Berlin: The most livable city in Europe Past Review
By Kiel B (International Relations and Affairs., University of the Pacific) for
CIEE: Berlin - Open Campus Program
I became a more bicultural person.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Freie Universität Berlin |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program was a microcosm of American culture and society. This is both a positive and a negative aspect of the study abroad experience. On one hand it helps alleviate some of the initial culture shock, but on the other hand it can act as a crutch in adapting to the new environment. There was not enough attachment to the host institution, as we were in a heavily separated program from the Freie Universität Berlin. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was far too large for the administrative capacity that was in place. That being said they were able to successfully organize two separate excursions to London and Munich/Vienna. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartments were fully furnished, but still needed some finishing touches. |
| * Food: |
Berlin has some great food, period. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was a lot of things to do on our excursion to London. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Berlin is a very safe city. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 Euros per week average |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Always have a back up plan, debit cards aren't always reliable. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Intermediate II |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I had a language partner. Most people knew how to speak English, even if it was on a very basic level. However, using German was necessary in most situations. |
| 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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* Who did you take classes 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? | Berlin is probably the most livable city in Europe. It is affordable, has a thriving art scene, beautiful parks, and some amazing nightlife. The university is enriching, yet it does not hold students back from experiencing the life of a Berliner. The language program was the most rewarding at the university. |
