Independent Berlin: Get away from IES as fast as possible Past Review
By Shmillip S (Music: Science and Technology, Tulane University) for
IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
My German improved a lot (although not as much as it could have) and I had a chance to take classes in my major from a new perspective. It was my first time in Europe and I can't complain about that. I just wish I had had more time to travel and soak up everything.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Technische Universitaet, Humboldt Universitaet |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The staff at the IES Abroad Berlin center were amazing. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My housing had good location, but my roommate was a slob and we had little kitchen amenities, so cooking was challenging/impossible. |
| * Food: |
The student Mensas in Berlin are great, but only for breakfast and lunch M-F |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I met a lot of great people, but due to the length of my stay (6 months), building strong friendships was nigh impossible, however the friends I did make were fun. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Berlin is a safe city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | maybe $100-150, I'm pretty thrifty |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be smart, shop at the discount groceries, go to the Turkish market at the end and all the fresh produce is cheaper. Eat at the Mensa as often as possible. LEARN TO COOK. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 322? |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
The IES 'intensive' language course was a joke, and was basically worthless in improving my language skills. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't spend too much time with your new American friends. Get out of the IES circle and meet new people. Don't be afraid to randomly talk to strangers (beer helps). |
