A Winter of Growth January 30, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I am only giving a 4 star because I hope the Capstone assignments can allow students to be more creative. When I was asked to write about "Deutschland und Ich", I wrote a poem-like piece to describe my experience with Berlin, that captured all my emotions and observations for the city during my time abroad. However, I was told that I am only allowed to write a 2 to 3 page essay with rigid guidelines (essay format, intro - main part - conclusion) or else I will not get a grade. I understand how such guideline is necessary for essays that requires academic writing, for example, the essay regarding German History rightfully requires skills of academic writing. However, for a topic that involves one's emotions and feelings, why must I be restrained to paragraphs instead of lines of expressions that resonated not only with my abroad program peers, but also students who grew up in the city I studied abroad in? I am overall very happy with the program, but only this really bothered me because I was told to change my way of telling my perception of the city I studied abroad in, not because I wrote it terribly, nor because I held extreme or hateful opinion of any kind, but simply because of the format. Perhaps, a bit of freedom in the way for students to express would be helpful to their learning experience.

On-site administration of your program

Absolutely fantastic; my Babelguide Megan, program directors Heike and Julianne were extremely sweet and helpful. I felt very welcomed and cared for.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was good, although living on the ground floor next to the main door would cause a bit of privacy issue, but it is nothing major.

I am a great cook.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made friends and I tried new experiences, really great!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My program helped me with finding mental health and physical health professional, and I am very thankful.

Berlin has a lot of drunk people, and they might harass you or your friends. Be aware.

I would come to Berlin during Spring or summer.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Cooking is necessary, but cooking is also expensive this winter given the economy

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We took an oath.

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• Dorm

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• International Students

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• Local Students

• Kulturgeld
• Kaffeestundchen
• Urlaub

• Capstone
• I hope less people would get sick