Studying in Berlin!

Name: Anagha Sivram
Academic school: School of History, Archaeology and Religion
Type of Global Opportunity: Year of Study Abroad at Freie Universität Berlin in Germany

What motivated you to take up a Global Opportunity?

I wanted to experience living and studying abroad. I loved the idea of taking on the opportunities and challenges that came with living in and adapting to a new city and I loved the idea of the independence that came with it.

What were your top 3 highlights from your time abroad? 

1. Meeting new people from all over the world
2. immersing myself in the culture of Germany
3. getting the opportunity to travel to other places which is not as easy now that the UK has left the EU

What was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome it?

My biggest challenge were the visa aspects living abroad and making sure my documents were up to date. I was able to make a list of things I needed to do and make sure I did it well in advance.

What would you say to a student that was unsure about spending a period abroad?

No matter what country you end up in, it is an experience you will definitely enjoy. Everyone I know has greatly enjoyed the opportunity. It is honestly an invaluable experience.

How has your placement been beneficial to your studies at Cardiff University or your future career? 

My placement allowed me to understand how different countries study history at a higher degree level. Along with this, the opportunity helped me gain organisation and communication skills I lacked earlier, skills that will be useful for the rest of my education and future career.

What is the one thing you wish you’d known before you left? 

To look for accommodation well in advance of going to your desired country.

What are 3 things to do in your host destination? 

1. Make sure you thoroughly explore every aspect of your host destination.
2. Do not shy away from experiences to meet people.
3. Do not just stick to the city you are living in, travel across the country if you can.

Share your top tips for thriving in your programme destination:

Make sure you live in a student accommodation over a Wohngemeinschaft (shared living space), it is easier to meet people that way.

If you want to eat in Berlin, Kottbusser Tor or Warschauer Strasse are good places to go to.

Make sure to pack a lot of jumpers and cold weather essentials and remember to carry a lot of cash, Berlin is still very much a cash based city.

If you are studying abroad then your travel will be included in the semester ticket, if not there is the Deautschland Karte, €49 a month, which covers travel throughout all of Germany, definitely the cheapest option.

German is not really a necessity in Berlin but it doesn’t hurt to practice and learn a few phrases ‘mit Karte bitter’ is especially useful.

Research the laws of the city, what you can and cannot do as well as what your passport allows visa wise.

Please sum up your experience abroad in one sentence:

It was an invaluable experience that I would have done again and again if I could.