Jeremy Gouteix
Provider: AIFS
Berlin, Germany
2024 Fall


Berlin has been both surprising and exactly what I imagined. I expected the city to feel big and a bit overwhelming, which it did at first, but I quickly realized it’s more like a collection of neighborhoods with their own personalities. What surprised me was how relaxed the city can feel despite its size—people here love their parks and green spaces, and it’s easy to find quiet spots amidst the chaos.

This is the Friedrichstadt-Palast theatre lit up at night. It is by my programs location so it was a common sight to see.

I thought Berliners would be cold and distant, and while they’re not overly warm, they’re not unfriendly either. They’re straightforward, and once you get past the initial formalities, they can be surprisingly open. I also assumed the city would be very industrial and gray, but Berlin is full of color—graffiti, markets, and even unexpected pops of nature in the middle of the city.

The TV Tower and surrounding area all lit up by the lights of a Christmas market.

I know I’ll miss Berlin’s pace of life—the way people balance work and leisure so seamlessly. I’ll miss the ease of hopping on the U-Bahn to explore new neighborhoods, and I’ll definitely miss the food—currywurst, fresh pretzels, and the endless street markets. Mostly, I’ll miss the feeling of being in a place that’s constantly changing and always surprising.

My friends and I enjoying a traditional Glühwein, mulled wine, at a Christmas market in the center of Berlin.

My advice for any study abroad program is to go in with an open mind and be ready to embrace the unexpected. Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s part of the experience. For Berlin specifically, I’d say brush up on basic German before you go—it’s not a must, but it really helps to connect with the locals. Also, pack for layers—the weather changes constantly—and leave some space in your suitcase for all the things you’ll inevitably bring back.