A Winter of Growth January 30, 2023
By A student (Economics, Middlebury College) - abroad from 10/04/2023 to 02/14/2023 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Berlin
I learned to make really good pasta, and yes, it worthwhile. I also learned about history and cultures of other European countries, since I have made a lot of international friends.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I am only giving a 4 star because I hope the Capstone assignments can allow students to be more creative. When I was asked to write about "Deutschland und Ich", I wrote a poem-like piece to describe my experience with Berlin, that captured all my emotions and observations for the city during my time abroad. However, I was told that I am only allowed to write a 2 to 3 page essay with rigid guidelines (essay format, intro - main part - conclusion) or else I will not get a grade. I understand how such guideline is necessary for essays that requires academic writing, for example, the essay regarding German History rightfully requires skills of academic writing. However, for a topic that involves one's emotions and feelings, why must I be restrained to paragraphs instead of lines of expressions that resonated not only with my abroad program peers, but also students who grew up in the city I studied abroad in? I am overall very happy with the program, but only this really bothered me because I was told to change my way of telling my perception of the city I studied abroad in, not because I wrote it terribly, nor because I held extreme or hateful opinion of any kind, but simply because of the format. Perhaps, a bit of freedom in the way for students to express would be helpful to their learning experience. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Absolutely fantastic; my Babelguide Megan, program directors Heike and Julianne were extremely sweet and helpful. I felt very welcomed and cared for. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It was good, although living on the ground floor next to the main door would cause a bit of privacy issue, but it is nothing major. |
* Food: |
I am a great cook. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I made friends and I tried new experiences, really great! |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My program helped me with finding mental health and physical health professional, and I am very thankful. |
* Safety: |
Berlin has a lot of drunk people, and they might harass you or your friends. Be aware. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I would come to Berlin during Spring or summer. |
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) |
Cooking is necessary, but cooking is also expensive this winter given the economy |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 to 70 Euro |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't get sick so you won't have to order Uber Eats |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We took an oath. |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | German 300 |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Do whatever you want, except staying in your room on weekends and not hanging out with people. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Berlin goes dark real quick during the winter and sunshine is super rare. Seasonal depression is real. |
Individual Course Reviews
Course Name/Rating: |
International Macroeconomics |
Course Department: | Economics |
Instructor: | Theocharis Grigoriadis |
Instruction Language: | English |
Comments: | It was challenging because it was a master level class, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the class because the professor is great. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | I can only transfer credit after I do this review, so... |
Course Name/Rating: |
Buddhismus in China |
Course Department: | Religion und Kultur |
Instructor: | Fredericka Assandri |
Instruction Language: | Deutsch |
Comments: | It was a very interesting class and I would recommend anyone with interest in Buddhism to take this class, although you might need some foundation in Mandarin chinese. |
Credit Transfer Issues: | I need to do this review in order to request credit transfer |
Course Name/Rating: |
Foundamentals of Macroeconomics |
Course Department: | Economics |
Instructor: | Steffen Ahrens |
Instruction Language: | German |
Comments: | Great class; Took a different approach than the macroeconomics class I took in Middlebury College |
Credit Transfer Issues: | I need to do this review in order to be able to do that |