Winter class in Free University of Berlin

Dayoon Shin (201448161)

For three weeks in January, I took a class at Free University of Berlin, Germany. It was my first visit in Germany. What I was really surprised on the orientation day was that there were lots of Korean student. I didn’t have any clue at all. I found that there were about 70 Korean students among 100 students of winter program of Free University.

I took a class named “European Studies” and there were 14 students in my class; 2 Americans, 3 Columbians, 6 Koreans, 1 Chinese, 1 Costa Rican and 1 Brazilian. As it was my first time to take a lesson in a foreign country, I was very excited. In the most of mornings, we usually discussed a lot with our professor, Mr.Uli. We talked a lot about European Union especially about its foundation. The discussions during the class were really fun. Every student had his or her own opinions and it was very dynamic. I really learned not only from my professor but also from my classmates from all over the world.

In every afternoon, we went to historical places in Berlin like Berlin History Museum, Bradenbourg Gate, and Potsdam and so on. Also, I met lots of lecturers and celebrities like people who were keen in Security or a person who worked at Chancellor’s office. The man I met at the Chancellor’s office told me and my classmates about his experience in several international stages and gave us pieces of advice, thankfully.

 

On the last two days of the class, we had a presentation and discussion time. My presentation was about Common Agricultural Policy and the criticism on it as I was thinking about it as my thesis topic for my graduation. During the research on it, even it was a short time, I found it very interesting. Professor Uli complimented my presentation and its topic even though it was still very awkward.

 

I had several problems in Berlin but I still miss my professor and life in Berlin a lot. It was worth spending time there!