Be Anything, Be Everything, Be Berlin Past Review

By (Economics., Austin College) for

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Berlin is definitely one of the best cities I have lived in my life. Every week there is a festival, a concert, a parade or something going on. There is so much culture in Berlin that one is able to try something of every country. For example, I decided to learn Portuguese and take capoeira lessons. It is great to know that there are so many possibilities at hand in such an exiting city. I am definitely planning to come back some time soon for an internship or for my masters.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Some sport classes cost money which the program does not cover. Sometimes books must be purchased by the student themselves, especially if taking classes at the Universities.

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? German 202
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Most people speak English, but I forced them to speak German with me. German is required to be used everyday for classes and when interacting with the IES staff

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

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try anythings that grabs your attention. Do not do things in groups because you miss out on being more independent and finding your true self in another country.