What I Found in Berlin: Confidence, Curiosity, and Culture

Because of study abroad, I have had the opportunity to learn about a place in class, through books, or from my parents, and then be able to see and experience it myself. I think this is an opportunity everyone should have, or at least consider for themselves.

Through studying abroad, you can learn things outside of the classroom. I had the benefit of knowing the language of my home city before even stepping off the plane, but others I’ve talked to learned language skills through their time abroad. Truly immersing yourself in the culture, language, and customs of a location is something you can't learn from a textbook.

My time abroad taught me a lot about myself. I never considered myself an independent person before living in Berlin, but after solo traveling and discovering towns in my free time, I have grown to do more things on my own, and it is very freeing and gives me a lot of new opportunities.

While studying abroad in Berlin, I was one of the presidency, marketing, and student affairs interns for an international university, where I primarily focused on online presence, social media operations, organization, and analysis. This hands-on experience will help me gain an international position at a bilingual company after graduation.

I was also a part of the student council while in Berlin, where I acted as a co-event planner and marketer, designing posters and graphics for the IES Abroad Berlin Instagram page and the education abroad center where classes were held. Throughout my time abroad, I acted as a social media correspondent for my study abroad program, IES Abroad, where I posted photos, stories, and videos throughout my time and travels abroad.

Studying abroad gave me a sense of independence I never would have gained by staying in my hometown. Living in a new country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and rely on myself in ways I hadn’t before. I learned a lot about who I am while in Berlin, which is why it was one of the most rewarding and transformative parts of my college years.