Menu
90%
Read 1 review

AIFS Study Abroad in Berlin: January Term

AIFS: Study Abroad
From
AIFS Study Abroad
9 Rating
Read 1 review
Leave a Review
This program has been paused and is currently not being offered. View more programs from AIFS Study Abroad.

Video and Photos

About

Earn 3 credits during a 3-week January term program studying at Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany.

Students choose from courses in history, culture, politics, religion, law and the social sciences, all taught in English, or a course in German language.

Live in university apartments close to campus, with a meal plan and internet access included. Enjoy cultural and social activities such as guided city walks, visits to museums and cultural sites and going to an ice hockey game. AIFS includes a day trip to Potsdam, and an optional 3-day excursion to Prague is offered.

Berlin has a huge diversity of cultural offerings including world class museums, world renowned orchestras, opera houses and theaters, as well as a thriving contemporary art and music scene. Whatever your taste, Berlin will inspire you.

Related Programs

7 reviews
iXperience Berlin Grafitti Tour for interns.
iXperience Berlin – Learn + Intern Abroad
1 review
Berlin view
Middlebury School in Germany
Prague
Summer in Europe: From East to West
58 reviews
IES Abroad European Union
IES Abroad European Union

Questions & Answers

Reviews

9 Rating
based on 1 review
Leave a Review
  • 9-10 rating 100%
  • 7-8 rating 0%
  • 5-6 rating 0%
  • 3-4 rating 0%
  • 1-2 rating 0%
  • Academics 8
  • Support 9
  • Fun 7
  • Housing 10
  • Safety 8
Showing 1 - 1 of 1
Default avatar
Darby
24
Female
9/10
Yes, I recommend this program

An Unforgettable Experience with Amazing Staff!

Jan 22, 2017

I studied in Berlin with AIFS in January of 2016, and my experience there has stayed with me in the year since my return. From adjusting to living like a German local to taking classes at one of the city's best schools, I really felt as though I could balance acting like a tourist and behaving like someone who lives in the city full time. The staff I encountered both through AIFS and at Humboldt University were enthusiastic and consistently helpful, and although I often opted to travel independently based on my own schedule, I always felt as though I could ask for support if I needed it. I also appreciated AIFS's all-inclusive fee--paying one price upfront included perks such as a transportation pass and a meal plan, and for an additional fee the program would even plan your travel. Having that support while you're adjusting to spending time in a new country is something that was incredibly useful, and I appreciate AIFS's willingness to help you as much or as little as you'd like.

What would you improve about this program?
There were some less exciting aspects of the housing situation, such as the lack of Internet connection and the fact that one laundry room was being shared by so many people, which made washing clothes exceedingly difficult. I understand that changing the housing is likely very difficult, so I think instead AIFS could benefit from clarifying all aspects of the housing beforehand and giving students tips on preparation.
Read my full story

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Darby Joyce

Program
AIFS Study Abroad in Berlin: January Term
Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin

Why did you choose this program?

AIFS is one of my university's affiliate programs for study abroad, which meant that I was confident in being able to easily transfer credit and work both with my school and with the program throughout my time in Germany.

I chose to go to Berlin in particular because my major specialization is Europe, and because I was intrigued by the excursions and courses offered by the program.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

Between the staff of my school's international education office and the AIFS staff, I received help with scheduling travel, transferring credit between schools, and becoming accustomed to the basics of living in Berlin.

My personal responsibilities included managing money, learning the routes for public transit, navigating airports and customs, and knowing enough of the German language to allow me to interact with others in public.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Remember that when you're studying abroad, you're a guest, and that you need to respect and learn about the culture that you're visiting. Some of the students on the program with me sometimes became frustrated when locals didn't speak English or when things happened that they weren't used to, and going into the program with that frame of mind will really limit how much you learn from your time there.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I had class four days a week for a few hours a day, which left the rest of the day to explore the city, socialize with other students, and try new foods during meal times.

Since I was in Berlin during the winter, the sun set pretty early, which limited how much I could do outside, but I often went to museums or historic sites to learn more about the city's past and how it's shaped present-day Berlin. Through AIFS, each week had at least one cultural excursion that I would go on, such as tours, restaurant visits, and even a weekend in Prague, Czech Republic.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

I had only taken one semester of German language when I went to Berlin, and I was worried that the language barrier would be tricky, especially if I needed help while in the city. Luckily, nothing happened that would be dangerous for me if I didn't know the language, but I did run into some situations where I didn't know the German I needed and the person I was talking to didn't know English.

I learned through these experiences just how innovative I can be, from conveying ideas with minimal words to using signs and pictures to say what I needed to say. Needing to figure things like that out made me more confident in my ability to communicate past barriers and to solve problems on my feet.

Did you travel outside of your host country while studying abroad?

Absolutely! You have a few options here - each AIFS program offers an optional excursion for an additional fee, and it's because of that option that I was able to visit Prague while I was studying abroad.

If you save up and plan your own travel, however, there are plenty of places not too far from Germany that you can go to as well, and traveling through the European Union is especially easy. During my session, I had friends spend weekends in places such as Vienna, Dublin, and Copenhagen.

About AIFS Study Abroad

AIFS is a leading provider of study abroad programs. Since 1964, more than 1.5 million students have traveled abroad with AIFS. Comprehensive program fees make it convenient for students to study abroad and experience all that the world has to offer.

With over half a century in the industry, AIFS has the resources and experience to provide what...

Learn More
  • Go Overseas Award
Apply How

Other Travelers Viewed