Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Berlin changed my life! Past Review

By (History, Eastern Kentucky University) for

KIIS: Berlin - Experience Berlin (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I feel like a much more well-rounded and worldly person. It has made me want to pursue a TESOL certification so I can teach English to people overseas and I'd love to go back to Berlin and work and live.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned so much about the language and history! I learned more in 5 weeks than I do a whole semester at home.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program size was perfect and we had so much fun. I loved my teachers and miss it so bad!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our internet was spotty but other than that I loved it

* Food:

Dine locally as much as possible don't get things like McDonalds or Burger King. The local guys who sell Bratwurst are a must try as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Jewish Museum and Potsdam were both really cool. What I miss most about the program was just experiencing their culture and learning about a culture far away from Kentucky.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe in Berlin.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
Language acquisition improvement?

I took a basic German class for college credit and also used German everyday while living there and interacting with the locals. Its amazing how fast you can pick it up!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The experience of seeing and living in a different country.
* What could be improved?
  • I wish it lasted longer!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go out and explore! Don't spend every weekend trying to get out of the city. There is so much in Berlin that you can be there the full 5 weeks and still not see half the city.