It was lonely, but I got better at German. August 16, 2024

By A student (Chemistry and International & Global Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 03/13/2024 to 07/24/2024 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Berlin

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained a lot of independence and German skills. I travelled a LOT, and I really enjoyed my classes. However, I only had to be on campus 2 days a week, and therefore never felt integrated into campus life at all.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The writing in German was hard, but the tutors were extremely helpful. Participating in class was extremely difficult, but everyone was very nice.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The office was pretty understaffed during my semester, so it was a bit chaotic and stressful.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I was living with my extended family in the city.
* Food:	Berlin has AMAZING Turkish, Vietnamese, and vegan food!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	It was really hard to meet new people, and I even had native German family in Berlin.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I didn't have any health experiences so I am neutral on this. We had GeoBlue insurance but I didn't have to use it.
* Safety:	I felt really safe most of the time, some train stations at night were a bit sketchy, but it was totally fine.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes It was great to get closer to my dad's side of the family, but if it weren't for that aspect, I probably would've answered no.

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)
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	This doesn't apply because I was living with my family, so I wasn't fully supporting myself.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Don't eat out too much! Also the Mensa is very cheap. Also don't travel too much.

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
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?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	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?	Watch TV or listen to podcasts.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	coffeeshop tutor sessions with the Babelguides That they provided a pre-semester intensive language and writing course Heike's support and flexibility
* What could be improved?	The pre-semester language and writing intensive course Communication between admin and students Staffing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	I should have practiced German more beforehand. Also German students don't make friends at the University.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	The Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Postwachstum, Ökologie, & Care: Einführung in der Feministischen Politischen Ökologie
Course Department:	Politikwissenschaft
Instructor:	Dr. Prof. Gülay Çaglar
Instruction Language:	German
Comments:	Readings were great! The professor was extremely clear and flexible, but hard to get ahold of. I didn't have to participate much in class, outside on a presentation.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I haven't done it yet.

Course Name/Rating:	Umweltbewegunen und NGOs
Course Department:	Politikwissenschaft
Instructor:	Dr. Prof. Lena Partzsch
Instruction Language:	German
Comments:	I loved this class! We did lots of excursions into the city to talk to different groups. The class was super interactive and exciting, and readings were great.
Credit Transfer Issues:	I haven't done it yet.