VANDERBILT IN BERLIN: SUMMER 2010

Vanderbilt in Berlin is a seven-week summer program held in conjunction with the Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin). Vanderbilt students participate in a program called the Freie Universität Berlin International Summer and Winter University, or FUBiS. Students from all over the world come together to study German and promote international education and cross-cultural understanding. For the past six years, Vanderbilt students have had rewarding experiences they still talk about at every opportunity. The program starts with a week-long course on  the history and culture of Berlin (1 credit). Following this week, Vanderbilt students join the other students at FUBiS for six weeks of courses (6 credits): a German language course and a content course in English, two content courses, or one intensive German language course. 

Berlin is the focal point of European affairs. In summer 2010, you can live in this exciting city for seven weeks and earn seven credits. Wthout ever having spoken a word of German, you will quickly become immersed in the language of one of Europe's most vibrant cities, and you will have plenty of time to explore its exciting cultural heritage - politics, history, literature, art, theater, and music. History is everywhere, and the city changes from day to day. It is the place to be in Europe!

PROGRAM COST:
The total cost includes tuition for 7 Vanderbilt credits and a program fee.  Vanderbilt will invoice you for these fees.

Thekla (Sara) Roland: 

"You'll find yourself in Berlin, where everything goes, indeed fabulously."

Katie Ostrander:

"Berlin is amazing; there is really no other city like it. I could just walk around the city for hours and see things historical, modern, quirky, fascinating, devastating, and awesome. I still don't think I saw everything after being there for two whole months. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life!"

Paige Ryder:

"Berlin was a truly life-changing experience. I was inspired both in class and through exploring the city. Seven weeks just weren't enough for me, and I'm already making plans to come back. Viel Spaß!"

Lauren Engelbert

"For everyone that says that they don't love Berlin - all we have to say is: 
Wir können das nicht glauben!"

Mallory Hely

"Berlin Summer 07 was the happiest summer of my life. I love the culture, the night life, the food of Berlin ... everything about the city is amazing. I never want to leave. NEVER! Peggy was like a second mother to me. She (more compliments that Peggy omitted here) made Berlin feel like home to me. I've loved everything about this amazing European adventure."

Emily Schweickhardt

"I had an amazing time having more fun than I thought possible. Met amazing people who I'll always remember. Watch out for the heavy beers, they add up!"

Mike May

"Ich bin ein Berliner."

Brooks Wilhelm

"Ganz wunderbar! So much fun and Peggy is amazing!"

Hannah Hayes

"Berlin war ganz toll! Ich will diese Stadt irgendwann mein Zuhause nennen!"

Will Hedgecock

"I love Berlin and am so glad that I came on this program!!"

Paige Holden

"Berlin is a great city and provides many opportunities for those learning the German language. It is such a fun city with so much history! I recommend this program to anyone who wants to spend their summer in a new, amazing city AND not having to have a job!"

Allie Baschnagel

"Speak. Whatever you do, just speak. You can't ever imagine the people you'll meet if you just speak!"

Chris Sailer

"Don't listen to anyone who says that chicken kepabs are no good. They clearly have never been to Rosenthaler Platz. And stay away from the girls wearing fanny packs and white pants."

Katy Graham

"My experience here cannot be described in words. It was the most amazing experience. 
I have made so many new friends and had many funny experiences. Ich liebe Berlin!!"

Anna Kasiewski

Writer Ben Quigley is saving his words for his next story on Berlin!

"More can be learned on the streets of Berlin than is ever possible sitting in a classroom. Thus, why wouldn't you take advantage of all that Berlin and its people have to offer?"

Stephen Wilhelm

And yes, as you asked, here is Randall, our awesome Fat Tire Bike Tour guide in Berlin!

Vanderbilt students go to the theater!  

Christopher Nell in his Galy Gay hat with his best fans at the Berliner Ensemble

Sanssouci Palace on an excursion during the first week's course, "History and Culture of Berlin"

“With Vanderbilt in Berlin, not only do you experience life as a traveler, but as a well-rounded student with a plethora of possibilities. I grew in my appreciation of an amazing culture and can’t wait to return!”

Veronica Trapani

“Vanderbilt in Berlin was the perfect choice to spend my summer. I’ll never forget the first week with Peggy touring the city. The stay was not long enough and “Ich lernte ein bißchen Deutsch!”

Jeff Garcia

“Berlin is a wonderful city with so much to do. The six weekends were not nearly enough time to experience it all.”

Meredith Pender

“In Berlin I met my one life’s love... Döner Kebop.”

Aaron Stannard

“Being in Berlin with Peggy is like being in the Garden with Eve and getting a first chance to experience life.”

Patrick Fischer

“Berlin is just such a fabulously diverse and culturally rich city. I think I may have found my next home!”

Vivian Finch

“This experience has been one of the best I have had at Vanderbilt. The combination of our group, this fabulous city, and Peggy as our guide has been absolutely amazing. These past seven weeks have been unforgettable and I have certainly fallen in love with Berlin. I couldn’t have asked for a better trip!!!"

P.S. "Bring your turtle closer.”

Michele Slotke

“Peggy is my second mom... 
Definitely a world-cup-tastic way to spend the summer!”

