Berlin is the city that never sleeps! Past Review
By Lisa A (Sociology & Communications, Trinity University) for
IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad
I immersed myself in a foreign culture and learned a completely new way of life. My experience taught me to be more independent and open to different things and people.
Personal Information
| 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. |
There were few assignments, but that meant each assignment was a large percentage of our final grade. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
No complaints! Faculty was knowledgeable and always accessible/willing to help in any way. I felt very well taken care of. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My host family was extremely welcoming and accommodating. My flat was located in a wonderful district that was safe and close by to everything. I did not need to buy any items other than groceries. I was given independence (no curfew, own bedroom, etc.) but also greeted warmly every time I walked in the door. |
| * Food: |
Good restaurants and cafes are everywhere! No need to worry about the quality of food because it is all delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Jewish memorial sites were particularly memorable as well as the visit to Poland. All field trips were well organized and complimented the class curriculum. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt extremely safe in the city, even in situations like walking alone at night. The program directly and efficiently handled all health concerns/issues. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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? | Plan for about 75 euros a week on average, but additional personal expenses definitely add up. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy groceries and spend some time cooking instead of going out to eat for every meal every day. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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? | Explore the city - don't spend too much time at the program institution. Any student could benefit from this program because you only get out of it what you put in. |
