Berlin: Cosmopolitan City of Design, History, and Culture Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Considering that I'm used to taking four classes instead of five (which IES required), the workload ended up being similar to the workload at Fordham--the classes themselves were each a little bit less demanding than Fordham classes, but altogether I put in about the same amount of time and effort. Some teaching methods were hard to follow, but mostly the classes were set up like other classes I've had but with more hands-on field trips in the city. Likewise, the grading system was pretty similar.

On-site administration of your program

They were very accessible and supportive, but a little disorganized. They weren't good at keeping to the schedules they gave us. They knew a lot about the country and how to teach students, but there were things that could have gone smoother. I liked that they helped us apply for our German and Russian visas and that they arranged housing for us.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

IES found my host for me based on my needs and my ability to speak German. My host provided me with sheets and cookware, but I did my own cooking and laundry. I was treated as a family member of sorts, but I was also given my privacy. She cooked for me a few times and we went out for beer together to talk about our lives together.

It was easy to find vegetarian options in Berlin, and IES usually remembered to tell restaurants (if we ate together) that I didn't eat meet. Food comes in smaller portions in Europe than in the US, but you can find pretty much anything you'd be looking for thanks to globalization.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Germany's Unification Day was a lot of fun, as well as the various Christmas markets in Berlin in December. Going to the opera at the Marinsky Theater in St. Petersburg was an amazing experience, and going to various museums in Berlin on field trips was really cool. It was nice that our program organized a little Halloween party for us as well as a Thanksgiving dinner in case we were feeling homesick.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was able to get an appointment with a doctor very easily. She didn't speak much English but I was able to communicate with her well enough--my program offered to talk to her for me if I found myself at a lost for words. My program also showed us where to get flu shots, etc. if we wanted them. I felt safe in the city even at night and didn't have any problems.

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

My host mother only spoke German so I practiced with her. I also used German in daily life at grocery stores and coffee shops, etc. People spoke English, but if you spoke German they responded in German and you could practice that way.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• That it emphasized the city experience.

• Organization and scheduling.