Freie Universität Berlin (FU BERLIN)

When you choose to be an internationally-oriented person, you must endure all aspects of a foreign culture, whether or not they agree with your own cultural sensibilities. SIT gives you the chance to go to another place, experience an unfamiliar culture in a homestay while avoiding the heterogeneity of Western university life, and become far more independent. The excursions to Poland, Austria, Croatia, and Serbia & Montenegro gave me a firsthand perspective on both societies that have grown immensely since large scale conflicts, and those that are still in the aftermath. While my homestay might not have been subjectively the most enjoyable part, it allowed me to expand my consciousness about class in German society and how this manifests on the familial level.

I loved my study abroad. It allowed plenty of time for academics, travel, social activity and independant exploration. Helpful hint - be sure to drink plenty of water after your flight overseas. I was dehydrated after I landed in Berlin and was sick for my first 2 days!

Have fun!

I enjoyed eating, speaking and traveling with my family while in Berlin. Stories were exchanged, viewpoints were argued and a deeper understanding of two different cultures was achieved through my time in a home stay. My personal opinion is that living with other American students during my time abroad would have been a waste of time because it is too easy to slip back into what you know. One of the main reasons a student should study abroad is to broaden their horizons. Living with a family in Berlin did that for me.

Don't accept any place in a students' residence but look rather out for a room mate -it's quite popular and you'll find good offers at www.zitty.de --the bi-weekly city-magazine where you'll find as well anything else...