Freie Universität Berlin (FU BERLIN)

Living with a family provided a glimpse into the everyday culture that I was looking for. If a student is searching for an experience that can teach them about a diffferent culture, the best advice I can offer is to immerse yourself as fully as possible in that culture.

I spent more money on personal things like shopping and telephone calls to family and friends. Most students could avoid these costs. I spent more money on travel bcause I was in a region of the world that I was not planning on returning to for a long time. I took advantage of my location and was happy to spend the money for a once in a lifetime experience.

Expect to feel homesick even of you are an experienced traveler. Do not hold back from new experiences. If possible, plan your study abroad for at least one year. It takes a good deal of time to get comfortable with the basics like transportation, cool places to go, people to hang out with, etc. Leave yourself enought time to really settle in and don't wish the time away.

Advertise your school in study abroad circles as a school in the most fascinating city in the world. Its a city on the brink of a whole new future and one that has a fascinating past.

My courses were predetermined and lasted only 6 weeks. They included an economic history of Germany, Unification Issues, Life in Cold War East Berlin and introductory German language classes. It is best to try and immerse yourself in the host language as quickly as possible. I found it hard to talk with locals becuase they wanted to speak in English as soon as they heard my American accent. All courses on German history during the Cold War are fascinating. Berlin provides the best possible "city as classroom" opportunity I can think of. Locals can still tell you first hand stories of life during and after the Cold War.

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