Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IES Berlin: I wish I didn't have to leave October 08, 2026

By (History, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities) - abroad from 01/21/2026 to 05/09/2026 with

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of knowledge on German history and politics through my experience abroad, alongside further developing my German language skills. Speaking with locals and classmates in German also developed my confidence in spoken German. It's 100% worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I took classes in German. Professors were very thoughtful and passionate about their coursework, which made the courses extremely engaging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Staff is there to help you, but responses are quite slow by email.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in a studio apartment on my own. Amazing

* Food:

this is a no-brainer

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I had already researched German culture and had friends from Germany who taught me how to integrate smoothly. By the time I arrived, I was only on towards full integration

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Never had to use healthcare, but IES covers insurance for you

* Safety:

Germany, despite what is being pushed on social media algorithms right now, is still a super safe country. Whatever experiences appear on social media are anecdotal and of course, must be taken into account, but you have such an extremely low chance of finding yourself in danger. Just be aware of your surroundings, and you'll be fine.

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

IES Berlin is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, seriously. The people that I met through this program are heaven-sent.

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 increasingly expensive, and with the Euro being of higher value than the USD, we as Americans pay more than we think we are. Just be wary of that and make sure you have a lot saved up! (Recommendation: save up $4000+ for personal expenses)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and COOK AT HOME! They're extremely cheap. I managed to buy a month's worth of groceries for less than 100 euros.

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

Come on, you're in Germany - if you know the language already, go speak it with the locals!

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
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? Practice with locals. Always. Speak German with your professors, and try to utilize the language as much as you can without switching back to English. The idea that Berlin is so international and people only speak English with you is a LIE! Speak German and the locals will speak German back to you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Housing
  • Work-Life-Balance
* What could be improved?
  • Better Response Time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I wouldn't have wanted to go back to the States.

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!