European Studies Program at Freie Universität Berlin

I became aware of the FU-BEST program by total chance. I was about to finish my anthropology studies in Bogota, Colombia at the Universidad de los Andes and I didn't want to be over with undergraduate school just yet. I decided, therefore, it would be a good excuse to continue my studies in Germany (preferably in Berlin), while learning german since I've taken some german lesson when I was in high school.One morning, I googled "german lessons and content courses in Berlin" and, to my surprise, I found something that perfectly fitted my interests: FU-BEST.

I was amazed with the possibility of talking content courses in english and german lessons. Since English is not my native language, it was a one in a life time experience that allowed me to learn two languages at the same time. I contacted Dirk and Kristina (the main organizers of the program) and I explained to them my situation. They were not only very nice with me by showing a lot of interest in my case but they also made sure that I received in time all the documents I required for my visa (ir you're a Colombian and you want to travel yo Germany its not very easy to do it, unless you receive help with paper work from a german).

When I arrived to Berlin, I found myself immersed in two different cultures at the same time (the European and the American). It was not very easy at first, but with time I got used to it. I didn't make many friends because I was very focused in my studies (the whole year I stayed in Berlin I had in mind the possibility of staying in Europe in order to do my masters so I wanted to learn German as fast as possible). In the contrary, I found a group of teachers (specially my german teachers) that not also became my friends but that showed me the beauty of the language, of the people and that encouraged me to stay in Berlin.

After my two semesters by FU-BEST, I want it to stay a little bit longer in order to figure out whether I wanted to stay or not. I consulted Dirk, Kristina and my german teachers and they encouraged me to stay and facilitated my transfer to a summer program also given by the Freie Universität.

When I arrived to Berlin, I was at a B2 german level and a year after I was able to take courses in German and to have a fairly interesting conversation with a native speaker.

FU-BEST not only allowed me to learn German and to realize that I want to go back to Berlin for my masters (I decided to return to Colombia for personal matters), it also permitted me to get to know an awesome city; a city full of life, contrasts and history.

I definitely recommend this program and I particularly encourage people from other countries to do the same thing I did. For non american students it is a unique experience that you wont find anywhere else!

FU-BEST is a program that takes seriously the goal of reinforcing the vacation-like experience of living abroad with rather more than the usual academic rigor. This does not mean that students are bogged down with busy work; in fact, one of the best aspects of the program is its flexibility, which allowed me and my fellows to better explore those things that interested us.

Alongside intensive German language courses, FU-BEST students enroll in several academic “subject courses,” taught in English (a few, open to those with advanced language skills, are offered in German). Almost all focus on the history, culture, and society of Berlin, Germany, or Europe. Each course provides an accessible overview of the topic in question, and for more advanced or particularly curious students, the superb instructors—friendly, accessible, experts in their fields—are an excellent resource. Assigned coursework is manageable enough that program participants are left relatively free to explore on their own particular topics they find interesting. For example, with an enormous amount of help from my history instructor, I was able to begin researching my senior thesis topic while studying in Berlin, making use of the city’s first-rate libraries.

Of course, the incentives to study abroad in Europe are not merely academic. FU-BEST students have plenty of opportunities to soak up local culture. Through the program, we were offered museum and transit passes as well as tickets to a range concerts, opera and ballet performances, and sporting events. I strolled the grounds of Frederick the Great’s palace in Potsdam, saw performances of Dvorak’s New World symphony and Wagner’s Tannhauser, and visited the great Museum Island three times; the costs were covered by my program fees. The friendly staff, who are so good and helping students to work through the problems of everyday life in a foreign country, are also happy to recommend sites and events to investigate, and the program itself organizes city expeditions. Particularly enjoyable are the language class field trips, which included fine guided tours—in German!—of museums and other local points of interest like the Reichstag. Students are also taken on one-week, long-distance excursions to other cities in Europe; I was able to visit Frankfurt, Europe’s financial capital, and Prague, a city of fairy-tale-like beauty. And in addition to all of this structured sightseeing, there is still plenty of time for independent weekend travel.

