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Eager to follow in the footsteps of a college student who studied abroad in Germany? We recently caught up with Grace from the University of Alabama, who did a study abroad program in the capital city of Berlin during the spring semester.
Discover how Grace’s experience with AIFS Abroad helped her advance her language skills and travel Germany!
Choosing a Study Abroad Program Destination
Want to study abroad but having difficulty choosing a destination? Connect with our team—our study abroad experts can help you pick the perfect program!
As an International Studies major and a German language minor who has family in Berlin, choosing a study abroad city was simple for Grace:
“I have family in Germany and Berlin, and AIFS was the program that [my home university] offered that stuck out to me and seemed to have the most benefits. I would 100% recommend AIFS and Berlin specifically. The city itself is gorgeous and of all the places I traveled, by far my favorite. Our [Program Director] Nele is also phenomenal, which really made the experience that much better!”
Academics Abroad
Studying abroad is an excellent opportunity to advance your learning in a completely new environment while expanding your global perspective. Below, Grace explains her university experience in Berlin:
“Freie Universität (FU) is a great school. It is ranked well internationally and has great teaching staff that are very knowledgeable, and I learned a lot from them! FU has multiple campuses, which were also very cool to go visit and see the different vibes in each place.”
In addition to deepening your learning, your courses abroad are a great place to meet other students:
“My classes were with a mix of about 100 American students. 17 of us were in AIFS, so I got to interact with them in class and different AIFS activities, but I also got to meet people who were direct enroll and had different experiences in the program and life. [By] talking to them [I realized] AIFS really spoiled us!”
Grace took a range of classes that contributed to her International Studies major and German language proficiency. Here’s what she thought of her classes in Berlin:
“I LOVED my German class, my professor was phenomenal and really helped expand my knowledge of the language. I also really enjoyed my leadership class, it was great to learn how businesses in different regions of Europe work and I think that class relates best to what I want to do in my career, so it was very beneficial!”
Language Learning
Some students choose to study abroad in part to advance their foreign language skills, while others aren’t interested in learning a new language. Whatever your language preference is, there are excellent options awaiting you with AIFS Abroad!
Grace explains that while she had some German language skills before studying abroad, proficiency was not required for her program:
“It helped having a background in the German language, but I had multiple friends who had never learned German, and they got by just fine. Most people speak English so if you really need to communicate it won’t be difficult. No knowledge of German was needed but they placed those that had previous experience in appropriate classes to continue learning. Try your best to learn the language as it will help you get by, even just the basics on how to order or say simple phrases.”
Housing
Housing is included in the price of all AIFS Abroad programs and options vary by program. For some programs, we offer upgraded housing options, as Grace explains:
“I lived in a shared apartment provided by AIFS for an extra fee, but it was so worth it. The apartment was in the perfect location, close to the city center but only 30 minutes to campus, the neighborhood was nice and I never felt threatened or uncomfortable (though most of Berlin is like that since it is a safe city generally). The roommate placement was perfect, and I really created bonds with my roommate!”
Making Friends Abroad
While you’re welcome to study abroad with friends from home (the more the merrier!), setting out on your own is a fantastic way to make new friends during your program, as Grace did:
“I did not know anyone in the program before applying or arriving. I started out meeting my roommate, and then the girls living below us… It was very easy to make friends. You just have to be nice to people and start out with small talk and the connections can come pretty easily after that. I met a lot of people that I plan on keeping in touch with even though we all live far from each other—the connections were strong!”
Cultural Appreciation
Study and intern abroad programs place you in an exciting international city where you can really dive into the local culture. Hear Grace describe how German (and European culture in general) made a positive impact on her life:
“I really enjoyed the relaxed weekends that Europeans have in general. Germans specifically have very lax Sundays, and normally use it to destress, sip coffee, and enjoy walks in nature which I found very calming and helped to relax if the week before was stressful. I will definitely be doing this in the States; it was really great to not have to do anything except enjoy what is around you.”
Below, Grace describes her favorite cultural experience:
“I think the Easter markets in Germany were my favorite cultural experience. Some were small, some were huge, but they were filled with handmade items, trinkets and fresh produce. People were always laughing and smiling, and it was just so great to see people so happy and enjoying their local community.”
AIFS Abroad Excursions
AIFS Abroad programs include trips and excursions that enrich your experience and allow you to learn more about your host country. Hear Grace detail some of her favorite AIFS Abroad excursions:
“My favorite activity was either going to Dresden or the Spreewald forest! Dresden was an overnight trip and I had a blast getting closer to people and having stricter events as well as free time. Spreewald was such a cool experience and if it’s offered, it is a must. The town is adorable, and the boat tour was so fun!”
Final Thoughts from Grace
To sum up her study abroad experience in Berlin, Grace said the following:
“I really enjoyed AIFS in Berlin and it was truly an amazing experience. The activities, housing, advising, and overall support they gave really made the change easier and experience as a whole better. I would 100% recommend to anyone even thinking about it.”
Are you a student ready to take the leap and study abroad like Grace did in Berlin with AIFS Abroad? 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 are incredibly inclusive, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. 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.