An extremely valuable growth experience Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The German system can lull you into a sense of complacency. There is less coursework compared to the US and most classes only meet once a week. However, because the academic calendars don't align perfectly, Middlebury students have less time than their German peers to complete their Hausarbeits. This can lead to significantly more stress later in the program, especially if you haven't managed your time effectively towards the beginning of the semester. That being said, there is more than enough time to complete the required work.

On-site administration of your program

The program staff were fantastic. They were extremely supportive and able to assist us with any problems that arose. They also regularly checked in with us to make sure we were doing okay.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got extremely lucky with my housing situation and managed to find accommodation through a family friend. However, other people in my program were not so lucky. Be aware that it is extremely difficult to find accommodation in Berlin, so get started with the housing search as soon as possible.

Food options are very affordable and abundant in Berlin. Eating out is not nearly as expensive as in other major cities. That being said, grocery shopping is also relatively inexpensive, especially at Lidl and Aldi. Therefore, I cooked pretty much the entire time without spending too much money.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This was probably the most challenging part of the program. For students who are not used to the German system, this will come as a shock. It is very difficult to meet German students unless you are part of a club or have something in common. I met a lot of people through sports, although I would say that our interaction was limited to practice and little else. Don't be shy and take initiative. Otherwise, loneliness can be an issue.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues while I was abroad.

I never felt unsafe during my time in Berlin. However, I would point out that Berlin is a big city, and in any big city, you are may feel uncomfortable at times.

Being in an immersive environment is the only way to learn a language. My German improved tremendously while I was abroad, and this alone made it all worth it. The immersive aspect is what sets the Middlebury program apart from other study abroad programs.

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

Berlin is an extremely affordable city for students. Costs for public transport are covered by the university and there is a host of affordable food options. Be prepared to pay in cash though, many stores and restaurants don't accept credit cards.

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

I made a concerted effort to stick to the language pledge, and it made a real difference.

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