Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An experience I won't ever forget Past Review

By (The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 08/30/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I was able to improve my German language skills immensely. I gained friends who I still keep in touch with even though they are in a completely different continent.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had taken the minimum language requirement for the program prior to arriving in Berlin and was worried about how that would affect my ability to do well in the courses, but the staff were incredibly helpful and instead of finding the classes to be too difficult, I found that they developed my knowledge of the German language in ways I didn't anticipate.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff were so nice and helpful. They were always there if needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The program has a housing questionnaire that each student has to fill out so that they get placed in the best possible situation for them. In my case I got placed in a homestay and I couldn't have been happier. I was able to use German in everyday situations every single day and it very helpful and rewarding.

* Food:

There is a cafeteria near the IES center and the food is very cheap, but delicious (especially when compared to a normal college dining hall). Additionally, the street food all around Berlin is amazing and I miss it every day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The staff had a bulletin board where they posted community and cultural events occurring throughout Berlin and updated it whenever something new came up.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any too serious health issues, but I was sick for a while and they checked in on me to make sure everything was okay and sent me suggestions of where I could get medicine if I needed it.

* Safety:

Overall I found Berlin to be fairly safe while I was there. That being said a couple days after I left there was an attack on a Christmas market. All that I can say on this matter is that with the present safety concerns around Europe I never once felt in danger while I was in Berlin, but I recommend remaining vigilant regardless of where you decide to study abroad.

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

This was everything I had ever dreamed of. I wish I could go back and do it over again all the time.

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)

I found it pretty easy to live on a student budget while in Berlin. Everything is fairly cheap, especially at grocery stores. I could get enough food for a week for around 20-30 euros tops.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around 40-50 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to avoid the more "americanized" grocery stores. By that I mean Kaiser's and Rewe because they tend to carry more food that you could find in American grocery stores and thus the prices are a bit higher. I would suggest either Lidl, Aldi, or Netto.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

All of the classes were in German so it forces you to use the language even if you don't necessarily want to. This in turn helped me learn and improve my German language skills.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 202
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just use the language whenever you can. It may not seem like much in the moment, but when you look back you'll realize how much even short conversations help.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • The work was tough but really did improve my language skills.
  • While there was work, there was also a lot of free time to explore the city or travel.
  • Just being in Berlin. It is an amazing city.
* What could be improved?
  • More information on course list prior to the program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Again, the courses will be tough if you only have the minimum language requirement, but they are worth it and you'll come out of it having learned a lot.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'