IES Abroad Berlin – Language, Culture & Politics

My experience with the IES Freiburg study abroad program was nothing short of exceptional. The academic quality, cultural immersion, and support were top-notch. Professors engaged us in the city and made learning in German a joy. Cultural excursions enriched my understanding of Germany. Living in an apartment with other German students was invaluable for language practice and cultural integration, and was the highlight of my semester abroad. The program's staff were always there to help, making the transition smooth. But what truly made it unforgettable were the lifelong friendships formed with fellow students. This program is a life-changing opportunity to explore Germany and Europe while growing academically and personally. Highly recommended!

In a city as metropolitan and diverse as Berlin, it's impossible to see an explore everything in a single semester - or a single lifetime for that matter. That said, Berlin is amazing, and there's something for everyone if know where to look, and you're not afraid go out of your comfort zone finding it. The IES Berlin program did an excellent job introducing the students to the fundamentals of life in Berlin (German language skills, familiarity with German culture, the train system, health services, etc.) and supporting students as they found their niche and built their new lives in city. IES offered regular trips and activities around the city and the country encouraging me to see important parts of the culture and history that I might have missed otherwise. In addition, (mostly) excellent professors pushed my German language abilities so that I was able to engage more fully with the people around me. The classes also encouraged me to engage with Berlin, taking me on walking tours and assigning interview projects with Berliners. Beyond class, I had plenty of time to explore the things that attracted me. Berlin has a great music scene, and Tinder and Facebook are alive and well for getting to know locals. The student assistants employed by the program were incredibly friendly and had tons of great recommendations and advice as we went out to find our own favorite bars, sports teams, and activities. Whenever I was in Berlin, I never felt like I was alone. Staff members were prepared to accompany me to the hospital when I had health issues, and we regularly received emails with invitations and notifications about events that might interest a student who feels lost or isolated. It's was ultimately up to me as to get what I wanted out of my time in the city, but IES was there to help and support me the entire way.

My year abroad in Berlin has been one of the best experiences of my life. Studying abroad provided me with a chance to truly experience the German culture and language firsthand while also getting to learn a different side of myself. This experience has shaped me into a person who is willing to be adventurous, chase understanding, and explore new sides of myself and my surroundings. But not only have I gotten to know myself, but I have become a part of the language and culture around me. Being able to take classes both through IES and Humboldt University, I have been able to learn about the German educational culture while furthering my German language skills immensely. But while these aspects of my education have given me a greater understanding and appreciation of studying in Germany, they almost do not compare to the amount I have learned outside of the classroom. Living in Berlin has taught me more about Germany - in the past and the future - than I could have ever hoped to learn from afar. I have been able to live and be part of the history of Germany. My home-stay taught me about the German culture and past from the point of view of someone who lives it everyday. It is truly amazing to be able to discuss things like the Berlin Wall with someone who lived in Berlin from the time of the Wall's creation until the time of its destruction. Things like that can only happen on a study abroad like this, and this is just one small example of the amazing things I have been able to experience through this study abroad experience. No matter what I do in the future, I know that this experience has helped shaped me into an independent, open, and ever-learning individual. I could not be more satisfied with my IES Abroad Berlin experience, and I highly recommend the opportunity to anyone and everyone.