Real classes with natives, but full support when needed Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 10/02/2017 to 02/02/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Potsdam

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Although already quite familiar with Germany and the German language, this program strengthened my bonds with Germany even more and fully convinced me to spend more time here upon graduation.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Middlebury provided great support in the form of individual meetings and one-on-one writing workshops to help us exceed in our courses with native German students at the University of Potsdam.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Professional staff from the top to the bottom, however, if I had to complain, the staff were a little too controlling at times in one way or another. I would have liked a little more freedom and did not necessarily need all of the hand-holding and strict rules, but I am sure others needed the structure they provided.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There is an option to live in student housing in Potsdam, however, I chose to live in an apartment I found myself in Berlin. If possible, I definitely recommend living in Berlin.

* Food:

Middlebury does not provide the food, so you are on your own. That having been said, the Greater Berlin area has many delicious restaurants and inexpensive supermarkets.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unlike maybe study abroad programs, we were enrolled in normal classes at normal universities with normal students. I saw this as a major plus, not only for the language immersion, but also the social connections.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I fortunately didn't need to take advantage of the German health care system while abroad, so I cannot complain about my health and the health care I received while abroad.

* Safety:

Berlin is an absolutely amazing city. I like to say it's perfectly imperfect. Of course there are some parts of the city that are a little rough, but that's part of its charm. After a month in the city, you'll be well aware which areas have a reputation for being a little rougher than others and perhaps choose to avoid them. That having been said, some of the rougher areas are my favorite areas of the city and I encourage you to simply enjoy responsibly!

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

Middlebury is known for their language programs and it's clear why. Immersion and support = success!

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 not a very expensive city, but there are many opportunities to spend money unnecessarily. If you don't go out too often, money shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 70-80€
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Give yourself a strict weekly budget and carry cash on you. Cards quickly lead to spending more than planned!

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

It is absolutely required to ONLY speak German on this program. All students are required to sign a Language Pledge before embarking.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Seek out social opportunities with native speakers. Immersion is truly the best way to learn a language.

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

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes with natives
  • Great professors
  • Opportunity to live in Berlin
* What could be improved?
  • Less focus on teaching us about cultural differences
  • Better housing options provided
  • Greater awareness by professors of program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? If you choose to live in Berlin, be aware that Potsdam is at least an hour away by train!

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Conflicts in the Post-Soviet Realm

Course Department: Political Science
Instructor: Dr. Klaus Wittmann
Instruction Language: German
Comments: I chose this course due not only due to the subject which interested me greatly, but also due to the professor. Dr. Wittmann has a great reputation and added a lot to the classroom with his personal stories from his time as a general in the German military and witty sense of humor.
Credit Transfer Issues: As this course was taken on a Middlebury study abroad program and I am a Middlebury College student, the transferring of credits was no problem at all.