Incredible and Challenging Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very academically rigorous. Lot's of support offered through "babel guides" (language/writing tutors).

On-site administration of your program

The directors for the Middlebury schools abroad in Berlin were very friendly and supportive. They were available when I needed support and were very understanding of the challenges of studying abroad.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got lucky in having a friend from Germany who was also moving to Berlin at the same time - I believe that other students had more difficulties, but in the end everyone was satisfactorily housed.

Food in Berlin is delicious, inexpensive, and widely varied. It was especially nice for me as a vegetarian always having options. The university cafeterias were not always amazing, but as I student I was not dependent on them in any way.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Even having live there for a year it could be difficult to integrated into the local culture. Especially at a large university like the FU it is difficult to make friends with other students (I have heard this sentiment from German students as well). I am really lucky to have found and joined a rugby team, it was one of the few ways that I felt I was really participating in the culture, rather than just sticking to my few friends.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had several issues with my knee while studying in Germany, which were satisfactorily covered by the programs health insurance. I knew that the program was there to support had I needed additional help, but was lucky to have friends with cars in Berlin who helped me get to doctors appointments when I needed to.

Berlin feels like a very safe city. Obviously, it is still a city, and in this uncertain era of terrorism, it is difficult to say that there is no risk of an attack no matter where you live (as evidenced by the attack on the Christmas market in Berlin in 2016). However I would never say that I felt unsafe in Berlin.

I was not a big fan of the FU and would like to try out the Uni Potsdam now that that is an option.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It depends on the lifestyle you choose to lead living in a city. One could do it very inexpensively, but much of socializing revolves around going out to eat or other activities which cost money (eg. going to the movies).

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Local Students

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• Americans
• International Students

• Independence
• Location
• Support from staff

• Support with housing
• Integration with local students
• More tutors in Berlin

The Outright Urbanite