With Germany trending in the top ten countries for study abroad, Berlin is an increasingly popular destination for customized, faculty-led programs. Berlin is a city as famous for its creativity, arts and culture as for its turbulent past. Few European cities have undergone such continual redefinition and change. Berlin’s restored identity as the nation’s capital has been the driving force in both design and cultural diversity. It is well known for its multi-cultural society, community-oriented mentality and high quality of living.
So why choose to bring a faculty-led group to Berlin? Here’s our top 5:
History – past and recent:
What better place to see the beauty of the 18th Century? Berlin and its surroundings are home to plenty of palaces and parks. Of course, you’re able to see in person what the horrors of the Holocaust and World War II created. But it is also a lesson on, and testament to, the memorial culture in Germany. They have managed to turn these sites into monuments to the resilience of the survivors. They now act as reminders not to repeat our history.
Affordability:
Berlin has a very high standard of living and a very low cost of living making it the perfect destination for students. Additionally, most museums and cultural venues offer student discounts.
Germany’s capital consistently ranks highly on surveys to find the “”most livable city”, “high quality of living”, and “best future prospects”, to name a few.
Culture and Art Scene:
World class museums, theatre, opera, galleries and the list goes on. Students are spoiled for choice in their independent cultural activities while their program inclusions are also rich with different experiences.
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999, Museum Island is one of the most-visited attractions in the city. It forms the central complex of the Berlin State Museum collection, a set of 17 museums. It is home to five important collections of fine art and historic artifacts; the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode Museum, and the Pergamon Museum.
Diversity:
A melting pot of cultures, Berlin embraces diversity. Known for its open and accepting attitude, it is one of Europe’s most accessible and barrier free cities. Berlin is home to the largest Turkish population outside of Turkey, as well as migrants from elsewhere in Europe. English ranks highly as a second language. Students and faculty should not be concerned if they have no prior study of German.
Course compatibility:
Berlin is a great fit for a wide range of subjects. Music, film, history, art, architecture, political sciences, literature, health, and German language have all featured in recent years.
We’ve mentioned historical monuments and museums above. Berlin also plays an important role in the German and European film industries. The historic Babelsberg Studios are located a short journey outside of the city, in neighboring Pottsdam. The creative arts and entertainment industries have also found a home here, attracting young talent from all over Europe. to work in advertising, design, fashion, software and gaming.
The city has long been focused on sustainable living. In addition to a large public transport network, it boasts an extensive bicycle lane system, and encourages travel on two wheels. With investment in modernizing and establishing cleaner power supplies, scientific and medical discoveries, it is also a great location for groups studying the sciences and innovation.
If you’d like to learn more about the process of developing a faculty-led program, or already have an idea and are ready to request a quote, do get in touch with the AIFS Customized team via our website.
