Annaliese’s Two Semesters Overseas in Berlin & Grenoble 

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Desperate to comply with within the footsteps of a faculty pupil who studied overseas in Germany and France? We just lately caught up with Annaliese from Augustana College, who participated in two AIFS Overseas examine overseas packages. She went to Berlin for the fall semester after which to Grenoble the next spring semester. 

Uncover how Annaliese’s two semesters overseas with AIFS Overseas helped form her profession and enhance her international language expertise. 

Selecting a Examine Overseas Program Vacation spot & Time period 

Many examine overseas college students have bother selecting only one program vacation spot and time period. Annaliese got here up with an ideal answer to this downside—she studied overseas for 2 semesters in two totally different international locations! Hear why she selected to check overseas in Berlin and Grenoble: 

“I selected these areas for the extensiveness of the language programs. I’d suggest these packages to college students who’re concerned about language acquisition… I selected Berlin within the fall and Grenoble within the spring as a result of I needed to give attention to German [language] first.” 

Teachers Overseas 

Whenever you examine overseas, you get to expertise a completely new educational surroundings. You possibly can study from professors with distinctive views, meet worldwide college students from all over the world, and see how a special cultural context can make clear your research. Under, Annaliese describes her classroom expertise at Freie Universität in Berlin and the Université de Grenoble: 

“I used to be all the time with different worldwide college students, however I completely liked attending to know the scholars in my lessons, as generally German or French was our solely widespread language… I used to be in school each morning, and I had some afternoon lessons, however I by no means had lessons on Fridays… Once I was in Berlin, we had class excursions each different Friday so our professor would present us round areas of Berlin that we wouldn’t usually see and clarify the historical past of sure neighborhoods.” 

Language Studying 

Some college students, like Annaliese, select to check overseas partially to advance their international language expertise, whereas others don’t wish to take any language programs overseas. Thankfully, AIFS Overseas does not require you to talk or study one other language to check overseas—no matter your language choice is, we’ve a program to satisfy your wants. 

Under, Annaliese explains her expertise learning and studying the language in each of her program locations: 

“In Berlin, you’ll be able to come as a newbie, however for [my specific program in] Grenoble, we needed to know some French beforehand. My language expertise improved a lot, nevertheless it didn’t all the time really feel prefer it after I was in the midst of the semester. In direction of the tip, I spotted how a lot my expertise had improved since my first few lessons. My recommendation can be to talk as a lot as potential as a result of the extra you do it, the extra assured you get… I really feel prefer it gave my language levels some degree of legitimacy as a result of I lived there for lengthy sufficient to essentially check my talents.” 

Whether or not you strive new out new educational avenues or give attention to programs associated to your main, learning overseas will help you acquire a greater concept of the place you wish to take your profession after graduating school. Hear Annaliese clarify how learning overseas in Germany and France helped form her skilled future: 

“[Studying abroad] has made me understand how a lot I really like languages, and now I’m pursuing a profession the place I’ve the chance to make use of my languages and study extra.” 

Housing 

Housing is included in all AIFS Overseas packages. Some packages, like Annaliese’s, supply the selection of a homestay—the proper alternative to follow your language expertise, as she explains: 

“I lived with a number household in each areas, and I believe it was one of the simplest ways for full language immersion.” 

Cultural Appreciation 

Examine and intern overseas packages assist you to dwell like an area in a global vacation spot—typically offering immersive cultural experiences that may proceed to form your life lengthy after you come back residence. These modifications could also be easy as opting to stroll extra and respect your rapid surroundings, regardless of the place you’re, as Annaliese explains: 

“I liked public transport and the way a lot I used to be strolling. Once I got here residence, I began happening each day walks exterior of my regular exercises simply to loosen up and benefit from the world round me.” 

Consuming is a cultural expertise in and of itself. Each dish has its personal story and will help you study extra in regards to the native traditions, historical past, worldwide influences, and geography. Hear Annaliese describe her encounters with the scrumptious Turkish Döner, which may be discovered on numerous streets all through the German capital: 

“I attempted any new meals I had the chance to. Döner in Berlin might be my favourite go-to fast meal. 

If you happen to examine overseas in Germany through the fall semester, you’ll be able to go to the nation’s well-known Christmas markets, which aren’t solely a fantastic sight, but in addition a gastronomic delight—as Annaliese explains: 

“One in every of my favourite days was going to some totally different Christmas Markets with my host mother in Germany and making an attempt a bunch of latest meals.” 

Why AIFS Overseas? 

College students select AIFS Overseas for a mess of causes—our inclusive cultural and social actions, journeys and excursions that take you round your host nation and metropolis, in addition to our trusted program choices that provide distinctive cultural experiences and educational credit score. Many individuals, particularly those that are going overseas by themselves for the primary time, select AIFS Overseas as a result of they wish to have trusted on-site assist at their program vacation spot. 

AIFS Overseas is well-known for our supportive on-site employees who’re there to satisfy you as quickly as you arrive at your program vacation spot. All through your program, they’re prepared to supply steering and assist everytime you want it. Under, Annaliese sums up her expertise with our on-site Program Administrators in Berlin and Grenoble: 

“The on-site administrators have been completely phenomenal.” 

Annaliese’s Examine Overseas Recommendation 

For anybody who’s setting out on a examine or intern overseas journey, Annaliese gives the next recommendation: 

“Finding out overseas will convey up issues and challenges that you just don’t anticipate. My recommendation is to maintain a optimistic mindset and be open to making an attempt new issues, but in addition to acknowledge if you’re drained and just be sure you take time to course of all the things and recharge.” 

Are you able to take the leap and examine overseas like Annaliese did in Berlin and Grenoble? We’d love that will help you begin your journey! 

Right here at AIFS Overseas, we all know a factor or two about serving to school college students examine overseas. Our packages are extremely inclusive, which takes numerous the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to offering issues like cultural and social actions, excursions, complete insurance coverage, 24/7 emergency assist, on-site employees, and extra, you’ll take consolation in figuring out you’ll have assist all through your complete expertise overseas.