What inspired you to go abroad?
Living on a little island gave me a reason to go abroad and see another part of the world. I grew up always wanting to know what it's like to not live in a island, where you can drive in approximately six to eight hours straight through. My urge to learn new things and experience new places pushed me forward towards the idea of going out there. Also, learning a new language became a goal on my list.
Design Build Studio course on furniture brainstorming and design process at and for Refugio.
Why did you choose TU Berlin?
I've never been to Europe before and Germany was one of the places I've always wanted to visit. A year ago I became interested in languages and challenged myself to learn German. So I chose a program to help me learn past the basics. My interests started falling in place, and that place ended up being Berlin. I chose Technische Universität Berlin because many months ago, I started looking for masters options and I got really interested in their program. Berlin, as a capital and with its history, is very multicultural. With TU Berlin I experienced that diversity and liberty with the two courses I took over two terms - German Language course and Design Build Studio.
What was your favorite part about Berlin?
I can't really choose what my favorite part was. Everything was amazing. There was nothing I didn't like about the city of Berlin!
What made your experience abroad unique?
Transportation was definitely a highlight of the whole experience. It made it possible for me to explore the city and gain trust and confidence in myself by traveling sometimes without map or any device. I was like a kid in a toy store, hopping on and off the U Bahn, S Bahn, tram, and buses all the time. I didn't care how long was the ride was, I always enjoyed it because it was like a sightseeing tour.
German food experience at Prater Biergarten; krakauer und weissbier/spicy sausage and white beer
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff members were sweet as a Berliner pastry! They made the experience fun with the cultural programs they scheduled during the courses. They were always willing to help and assist you. They were friendly and respectful all the time.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I stayed an extra week after the Summer University was over for me because I thought I wouldn't have time to explore the city during the courses, but during that extra week I really didn't know what to do!
I had seen and done so much already, but still had tons things to do and see. I have to admit I should've planned that extra week better. I was able to do stuff, but I could have utilized the extended sunlight so much more.
This does not affect the summer program experience, I do definitely suggest to stay a week or more (and plan those days well, without wasting any minute). But I don't regret anything. Now I have an excuse to go back!
Entrance of the main building at Technische Universität Berlin
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
My routine was different every day, but I always had a morning coffee to start my days. At first it was hard to find a good coffee place (sorry Berlin, but in this case Puerto Rico wins) but then I found a good one, and I kind of became a local at the place.
After that, I took the bus or the S Bahn with my hostel roommate and went to Refugio in Neukölln, which was the place our Design Build Studio course took place. When we got there, we worked until the evening. Then we always searched for a new place to grab something for dinner, and sometimes ice cream.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Getting to know many corners of Berlin. I got to experience a lot of nearby places. Meeting people, eating new things, walking A LOT—and you don't even notice—while passing buildings and collecting visuals of the history left of the city. There's a lot to see and do in Berlin, it’s endless!
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
Instead of staying in one same hostel—as many students do, because it's the normal choice—for the two terms I took for the TUB Summer University, I chose a different hostels for each one. First, because I personally like a change every now and then, and second, I wanted to have a different living experience in Berlin as well. At the end of the day it was a good call. It ended up being a perfect coincidence because of the locations of my courses took. That has to be what I most liked.
Sun setting from the S Bahn on route to Berlin Hauptbahnhof
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
Don’t set expectations for anything because the staff, the courses/program, your classmates, and Berlin will be there to excite you depending on how open minded you are. It definitely depends on one’s personality and liberty you give yourself in a strange/foreign country. One tip I would give is to be punctual and on time for all matters.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
A lot! Puerto Rico compared to Berlin is all different and new. As I said, transportation was one of the things that I noticed most once I got back home. Besides the climate, the big city that Berlin is, the culture, and the daily routine of the people, food was also a big experience and change for me.
Back home I tend to eat meat a lot, but in Berlin I didn't feel the need to eat it. You can find fresh and cheap fruits and veggies in markets and stores as easy as taking a big breath. I even considered going vegetarian! That's how big the whole experience of going abroad impacted me.
Would you recommend TU Berlin to others? Why?
Yes! You not only learn academically with TU Berlin, but you also learn about yourself, the culture, and many aspects of Berlin and people from around the world that are there as well!
