Study Abroad Programs in Germany

The courses I took this summer were some of the most in-depth I have ever taken. The classes do not only rely on reading scholarly articles but also hands-on experience. In the EU Seminar course, we roleplayed the Commission, Parliament, and Council of Ministers to learn how bills get passed. For our overall final, the entire group (35 people total) was involved in a Model EU (I represented Italy's interests.). We tackled real issues, such as tariffs and aiding Ukraine. We also took numerous field trips, including to a Ukrainian mission. It was one thing to read about the 7 branches of the EU but quite another to visit the EU Parliament in Straßburg, the Swedish Parliament in Stockholm (where we met a representative and learned about recent NATO involvement), and the Commission, Council of Ministers, and EEAS in Brussels, the latter of which was in the midst of figuring out the Iran-Israel 12-day crisis. IES arranged all of the travel details perfectly, and we had some fun field trips in addition to plenty of free time to explore the cities. I have never looked at waffles the same way since. Belgium and Sweden were 2 countries I never would have seem without this program, and given Freiburg's location, France and Switzerland were easy to reach.

I chose AIFS Abroad because of the wide variety of activities and experiences offered within the program. Studying abroad in Berlin through AIFS was a very smooth and accessible process. The online application portal was easy to navigate, and the enrollment team was consistently responsive and supportive. My enrollment manager was always available by phone or email and replied quickly to any questions I had. They also had personal experience living in Berlin and familiarity with the program’s housing, which made our conversations especially helpful and tailored to my situation. During my time in Berlin, our on-site program manager was exceptionally welcoming, engaging, and enthusiastic. They organized local activities and group outings that introduced us to Berlin’s culture, history, and everyday life. Even after the program concluded, they followed up with a kind message encouraging me to apply for a post-AIFS internship opportunity — something I truly appreciated. My housing experience was excellent. I stayed in an AIFS-owned apartment in the heart of Charlottenburg, a vibrant and central neighborhood in Berlin. From my balcony on the 7th floor, I had an incredible view, and the location was surrounded by shops, restaurants, and cafes. AIFS also organized several group excursions in and around Berlin, providing deeper insight into the city’s rich history and cultural diversity. The included public transportation pass for the entire semester made exploring the city convenient and affordable. One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the friendships I made. I met many of my closest friends during the first few days of AIFS activities, and we spent much of our time exploring Berlin and traveling together. We still keep in touch, and I’ve even had the chance to visit some of them at their home universities. It was inspiring to see how each of us experienced Berlin differently, blending our interests and passions to create a truly unique and memorable time abroad. Living in Berlin also allowed me to grow personally and academically. I joined local pickup soccer games, engaged in the city’s art and museum scene, improved my German language skills, and gained a deeper appreciation for international culture. I would highly recommend AIFS to anyone interested in stepping outside their comfort zone, immersing themselves in a new environment, and discovering more about themselves while exploring the world.