Study in Berlin: Immersion in a Foreign Culture Past Review
By Julia B (Economics, German, Wellesley College) for
Columbia University: Berlin - Berlin Consortium for German Studies / BCGS Program
My decision to study abroad was the best decision I have ever made. As trite as it sounds, it really opened up my world in a way that you can't get just from traveling. I lived in Berlin and now consider it a second home.
Personal Information
| 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 academic system in Germany is very different from that in the U.S. It was difficult to get used to at first. I found that professors generally expected less of us, students didn't come to class as often or as regularly, and the coursework was concentrated all at the end of the semester. That said, it was a valuable to experience a different system, and it made me appreciate the academics I have at Wellesley that much more. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was impressed by my program's services. The directors were always available and approachable and extremeley helpful in answering any questions or concerns I had throughout the year. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I was pleasantly surprised by the food in Berlin. There was a great variety in options, and it was always affordable. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program did a good job of providing a range of activities for us throughout the year. We had a number of activities around Berlin as well as short trips planned each semester. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Berlin is an extremely safe city. I felt comfortable walking around pretty much anywhere in the city at all times. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would recommend opening a foreign bank account, especially for students who are staying longer than a semester. It made transferring rent money and depositing and taking out cash much easier. |
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 German |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I found that most people - especially fellow students - spoke nearly perfect English. It was sometimes difficult to continually practice German, but I made it a point to live with German students and speak with them only in German. Our program directors were also good at encouraging us to practice our German around them. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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