A Trip to Remember May 24, 2025

By A student (German Language, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/22/2025 to 05/10/2025 with

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned how to be independent abroad. I really challenged myself in all aspects of my study abroad experience and after the fact I feel more comfortable engaging with task that I never would've explored before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I really enjoyed my program because I thought it met my language ability accurately. For a student looking for a more challenging German program or for a student with more advanced skills I would recommend a more rigorous language program at a local university.

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	250
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Track your spending with a budget tracker app or spreadsheet!

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
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?	Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	Advanced Speaking Course - B1/B2
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?	Always speak German - even when people start to speak English with you!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Location Housing Culture
* What could be improved?	Course Variety Longer length of program More Field Trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Take advantage of the opportunity to travel and see new places! You'll never be in this unique situation again!

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 Linguist You 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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	CU350 - German Popular Culture
Course Department:
Instructor:	Susann Neuenfeldt
Instruction Language:	German
Comments:	This course had a stand-out positive impact on my overall experience at IES. From the beginning of the course Professor Neuenfeldt went out of her way to incentivize and encourage student responses. The course was clearly and easily set-up as a collaborative environment that utilized lectures as well as opportunities for students to add to the course teachings. Professor Neunfeldt’s ability to create a collaborative and entertaining environment in the classroom meant that I could retain a lot more information from the course and I often found myself citing her lectures in other classes or noticing patterns she had presented in my exploration of the city. The teaching methods that professor Neuenfeldt used are a model that more lecturers should take advantage of. Her ability to incorporate group work into the classroom structure meant that students were prepared to engage with her and the classroom material. This was ultimately critical in driving the class forward throughout the semester and allowing students to develop thoughts on their own.
Credit Transfer Issues: