Jeremy Gouteix
Provider: AIFS
Berlin, Germany
2024 Fall

I chose the IES Abroad program in Berlin because I wanted to better my German speaking skills but also, I wanted to immerse myself in the German culture and how it is spoken outside of a classroom. The German language is a difficult one and after gaining a basic understanding of the language at Hampden-Sydney, I wanted to dive head on into it. This specific program suited what I looked for in a program as it allowed to me to take classes in what I intend to major in, Foreign Affairs, whilst also doing excursions in the country to give me a chance to practice my language skills but also see parts of Germany I would have otherwise not seen.

The Reichstag (Parliament Building)

River view of the Reichstag and the office of the Chancellor (Chancellor’s offices have the blue flag atop).

 

I am looking forward to living and breathing German. Whether it be on my commute to school, or grocery shopping at ALDI for the bargain deals, I can better my skills and come back with a unique view on Germanty. This ability to see German everywhere and hearing it throughout the streets and train stations has already bettered my understanding of day to day German. I am nervous about being in over my head. As it is a tough language to learn as an English speaker, I am worried of having trouble or inconveniencing the locals if I struggle to find the words in German.

View from the tram station near my apartment.

 

My travel experience was smooth. I flew through Lufthansa which helped with the ease of getting to Berlin from Atlanta. It was a long eight hours to Frankfurt before my connecting flight to Berlin. The airports were not too difficult to navigate and security was no issue. Once I arrived, I went to a hotel prior to receiving my studio apartment for the year. My move in was simple with the wide spread public transport and elevators.

Sign at Checkpoint Charlie indicating that West Berliners were leaving West Berlin.

 

During my time in Berlin I hope to be able to hold conversations with Germans and be able to order from a restaurant or buy groceries without the need of Google Translate. I also hope to be able to see as much of the diverse culture Germany has to offer. Each state varies drastically in culture. Berlin and Bavaria are just as different as some countries. The ease of use train system will hopefully allow me to explore as much as I can all over the German speaking world.

 

Berlin TV Tower

 

River view of Berlin near my apartment with the TV tower in the background.

 
Berlin Cathedral

 

The Bundesrat which is the government department which manages the German States.