Reflections on Studying Abroad in Germany

By Youngseong Ryu (UC Berkeley)

As an immigrant to the US from South Korea, the opportunity to study abroad was a milestone in developing my independence. Studying abroad in Germany was an unforgettable adventure filled with art, culture and history.

At first, I was nervous because this was my first time traveling outside the US since immigrating there, but the experience left me in awe and filled with creativity.

These are my reflections on studying abroad in Berlin, a city that inspires and educates.

Adventures in nature are stress relief

Berlin’s diverse landscapes and nature reserves offered endless opportunities to swim, bike, and hike through beautiful landscapes. Google Maps became my new best friend as I searched for the best places to explore with my new friends. Taking classes and finals in a new country was challenging, and planning these nature adventures was a delightful way to take breaks from my studies and alleviate the stress.

Berlin’s largest park, the Tiergarten—once the hunting ground for Prussian kings—was meticulously restored after the damage wrought by World War II. It now serves as a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Foraging for food and cultural understanding

One of the highlights of any study abroad experience is exploring the local food, and I was fortunate that my student housing was close to a popular local grocery market. Experimenting with new recipes became an essential part of my journey.

One memorable experience was discovering a puffball mushroom in the forest. Initially, I was hesitant to try it, but after researching some recipes, I bought additional ingredients, created a delicious dish, and shared it with friends. Foraging the forests and markets was fun and educational.

Berlin has many diverse cuisines to try, thanks to the ethnic communities that live there. We tried currywurst, a beloved fast-food staple. We also enjoyed doner kebabs, a delicious Turkish dish that quickly became a favorite. We also sampled pho at various Vietnamese restaurants and remarked on the unique flavors of each.

Field trips created perspective

I thoroughly enjoyed my classes, especially a music and architecture course with numerous field trips. These excursions were initially daunting due to having to navigate the Berlin train and bus system with a language barrier. Google Maps and translation tools were incredibly helpful, and the excursions were rewarding as they provided hands-on learning experiences and the chance to bond with classmates through fun conversations.

Berlin is a city steeped in history, and every corner seems to tell a story.

The Berlin Wall, which once divided the city, was a stark symbol of the Cold War and a sobering look at the city’s past. The East Side Gallery is a preserved section of the wall covered with murals, serving as a reminder of the city’s turbulent past and its journey toward reunification. Walking along this historic stretch, I felt a profound sense of the resilience of the human spirit.

My architecture class offered more insight into Germany’s history, particularly the impacts of World War II. Visiting war-damaged historical buildings allowed me to reflect on my own family’s history as my great-grandparents faced the tragedies of this war. Reflecting on their experiences made me appreciate how interconnected our histories are and underscored the privilege I had of studying abroad.

I also had the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Memorial, officially called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. It is built of 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights, creating a maze-like structure. Walking through this memorial, I felt a profound sense of loss and reflection. It was a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering history and honoring those who suffered.

Witnessing Berlin’s recovery and transformation into a city filled with beautiful parks and nature reserves filled me with hope. Despite the violence and destruction of the past, Berlin stands as a testament to human resilience and our ability to rebuild and renew.

Cultural exchange is about shared stories

One of the best parts of my study abroad experience was meeting people and sharing stories. Berlin is a melting pot of cultures, and I had the chance to interact with local Berliners and other international students. The conversations broadened my perspective and helped me understand different viewpoints. I was particularly inspired by the stories told by immigrants, who, like me, arrived in Germany searching for new opportunities.

Reading the personal stories of those who tried to escape East Berlin highlighted for me the high cost of human division. Yet, the fact that Berlin is now a unified and thriving place is a powerful testament to the possibility of healing and progress.

Berlin’s rich tapestry of history, culture and art has left an indelible mark on me, and the lessons of its past and resilience continue to enrich my personal growth. I will carry these inspirational experiences with me as I continue to explore the world.