Berlin Immersion: More than just German immersion Past Review
By Judith H (Economics, University of California - Davis) for
Study Abroad in Germany! Programs and Reviews!
I've been able to learn about history up close and personal, by seeing what's around me and seeing the effect history has had on people today. I've been able to take classes I never would have had the opportunity to take back home, and I've met so many wonderful people from all around the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload really isn't all that much. In fact, once I got used to taking classes in a foreign language, I found it to be less work than back home. The main difference is that your entire grade, for most classes, is only dependent on a final test or a paper, so if you don't do well, you're in trouble! Most of the professors are very open and willing to accommodate for exchange students, just talk to them on the first day of class, tell them what your needs are, and keep in contact with them throughout the semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I lived in an apartment, so I was responsible for all of my food preparation. Definitely try Dönor Kebabs and Currywurst while you're here. They're cheap and tasty! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Definitely travel as much as you can to other parts of Germany. You'll quickly see that Berlin, as wonderful of a city as it is, is not like the rest of the country. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people in Berlin love to practice their English, so if they switch languages on you, keep responding in German. Most students will speak to you in German, though, which is really important. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* 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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is definitely not for the student who gives up easily or is not well organized. There's a lot of individual work for the program, but overall, it leads to a much more fulfilling experience. |
