Ich bin Berliner! Past Review
By Doan Bui (Washington and Lee University) - abroad from 06/05/2018 to 07/21/2018 with
IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I improved in my German language skills. I went from barely having the confidence to ask for directions to telling a Döner store owner that I wish I had discovered his shop sooner and that his shop was my favorite - all in German.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Phenomenal professors from nearby Humboldt Universität! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Wonderful home-stay with a very lovely retired, couple with two adorable cats! I was assigned to live in Prenzlauer Berg - a wonderful neighborhood with cute shops, cafes, and restaurants. |
| * Food: |
Döner and Currywurst are my go-to for lunch break! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The IES program enabled me to really be on my own to explore the city, but at the same time offering courses that really piqued my interests and allowed me to explore. |
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) |
As a city, Berlin is expensive, however cost is very manageable. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you can't cook, don't worry! There are plenty of cheap eats around that are delicious and healthy. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I took courses that involved studying German film and Literature, so I received full exposure to the language daily. |
| 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? | German 262 |
| 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? | Don't be shy! You are abroad to learn and practice. It's ok to mess up, with enough practice, you'll be confident! |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | To not hesitate and really seize the chance to explore Berlin. |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
