A review on Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program

Other Reviews on Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program I entered this program with a variety of...

  Reviewed by Sara Th?gersen on March 07, 2011 .

  I entered this program with a variety of x-factors: I wasn't a student at Nazareth, I was already in Europe for a few months before the program commenced, and had lived in Berlin for the first ten years of my life. Needless to say, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. I had googled for 'studying in berlin', and this is the first program that came up, so I went with it!
  
  Having already known the city as a child, I was going into last fall with a combination of reassurance and uncertainty. While I am fluent in the language, I have lived in a tiny Midwestern town for the past decade, and it's left its marks. I was first off appreciative that there was such an emphasis on getting to know the city. This was accomplished through class field trips, course-related outings, and a strong emphasis on 'getting out there' on one's own. This is also how I got to see more of Berlin's surrounding area; not necessarily something I would have done on my own.
  
  The classes of SFB were overall some of the more interesting ones I've had. The professors were knowledgeable in their areas, and the fact that each of them had lived their subjects in various ways (german music, business in the EU, history) made them more credible, in a way. The three-hour class times were a bit wearying at first, but I got used to it by the end.
  
  One of the best and most challenging opportunities I had through SFB was my internship at the German State Opera. I'm a voice major, but had been thinking about pursuing other things after graduation this year. The internship not only enabled me to get an inside perspective on the field, but also reaffirmed that this is something I would like to do with my life. It was quite a gift.
  
  One thing I do want to mention, though, is that it is a bit more difficult for people with minimal German skills to find their way in a professional situation. A lot of the friends I made highlighted this fact, though saying that it wouldn't have changed their decision to come. I guess what I'm trying to say is...don't expect your time in Berlin to reflect a similar program in an English-speaking country. Which doesn't mean that you shouldn't try it!
  
  I've probably rambled on for long enough, but I'll just say one more thing: the experiences I've had with people, initially strangers, were some of the most rewarding ones of my life. While I can't guarantee that all groups will look the same, my advice would be to just go for it, if there is any question. You never know what's going to happen, and even if it doesn't live up to your expectations, you can still gain a bunch from it. In my case, it was better.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program Best choice I have made in my life, no doubt....

  Reviewed by Jack McKee on March 07, 2011 .

  Best choice I have made in my life, no doubt. Enriched my understanding of the world, to put it very simply. Cultural exchange of art, architecture, music, history, and pretty much anything you know from home or elsewhere, it has a counterpart in Berlin. In addition to all this, just as our own homes have unique things to offer, so does Berlin. The only problem is, you might not want to come back...

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program I could go on for a very long time about...

  Reviewed by Jeri Beckens on March 07, 2011 .

  I could go on for a very long time about the Studienforum Berlin Program. It was an amazing experience. Everyone involved in coordinating the program goes above and beyond all expectations and they make the semester run smoothly. The directors of the program organize weekend trips that were probably the most fun parts of the semester. There was a week break in October that gave everybody time to travel where ever they liked. A group of us went to Italy, stayed in hostels, and saw the sights. The way the classes are set up allow you to still have free time during the week to be able to enjoy the city. There is always something to do in Berlin. The group of us that went last semester really felt like a family by the the end. We all got along great and had a lot of fun together. Julia, the student coordinator is amazing. She travels with group on all of the excursions and hangs out on weekends. You can talk to her about anything and shes always there for you. The director and his wife in Berlin are great people. They do everything in their ability to ensure that you have an incredible experience abroad. They match you with great host families and do everything in their power to find every person a month long internship suited to their individual interests. Berlin was amazing and I miss living there so much. I will live there again some day soon.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program When I signed up for Studienforum Berlin,...

  Reviewed by Madeline Donovan on March 07, 2011 .

  When I signed up for Studienforum Berlin, it was a spur of the moment decision, but it turned out to be the best thing I have done in my undergraduate career. I was hesitant at first to join this program, because I didn't know any German and I didn't really want to be gone for an entire semester of my senior year at Nazareth College. While I was in Germany, I not only picked up some of the language and the culture between my classes and living with a host family, but I met so many wonderful people, visited a few of the countries within Europe, and even had an internship in the German Bundestag. This program is extremely well run, with excellent professors and mentors, and I learned and grew more in this single semester than in my previous three years at Nazareth combined.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program Studienforum's Berlin program is great. ...

  Reviewed by Dan Simmons on March 07, 2011 .

