As an international hub for culture, history, and art in the heart of Europe, it’s no wonder so many college students dream of studying abroad in Germany. Get an inside look at a spring semester in Berlin as we catch up with Linus—a history major from Clark University who did a study abroad program with AIFS Abroad.
Discover how Linus’s experience with AIFS Abroad helped him explore Europe and improve his German language fluency!
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination
Deciding where to study abroad often comes down to a variety of factors, including personal interests, academic requirements, and available programs. Some students like to choose a program destination that’s tied to their family heritage, as Linus did:
“I went to Berlin as it was a long-term goal of mine. Living in Germany has been my dream since I was a kid, particularly because I grew up with a German mother, spoke the language at home, and visited family when it was financially possible.”
As for who else he thinks would enjoy studying abroad in Berlin, Linus added:
“I recommend [this program to any] student who is willing to engage with the complicated and unique history of Berlin. Students also interested in art, food, and other cultural phenomena would love Berlin.”
When to study abroad is another important consideration that’s different for everybody. Your academic track, extracurriculars (such as athletic obligations), and climate preferences can all factor in. Linus appreciated that his spring semester in Berlin allowed him to experience the city as it transitioned from winter into spring; plus, he had the chance to travel throughout Europe during the following summer:
“I chose to study in the spring as it allowed me to experience Berlin as it got warmer. I also wanted to explore more of Europe in the summer, and the spring semester allowed me to do so… It also let me see Berlin in full bloom, watching the city awake from the winter.”
Academics Abroad
For Linus, the Freie Universität Berlin European Studies (FU BEST) program was an ideal fit. The program combines mostly English-taught classes with immersive cultural experiences across the city. As a history major on a European history track, he had no shortage of relevant courses to choose from, all of which transferred back to his home university:
“I loved my experience at school, commuting every morning via public transportation.My German language class was intense, yet fun and flexible. My subject courses allowed me to earn credits, which transferred directly back to my home university, allowing me to stay on track for graduation.”
Linus took three classes in Berlin: Intensive German Language, History of Germany: 1800 – 1990s, and History of German Film. He particularly enjoyed the immersive aspect of his courses, which took him and his classmates on field trips into the city:
“In my language course, we did bi-weekly field trips on Wednesdays, making the class stand out. We visited museums, parks, and historical sites, and engaged with Berlin’s culture. We also visited Freie Universität’s main campus in my history class, going over the rich and intertwined history the University has in the city.”
By taking the German language course in Berlin, Linus saw his German proficiency increase significantly. And despite some small differences in how courses were scheduled, he adapted easily:
“My language course was much more rich in content than those I had taken in the U.S. Courses were also taught in 2.5 – 3-hour sessions, once a week, versus shorter but more frequent classes back home. Overall, it was easy to adapt to the FU BEST style of schooling, as it did not significantly differ from the culture, expectations, and structure back home.”
Language Learning
Many AIFS Abroad programs don’t have any foreign language requirements; as Linus explains, it’s easy to get around in Berlin with just English:
“You did not need to know German before applying to FU BEST or going to Berlin. FU BEST’s program caters to English-speaking students, as all courses (besides German language courses) are taught in English. My language course was intense, but I learned so much in such a short period of time. In Berlin, there is a high level of English proficiency, and some people even prefer to speak English rather than German (especially international residents).”
Housing
AIFS Abroad’s award-winning housing is included in all of our programs, so there’s no need to figure out where you’re going to stay during your program. Linus’s shared apartment in Berlin even came with a view!
“I stayed in an AIFS apartment, which consisted of 3 bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, a living room area, and a balcony. The apartment was very clean and came with the essentials, like pans, plates, silverware, bedding, etc. I loved the balcony especially, which had an insane view during all hours of the day. The apartment, located in Charlottenburg, was very quiet and had families and other students living there.”
Making Friends Abroad
Studying abroad has a way of fast-tracking friendships. There’s something about navigating a new place with peers that catalyzes bonds, many of which tend to last well beyond the end of the program:
“I made a great group of friends, some of whom I still talk to frequently. We did a lot of group trips and travels and also hosted get-togethers or dinners at our apartments.”
AIFS Abroad Events
One way AIFS Abroad makes it easier to meet other students during your program is by offering group excursions and social events. In addition to meeting fellow students, these events are an excellent way to learn more about the local culture from the on-site staff:
“One of my favorite AIFS events I attended was a group dinner in a Russian tea house. Nele, our Program Director, was very familiar with the menu and made personal recommendations while explaining the culture behind the food, drinks, and atmosphere. Nele also allowed us to organize our own event, giving us the funds to have a ‘beach volleyball’ day in the heart of Berlin. We invited all AIFS members to come to the beach volleyball courts and played for 2 hours with our group!”
Weekend Trips
In addition to attending AIFS Abroad trips and excursions that take you around your host country (and sometimes, beyond!), you’re welcome to travel during your free time. Linus discovered that flights to nearby European countries were surprisingly affordable, making his weekend trips from Berlin even easier:
“One of my favorite destinations was Copenhagen, Denmark. We were able to find cheap flights directly to Copenhagen from Berlin and even got a student discount through Scandinavian Airlines. We got to explore the city for two full days. It was so beautiful, peaceful, and clean. Although the city was quite pricey at times, it was always of the best quality and hospitality.
Another amazing weekend trip was to Prague, which was only a 4.5-hour bus ride away. The city was incredibly beautiful, and its culture was palpable.”
AIFS Abroad Support
AIFS Abroad provides all the resources you need to go abroad with confidence. We’ll help you apply to programs and prepare for departure, and once you’re abroad, our trusted on-site staff will be there to assist you. Hear Linus describe his experience with the AIFS Abroad team—here in the U.S. and in Berlin:
“Before going abroad, my program advisor was very helpful and responsive. She was reachable via email, phone, or through the AIFS portal at almost all hours of the day and got back quickly if not [right away].
During my stay in Berlin, our program director was so much fun to hang out with! She shared her stories and experiences in Berlin and with AIFS, while also still curious about our personal and professional lives. She also paid attention to detail, remembering small facts and interests of ours, making conversations very enjoyable! I also learned a lot about Berlin and Hamburg (where she grew up), while sharing my own experiences in Germany growing up.”
If you’re preparing to study abroad, take Linus’s word when he said: “Don’t be afraid to reach out to your program advisor for advice, help, or ideas!”
Are you ready to take the leap and study abroad like Linus did in Berlin? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. Our programs feature tons of valuable inclusions, which make planning a breeze. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