Rachel Unger

“The best part about Vanderbilt in Berlin was that I really felt like I lived there, not just like a visitor. Studying abroad is definitely an experience that everyone should have.”

Mary Hughes

“Such an amazing city, with wonderful people to spend my last summer in before graduating and getting a real job!”

Jacklyn Becker

“Berlin is such a cultural Mecca. If you’re open-minded and looking for adventure, then this is the place for you.”

Matthew Cowan

“If you’re even just thinking about going to Berlin, do it! You will learn so much German and meet plenty of interesting and fun people. It’s a great way to spend the summer.”

Megan Hines

“This trip made me fall in love with Vanderbilt.”

Lisa Hayes

“I had the best summer ever with Peggy and the best people I ever could have asked for to be with for seven weeks here. I’ve never learned so much, yet had so much fun – I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

Jennifer Janes

“There couldn’t have been a greater group of people or a better time to experience the culture, history, and people of Berlin with. I was also given an amazing opportunity to see the world cup quarter final game. Stimmt!”

John Ling III

“The Berlin program allowed me to meet a lot of new people and have a lot of great experiences. I wish I could go every summer!”

Lindsay Beach

“I haven’t been in this program for three years, but somehow I’m still here.”

Michael Cannamela, Vanderbilt in Berlin 04

“I must have gotten really lost last year because I’ve been wandering around Berlin all this time waiting for Peggy to get back!”

Matt Lockaby, Vanderbilt in Berlin 05

Who will ever forget that 2006 was WM-Sommer?

Remember him?

And first place goes to ...

"So many of my greatest memories of Berlin come from our first orientation week. With Peggy and the other students in the Vanderbilt group, we explored so much of the city and shared unforgettable moments. Berlin offers a double dose of history, culture, and entertainment."

Jacqueline Wachsman

"I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to learn about all the German history & culture - I gained a more international perspective of the world by living and studying in Berlin for the summer."

Patricia Troendle

"I had such a great summer - this program taught me so much about Germany, German culture and the language. Wish I could have stayed longer. Great times in a great city with great new friends!"

Christina Thompson

"One cannot ask for a better study abroad program than "Vanderbilt in Berlin." It was a wonderful city in Berlin and a wonderful school in the Free University. Regardless of your interest or knowledge of Berlin, it will soon become one of your favorite cities after studying there."

Taylor Smith

"I now love Berlin and want to live here later!"

"P.S. Peggy, thank you for a wonderful summer - you taught me so much about the culture here!"

Sarah Fowler.

"I had an amazing time in Berlin and would do anything to do over again. I met the greatest group of people, learned so much, and had the time of my life. It was awesome."

Bryan Reyes

"Peggy puts a lot of effort and excitement into all her courses, and this was no exception. She had a great plan for us to see Berlin, but she was always flexible to let us suggest new things. Berlin is a fantastic city, and Peggy really helped us to get to know it. I've always been partial to Bavaria, but Berlin certainly redeems Prussia to a certain degree..."

Matt Lockaby

"Berlin is awesome! They have a scene for everyone, you can drink beer in pubs, rave in clubs, or look at old Roman tubs. Spending the summer in Berlin is a great way to meet new people and have a super summer doing it!!!!"

Audrey Gaynor

 

Welcome to Berlin!
Jackie, sorry your suitcase still had not arrived yet, 
but you had fun with us on our first night out in Berlin.

After our welcome dinner, we decided to pick up Jackie and explore Berlin.

Vanderbilt in Berlin at reception in Berlin, May 05 with Chancellor Gee and Dieter Sevin, German Department Chair.  

L to R: 
Dieter Sevin, Bryan, Taylor, Jackie, Audrey, Peggy, Chancellor Gee, Michael, Sarah, Tricia, Matt, Christina

Bryan, Taylor, Audrey, Sarah, Tricia on Drakestrasse.

Nighttime Potsdamer Platz glitters.
Postmdern architecture constructed in the vast empty space 
where the wall used to run through Berlin.

Vanderbilt at Schloss Charlottenburg during the first week: Culture and History of Berlin

We were among the first to visit Peter Eisenman's Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, completed shortly before we arrived in May 2005.

Vanderbilt in Berlin students under the dome of the German Parliament (Reichstag):
Taylor, Audrey, Tricia, Sarah, Bryan, Jackie, Matt, Christina

At Berlin's famous Christopher Street Day Parade in June, 05.

Good-bye and see you back at Vanderbilt!

"I got to know a beautiful foreign country while also studying in one of the most amazing (and historical) cities in the world. I have made unforgettable friends who all started out as strangers and whom I probably would not have even encountered at Vanderbilt otherwise. The best part was that I didn’t have to give up a semester at Vandy."

"My experience in Germany studying the German language and German history was utterly unforgettable and has totally reshaped the way I see the world. My friends and family are probably getting pretty tired of hearing my constant references to “the way they do things in Germany,” but I can’t seem to stop talking about it! The program was just long enough for me to really feel at home in Berlin instead of feeling like a tourist. As much as I enjoy taking German at Vanderbilt, I learned more doing little things like grocery shopping or navigating the public transportation system in Berlin than I have from any class."