  Studienforum's Berlin program is great. As a German major, I improved my language skills a lot by staying with a German family and meeting new people in the city. The program is also great for those who don't speak any German at all. A few of the other students in my group didn't and they still had a really good time. The three elective courses are all taught in English. I really liked every class I took (Peace&Conflict, Literature/Film/Theatre, Music: Mozart to Mahler) and learned a lot about German history and culture. The German lessons however are all taught in German because in them there are people from all around the world (who don't always speak English!). I met people from Sweden, Spain, Iran, Thailand, Japan, Canada, Argentina, Georgia, Russia, Switzerland, and the UK. Berlin in general is a great city to study in; very multi-national and full of historical sights, museums, Opera houses, theatres, etc. Another nice thing is the transportation system. Before going to Berlin I didn't learn the proper vocabulary for buses and trains, but I still found it much easier to get around in Berlin than in NYC. Studienforum is also very helpful and with this and provides you with maps and directions between your host family's house and everywhere you'll need to go. My time in Berlin was definitely a very unique and valuable experience.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program This program was one of the best experiences...

  Reviewed by Jeremy Wood on March 07, 2011 .

  This program was one of the best experiences in my life. I decided to study abroad on a whim, knew absolutely no German before going and managed to make it home in one piece, and learn quite a bit of the language and culture through SFB. The classes were instructed by great educators, most with a Ph.D in their field of study, that made the classes interesting and fun. The course selection allowed for someone working towards any U.G. degree to have a course load that would transfer and count towards their home university's requirements. The best part of the program by far is the immersion into the culture with the use of excursions and Julia, the worlds best student coordinator! With the coordinator, you go out and do the typical things German students would do in Berlin, as to not feel like a tourist for your stay. She is also there for anytime you have questions, like say your mom sends you a package and doesn't write the contents on it and you end up at the customs police trying to explain yourself and get your package from them! Not saying that happened to me, but should it happen she would be there to help! Along with the city of Berlin outings and help, the excursions, led by Julia and other tour guides in each city, allow you to see many different parts of Germany and Europe. The Program coordinators also help out a great deal in making you feel welcome and at home while in a different country. With welcoming and farewell events, along with a Thanksgiving feast to-die-for, a sense of home and family is felt from the very beginning of the program.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program As a former student at Studienforum, I found...

  Reviewed by Thomas Baumgartner on March 07, 2011 .

  As a former student at Studienforum, I found the program to be very much worthwhile program that exceeded my expectations of the study abroad experience. The small group/class sizes allowed me to develop close bonds with the other students and the student coordinator, as well as the program director himself, Dr Hanns-Dieter Jacobsen, who not only taught one of the classes, but took an active role in getting to know each of us on a personal level. Giesele Jacobsen, wife of Dr. Jacobsen, took the liberty upon herself to match each student with a host family based on their needs, interests and personal preferences. I would personally recommend living with a family (I loved mine!) as it afforded me the opportunity to interact with children and parents on a day to day basis outside of the academic sphere, where I could pick up on cultural nuances, practice my language skills, and build lasting friendships.
  
  The short of it is, if you would like a program that offers small class sizes, teachers who take an active interest in your study abroad experience, and the opportunity to travel (program took us to Poland, Prague, Dresden, and others) I would highly recommend SFB for you.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program Choosing to study for a semester in Berlin...

  Reviewed by Rebecca Nagel on March 07, 2011 .

  Choosing to study for a semester in Berlin was by far one of the best decisions Ive ever made. The 10 other students I traveled with have become my best friends; I wouldnt trade the experiences we had together for anything.
  
  The Studienforum Berlin e.V. program itself was phenomenal. Whether we took a simple trip to a museum or traveled to the Czech Republic for a weekend in Prague, I was never disappointed with the experience. Each excursion planned by the program was well structured and not only educational, but fun.
  
  If you have the opportunity to travel to Berlin through this program, I would not hesitate for a moment. It is with complete sincerity that I say my experiences in Berlin have changed me as a person for the better.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program I would just like to simply mention that...

  Reviewed by Sebastian Malecki on March 07, 2011 .

  I would just like to simply mention that Studienforum Berlin was a life changing experience that I believe everyone should enjoy and experience. As a result of the program, I was not only able to make friends from another college (most of the participants were from Nazareth College and I go to SUNY Buffalo), but I was also able to become friends with Germans living in Berlin (I still keep in contact with these people till today). Along with friendships, the program took us on trips to other cities (Prague, Dresden, etc.) and tours of Berlin. Also, all of the participants were able to receive internships for a couple of weeks near the end of the semester that was suited to thier major and liking. This internship is definitely a good resume builder and highly looked upon. I would like to thank the directors and participants of the program for making my stay in Berlin enjoyable. I highly encourage all those that have the opporunity to go experience this program to take advantage of the opportunity.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program The Berlin Study Abroad Program through Studienforum...

  Reviewed by Rachel Cornell on March 07, 2011 .

