Location: right in the heart of Berlin
  • School: the prestigious oldest university in Berlin
  • Cost: direct enrollment was considerably inexpensive
* What could be improved?
  • Language: there should be a strict requirement to speak German only
  • Housing: it might be more worthwhile to live with a host family or local university students
  • Afternoon program: could be better organized and more interactive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I love Berlin so much and four weeks is not long enough at all. But also: Berlin is all construction now (and will probably continue to be so for the next few years), so it was a little depressing.