Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IES Abroad Berlin Past Review

By (University of California - Berkeley) - abroad from 02/06/2017 to 04/28/2017 with

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A better understanding of other cultures.

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.

Not too difficult

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I did independent housing. Most seemed to like their accommodation.

* Food:

Berlin has great food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lots of field trips.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A

* Safety:

Berlin is very safe

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I studied abroad in Berlin, Germany the Spring Semester of 2017. I had an amazing time. IES Abroad really did a great job of integrating me into the city. We learned about the culture of the city through a comprehensive orientation. The program introduced us to Berlin locals, further integrating us into the city. As a student I got to partake in European Union panels, an experience I would have otherwise not had without IES. The classes weren't that difficult, but furthered our appreciation of the city with many field trips.

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)

Berlin is cheap if you know what to look for.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50 euros (didn't go out a lot)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food at Netto. Find affordable fun bars. Many exist.

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? German 4
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? Spend time in Southern Germany. Make German friends. No one random will want to speak German with you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Integration
* What could be improved?
  • Class planning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? N/A

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.