IES Abroad Berlin – Language, Culture & Politics

My time with IES Abroad felt very well-organized and well-planned. There were no hidden aspects or questions that couldn't be answered with a quick call. My time in Berlin was rewarding and something I will cherish forever. I was able to participate in student life as the event planner and marketing executive of the IES Berlin Student Council, and I enjoyed participating in field trips to Sachsenhausen and Munich, where we got guided tours about the history and significance of the locations and sights we visited. As I'm not a city person, immersing myself in Berlin was tough at first. However, the staff at IES Abroad Berlin helped me adjust to these new emotions and the feeling of being out of place. I began solo-traveling to different countries and cities, exploring in ways I knew I would enjoy, and I am so grateful that Berlin was able to give me this new sense of independence. I never would have gained this independence by staying in my hometown. Living in a new country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and rely on myself in ways I hadn’t before. I learned a lot about who I am while in Berlin, which is why it was one of the most rewarding and transformative parts of my college years. While studying abroad in Berlin, I was one of the presidency, marketing, and student affairs interns for an international university, where I primarily focused on online presence, social media operations, organization, and analysis. This hands-on experience will help me gain an international position at a bilingual company after graduation. There are a lot of things that you can learn through a textbook or lecture hall, but nothing compares to first-hand experience. I have been learning German my whole life, but speaking it in a casual, daily conversation wasn't something I was used to before going abroad. Through studying abroad, I was able to immerse myself in Germany’s culture, hobbies, and customs, and that is something I wouldn't have learned in a classroom setting. I wish I had made more friends while I was abroad, because that is what I saw everyone else gain from their experiences, but what I gained was more personal. I gained freedom, independence, responsibility, and organization. These are skills I will be able to highlight and use in my personal life and future career, and I have IES Abroad to thank.

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.