  The Berlin Study Abroad Program through Studienforum Berlin, was the best and most educational time of my life. I would do it again in a heart beat. I would recommend this opportunity to anyone, German speaking or not, it doesn't matter. You not only learn the language, but a whole new culture and lifestyle which I think is very important. The host family I was put with were amazing. They treated me so kindly and would do anything for me. All of the faculty and staff were so caring for all of our needs, no matter what it was. I was able to make Berlin home, and I miss it very much.
  I could never thank Studienforum Berlin enough for everything they did for me and all of the students. They are the most generous and caring people I have ever met.

• A

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program Excellent Program

  Reviewed by David Gefell on January 01, 2012 .

  I had a great time throughout the program and learned so much about the city and German culture. The program was very professional and ran smoothly. It was okay that I had only a little prior knowledge in German language, however, I would suggest learning as much as you can before to make your experience even better. Overall one of the best experiences of my life.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program One of the Best Experiences of my Life!

  Reviewed by Melanie Junge on April 22, 2012 .

  Without a doubt, Studienforum Berlin is the best study abroad program that I have ever heard about. The program directors are absolutely great and the student leaders were awesome! Every aspect of this program has been given so much attention to detail, that my entire 4 month stay was flawless. I cannot imagine any other program running better than this. I am SO glad I decided to study abroad in Berlin.

• A

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program Go for it.

  Reviewed by Casey Holland on January 11, 2013 .

  Like most things in life, what you put into studying abroad directly correlates with what you get out of it. The program is set up to provide you with enough structure to keep things moving (excursions, dinners, concerts), and enough freedom to allow you to really make the experience your own. Balanced is a good word.
  
  It was easily the busiest semester I've taken so far, but I loved every second of it! The value of the program extends far beyond the books and the classes, this sort of experience simply can't be replicated at home. It really "adds to you" as a person, in a way. Tough to describe, but when you go there and back, the changes become apparent.
  
  The Studienforum staff are delightful, and pleasant to work with, and throw such nice dinner parties. Berlin is a fantastic city as well, I'll fondly remember my time there. I loved the program, I truly hope it continues for the sake of the students.

• A

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program An Experience I Never Expected

  Reviewed by Megan Knepka on January 11, 2013 .

  Originally, I wasn't going to study abroad in Berlin, I was wishing to go to Florence instead, I'd actually already taken two semesters of Italian in preparation. That plan fell through and I thought I wasn't going to go abroad at all during my four years of college. But around March, I stumbled into Dr. Hopkins office and was convinced into making the best snap decision I've made thus far. Going to Berlin.
  Berlin wasn't what I expected. If you want easy classes to breeze by in without paying attention, this isn't for you. If you want to be immediately hit in the face by beautiful old architecture and, this may not be for you either. You have to dig for the culture in Berlin, it's there all around you, but it is up to you whether you will grasp onto it or not, whether you will let more of it sink into you while you're there or not.
  The Berlin program is an experience that you have to work at. You may not walk out your door every morning and think what a different beautiful place you are in. Sometimes you will be annoyed because your bus is 20 minutes late, sometimes your class will go on longer than expected and you will sit stewing in your seat, and sometimes you'll look up and think you are in a normal city, but never be fooled, you are not.
  The classes that I took in Berlin only reinforced my questions, and my desire to explore the city and pick my host mom's brain. History was literally lived by people everyday. Stereotypes still existed between east and west Berliners, two cultures emerged after the wall, host family's parents had possibly fought in World War II. How amazing to see these things yourself. How history actually collided with reality in front of your eyes, if you let it.
  I visited Florence on my break in October and though it was one of my favorite cities, I left with a smile on my face, not because it was lovely, though it was, but because I was glad I hadn't studied there. Though culture hits you in the face there, I loved the underground, magnetic beauty of Berlin. I loved how history was evident in a different way, the good and the bad.
  Though I'm probably rambling on as I tend to once I get going on this topic, it's all for one purpose: to convey my deep gratitude to the program for being in existence, to my hose family for making me feel at home, and to Berlin: for not being a place that always comes easily to people, for giving me that feeling of being awe-stricken, and for teaching me things that I never expected, and wouldn't have if I had not been open to learning them. Every person gets something different out of an experience like this one. It all depends on what you let yourself open to, what you want out of it, and who you are or intend to be. I hope that I have grown from this experience and that I will be back one day to Berlin.

• A

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program Zurückblicken

  Reviewed by Mary Lawrence on January 12, 2013 .

