Semester abroad at Bard College Berlin Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/25/2017 to 05/18/2017 with
Bard College: Berlin - Semester or year at Bard College Berlin
It was worth studying abroad in Berlin. I learned about diversity by meeting various students and other people from Europe, Asia, Middle East, etc.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics of the program in general were not as intense as those of Wellesley College. The campus is small with a student body around 140 people, and therefore has a limited amount of resources. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
I am grateful for the network I have expanded through special courses, such as the internship seminar. Berlin is a great city to explore, especially for those who are interested in contemporary art and German history. The campus is small, yet there is a lack of sense of community. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
In 2017, Berlin's living cost is fairly low, compared to the states. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50$ |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you have a Bank of America credit/debit card, go to Deutche Bank ATM to withdraw money. You won't be charged extra 5 euros that is normally charged in other banks. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Beginner German (German 101) |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to the locals and friends learning the language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The school is a bit far from the main area in Berlin. The program is not very rigorous, which means you can invest some time exploring the city and learn about the German and Berlin culture and people. The school has fewer resources than other colleges or universities, since there are only about 140 students on campus. Therefore, sometimes you would have to use your personal expense to attain certain materials or items. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