Berlin is an extraordinarily diverse city, a city which represents, in the mind of every individual, something different. For me, a history student, it was a city of politics and international diplomacy, the capital of Frederick the Great and of Bismarck (not to mention some less savory historical actors)—an utterly fascinating place to study my favorite subject. But for others, it was a different place: a city of modern culture, of music, of art and architecture. Berlin is so large, so grand, that anyone can find there a degree of intellectual satisfaction. I certainly did, and without question, FU-BEST helped me find it.

A horcrux is a powerful item where dark wizards place a fragment of his/her soul, as a means of attaining mortality. Lord Voldemort used horcruxes to one day return to life, as he did in the last Harry Potter films.

After 1 year, I undoubtedly believe that I have left a large part of me back in Germany- a horcrux that I hope to return to someday. Months prior to my arrival, FU-BEST was abundantly helpful and kind. From all of the rumors, this was not to be expected by anyone. On top of that, niceness flowed throughout the top and bottom of the administration. They care about their jobs and they care about you as well, so long as you show you care about your time abroad. The program provides ample amount of resources in and out of the program, so it is important to take advantage of these as the program moves along. Amongst all the paperwork and all of the stresses that come along with operating/maintaining a program, it was all nice to wander into "Haus S" or room L205 and see happy faces, delighted to help with any questions, especially from students who had shown initiative by trying to solve an issue on their own first. It was a nice balance of German culture within an American program.

The language class was phenomenal. I don't mean that in an exaggerated way. My personal growth was quickly noticed as I completed A1 (beginner intensive German) in just 8 weeks. By the end of the program, I had reached B2 (intermediate 2). Although I had not taken German before, it was great for me to be in the intensive courses because it had pushed me beyond where I imagined I would go,. I would recommend that if you have had more than 2.5 years in one language then it is best to choose intensive. I learned Spanish for 5 years before coming to this program. Within only 4 weeks, you can begin to construct short, non-complex sentences and people can understand you (more or less). This is very useful at the grocery stores. Don’t use English as a clutch. Try the German, if you can! Take a pause, stutter even, if that’s what it takes for you and you will understand the language better and speak better in the end.
I loved my experience, so much so that I will try to come back. I ventured out and joined a dance school. I checked out the club scene. I traveled to 17 of the 28 E.U. nations. I looked for job opportunities to return to. I met a lot of native speaking friends who helped me improve my German. I went on a few dates because why not? I had a tandem partner, as well as getting close to both the program’s Fall 2015 and Spring 2016 cohorts. The second cohort is where I met my boyfriend! Oh! And food. I ate LOTS of food and took a ton of photos.

I realize many people are scared to put themselves in very uncomfortable situations, but in the end it really can be worth risk. Who knows, you might leave a horcrux or two!

It is very interesting to take part of classes that have a different focus than the ones offered back home. The professors are very nice and understanding of the American culture and presenting the German culture in a very pragmatic, approachable way.The language course is fantastic. I love the fact that it was intense, because you move along the levels in a very smooth way. I also believe the language classes are very well structured, and the curriculum is very interesting. I would have enjoyed to have more field trips, because it made the class come alive whenever we learned something and we could apply it on the Berlin streets. I believe the orientation was fantastic,and I really enjoyed the boat tour that we took of Berlin. That is a must! I think the trip abroad was also a fantastic experience. Being there for two semesters, I went to Poland and England. I had a really fantastic time in both countries! I especially enjoyed Poland, because I went in places that habitually I would have not picked. I really enjoyed the tours that we had on the trips, as they provided interesting historical and cultural background. I believe one class I really wish I would have taken but wasn't able to (due to my schedule) was Architecture in Berlin. I would absolutely recommend Theatermetropole! It is one of the most interesting classes if you are looking to keep practicing your German and you love humanities.