IES Abroad Berlin – Urban Studies & Social Sciences

Studying abroad on the IES Metropolitan Studies in Berlin was one of the best times in my life. My cohort was the first ones back since the pandemic so many things were different, so please take my review with a grain of salt. However, I had the most fun ever. The group that came was much smaller than a typically year so as a result we all got to know each other quite well. We all lived in the same apartment buildings so we frequently collaborated on meals and gatherings. This worked well for my program as it was nice to live in a community of others from the States and allowed for an easier transition into Germany. We had many planned trips through IES which were a lot of fun and the classes were incredibly interesting as they used the city of Berlin as a case study. Overall can't recommend enough, the staff were incredible as well and so friendly. You will truly be supported on this program if you decide to go.

I had the chance to study in Berlin, Germany through IES Abroad. I was fortunate enough to spend 3 1/2 months in this wonderful country. I was easily able to meet new people and create friendships that will last a lifetime. I was also able to travel to many different countries while being abroad because of how inexpensive it is. While in Berlin, I stayed in a homestay because I figured it would be a nice step into being immersed in the culture. In my homestay, I was able to speak and learn German from my host. Academic wise, I was able to learn significant information about the culture, identity, and history of Germany and Berlin itself. Before arriving, I already knew the language so this was an advantage for me. I was able to continue learning the language by taking a German course at IES. For those who don't speak German, have no fear! The city speaks both German and English so it's accessible for those who don't know the language. IES also offers a beginners course for those wanting to learn. IES also provided field trips to Potsdam, Dresden, and Poland. I got to experience the culture there by eating like a local, visiting the wall, relying on public transportation, and going to a soccer game. This trip truly transformed who I am as a person and I am eager to go back.

Berlin has a contemporary and relaxing atmosphere, but it also has important layers of history. Many of my classes here touched upon history through different lens. For example, in Metropolitan development class, we discussed how different political ideologies in East and West Berlin influenced urban planning and architectural designs. In Recycled City class, we talked about economic challenges after reunification and how neoliberal housing policy led to gentrification. The program here delves into underlying mechanism of how urban space is practiced and its physical manifestations. During my time in Berlin, I also got to meet new people from different cultural backgrounds. I attended dance classes in a contemporary dance studio and met a Korean girl who was studying theater in Sweden. While dining out, I got to learn stories of immigrants from China, Vietnam, and Turkey. Each individual carries his/her own bits of history and every conversation we share becomes a moment of cultural exchange. I really enjoy such moments.

Studying abroad in Berlin was incredible. Between having an excellent host-family, taking interesting classes, and exploring the city by myself or with friends I can confidently say my time was well spent. I learned about many aspects of the city, both in class and first-hand, met really wonderful people among countless other wonderful things and I owe a good amount of that to IES for having such a great program. If you get a chance to go on this program I would absolutely take advantage of it.

IES provided me with an amazing opportunity to really discover what living abroad is like. Having a great homestay and really helpful staff created one of the greatest experiences of my life. Our program also included week long stays in both Saint Petersburg and Istanbul, 2 cities that are very different interesting and also places I normally wouldn't have visited on my own. Besides our groups trips, independent travel was easy and cheap, especially since we didn't have classes on Fridays. Everyone at IES was ready to help whenever it was needed, whether it was a quick response to an email or an opinion from staff members at the center. Having homestays throughout the city encouraged all of us in the program to go out and explore new parts of the city, made even easier by Berlin's great public transportation. Berlin was the ideal place to study abroad in because it's cheap, filled with so much fascinating history, populated with very friendly people and full of really cool museums, bars and clubs. My time in Germany really made me more independent and less worried about what others think of me. There's always something going on somewhere in the city so you'll always want to spend time out exploring. I wouldn't change my experience for anything and I highly recommend taking part in this program!