Bears Abroad Adelaide

Adelaide Deley

Major: Architecture
What led you to study abroad? Why did you choose your country/program?

I've always wanted to participate in a study abroad program, and taking classes over the summer will also help me graduate on time. This program has the most relevant option for me, and I've always been interested in German history because it's very relevant to my major.

What was the biggest challenge/concern of your study abroad experience? How did you respond?

I really liked the public markets that they had everywhere. They sold not only groceries, but meals, clothes, souvenirs, local art, and even house supplies. They always had a really great atmosphere and allowed me to feel closer to German culture.

Describe a typical day for you abroad.

I was most concerned about the language barrier, even though I had heard that many people in Berlin speak English. I started learning German online a few months in advance and it ended up being very useful. I learned a bit more German while I was there, of course, but I also had some friends (as well as my professors and host family) who could help me communicate with people who did not speak English.

What coursework did you take while abroad? How did courses abroad compare with Berkeley classes?

Usually I would have breakfast at my home stay and then take public transportation to school. I spent half the day in the classroom (until lunch at the cafeteria) and then my class would take an excursion to some part of Berlin. When the tour was over, I often went to other nearby stores or tourist attractions with my friends, before going back home to have dinner with my host family.

What was the most memorable/meaningful aspect of your time abroad?

I took Architecture in Berlin and Urban Spaces and Places. These were easier than most classes I have taken at Berkeley, and place more emphasis on participatory and interactive learning.

What impact did studying abroad have on you personally?

I really enjoyed getting to know my host family. They taught me a lot about German culture and many other things, and they made my experience so much better.

What would you recommend to students considering studying abroad, especially to your country or program?

It allowed to me to look at a way of life that's similar to my own, but that has a lot of different fundamental views. I think it affected how I view my own culture as well, and allowed me to learn about it from a different perspective.