  When I first mention my latest study abroad experience, the question I get most is, "Why Berlin?" I never really know quite how to answer. Why did I choose Berlin? I was a French and Political Science double major. I got into French because my family happens to have French Canadian heritage, because I happen to live on the Canadian border, because it happened to be one of the two languages my high school offered. Interest in French brought me to study in Belgium in high school, so I suppose that Berlin came along in a similar way. It just happened.
  
  I had always had an interest in learning both French and German- both are part of my heritage. French was more possible, so that was the path I followed first. But when I had the opportunity to take a German class while studying in Belgium my senior year of high school, I jumped at it. I continued to take classes at Nazareth and having already been abroad, I couldn't wait to go again. I originally wanted to study for a year in Germany, but Nazareth just happened to have this program, all credits happened to transfer, I happened to be too lazy to go through another program, and....well, I ended up in Nazareth's Berlin semester program.
  
  A lot of things changed from what I had expected of the program. I had the highest level of German in the group and as I was planning to pursue a minor in German, I hoped to meet German students and really immerse myself in the language. I didn't quite realize how much time we really spend with the other Nazareth students in the program, especially at the beginning. What I realized even less was what a difference that would make in my semester. I ended up making some really good friends in my fellow Nazareth students and, although I never did meet many German friends, I had an absolutely wonderful host mother with whom I only spoke German and I was the only Naz student in my German class at Die Neue Schule and there too we only spoke German. I also opted out of the internship and continued class the entire semester instead. I ended up taking the B2 level exam and passed. That opens up an option to later study in a German university.
  
  As I say, a lot of things changed for me. My German ended up getting to be quite good, though in a different way than I had expected. Taking classes all semester (without a break) meant that I didn't travel as I had planned to, but instead I ended up discovering more of Berlin. Because of the classes, I decided to declare a major in German rather than just a minor. And, as I've said, spending time with my fellow students meant that I have friends to return to Nazareth with.
  
  This is an excellent program especially for those who have not studied abroad before (and even for those who have). There are so many opportunities in Berlin, and sometimes it seems like there are too many. Just don't wait for the opportunities to be handed to you, you do have to go out and find some yourself.
  
  The program is very welcoming and does a good job acclimating students to the new culture while keeping some customs from home. The only thing I would ever add (and this is coming from a language major, so I'm definitely biased) is more German language classes. While it is possible to survive in Berlin with just English, having even a passable knowledge of German makes the experience that much better.
  
  Thanks again, Studienforum. I'll be back to Berlin someday.

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program The best thing I could have ever done for myself

  Reviewed by ascalzo1 on January 12, 2013 .

  Life changing, exciting and so worthwhile! You get so much more out of this program than you could ever expect. Berlin is a fantastic city with so much to offer. Living with host families is an amazing experience and getting to participate in an internship is awesome! I could go on and on about my experience, but you should probably go and have one yourself!! :)

• A+

  Berlin Residential Fall Semester Program Life Changing Experience! Give it a try.

  Reviewed by Karla Jackson on January 13, 2013 .

  I will do my best to explain this extraordinary program. I have always wanted to study abroad; I just did not know what country I wanted to experience. After speaking to fellow participants of this program, I was sold! I made a visit to my advisor, handed in my application and even had time to apply for the Gilman International Study Abroad Scholarship. To my surprise I became a recipient of the scholarship and was now ready to embark on my new experience.
  When arriving to Berlin I did not know what to expect, so I arrived with a clear open mind and little expectations. My host mother was amazing! She was truly there for me in anyway possible. Studienforum Berlin really did a wonderful job with my host family placement and I am grateful to have created such a strong relationship.
  
  The classes that I took were: History, Peace and Conflict, Sustainability and German class. It was great to experience education in a different culture! All of the professors that teach these courses have a commendable education background and proved to be very knowledgeable in their field of interest. These courses are challenging and yes you are expected to read for homework. This study abroad program forces you to challenge yourself and I wouldn’t want it any other way!
  
  Aside from taking classes, Studienforum Berlin provides wonderful excursions for all participants in the program to take part in. I had the opportunity to travel to Dresden, Weimar and Prague just to name a few. There were about seven excursions planned and these excursions were incredible. They are included in the tuition paid out for the semester. No other program can top that!
  
  One of the main reasons I decided to take part in this Berlin Program is because it offers an internship component. I had the opportunity to work for a successful business in the heart of Berlin’s business district Potsdamer Platz. I received hands on experience in Sale Marketing. I was given “real work” to complete and deadlines to meet. This internship has helped me realize what I enjoy doing and also has helped me figure out the career I want for my future.
  
  Over all, this program has helped me to figure out who I am. It feels great to know that I can live and adapt to different cultures. Lastly, I want to thank the Studienforum Berlin Staff for making this experience truly life changing and for supporting me every step of the way!