Guten Tag! I’m Simone, a senior studying sociology. I enrolled in German as a random choice to fulfill my language requirement—but it’s a decision I am so thankful to have made, as it motivated me to study abroad through Columbia’s BCGS in Berlin.

My time in Germany taught me many lessons in school and in life. My three-hour German course was daunting, but my language skills improved immensely. In my subject courses, I studied crucial historical events in the places they happened and delved into the worlds of German sociologists. I was influenced by the unique academic culture in Germany: the work/life balance of professionals around me and the teaching styles of my professors.

Thanks to BCGS, I had life-changing experiences navigating life abroad, traveling throughout Europe, and making friends from across the US and across the world. I am looking forward to visiting Berlin again (hopefully soon) and exploring other cities that can similarly grant me new perspectives. If you have questions about BCGS, Columbia’s student housing in Berlin, fitting a semester abroad into your schedule, or pursuing opportunities abroad as a financial aid student, I would love to chat!