Die Schule (The first week)

Since I am on a study abroad program, I should probably mention what exactly I will be studying. I am studying at Freie Universität (Free University) and am here with the UC Education Abroad Program. The FU-Best, as we call it, was a great choice because no previous German experience was required. This program requires participants to take intensive German and 2-3 other core classes. The classes range from history, to music, to international relations. "But Christina," one may say, " you are a scientist! What's the deal with all these boring humanities classes?" There were not very many study abroad programs that focused on science, or if they did they were in places I was not stoked to travel too or required a high GPA. (Perhaps other fellow Berkeley-ians understand that their GPA is probably now half of what it was in high school). Even though I am a science major, I still have breadth or general requirements I must meet. SO instead of taking classes in Berkeley that would be too difficult for my interest and that I would probably dislike, I figured I would study abroad and take care of three requirements: international studies, historical studies, and philosophy/values.

Early this week, we had interviews and a small writing assignment to see what German class we should be placed in. I was placed in an awkward class, not quite intermediate but not beginner. I have been bored in that class and hope the pace picks up, since it is very elementary so far. The program director advised everyone that our teachers know what is in store for us and believe they have done the best in placing everyone in the right class. Other classes I am taking:

Berlin History and Literature
I enjoy history and usually find it interesting, however I have not taken history class since high school, so I am a bit rusty.

German Philosophy: From Kant to Hegel. 
Not exactly stoked to take this class; I have read from philosophy authors before, but just find flaws in all their arguments because I look at it more from a scientist 'proof it, show me evidence' perspective.


But of course, when I am now not sifting through my huge reading assignments and being 'enlightened', I am still exploring the city. After class one day, a small handful of FU-Besters (who also go to Berkeley) and I went to the DDR museum. (Deutches Demokratic Museum) and saw what life was like before the wall came down. 

sitting in a 1970's East German living room!

I have also traveled to some second had stores in Kreuzberg and around the University. Second hand has a different meaning here and so far has been very expensive. The stores are usually hidden and hard to find. One will be walking along side a building then come to a small opening with stairs on the side. You slip through and down the stairs (the stairways almost seems to small for anyone to fit though) and next thing you know you have entered a large second hand store. I am still on the hunt to find a good winter jacket! Unlike food and beer, clothes are expensive in Germany.
One evening, Paz invited me to go bouldering with her German friend Jonas. He brings two other German friends along, Alex and Helen, and we had a great time. It was awesome to finally spend some time with the locals (and just Germans in general). I had not been bouldering for a few years, so it was an awesome feeling to get back into it. They spoke good English, but of course I wanted to practice my German. I say a few sentences, followed by
"sheiße" and they immediately start laughing. Apparently I talk with a funny accent; they egged me on, begging me to say it again! I laughed along, of course not caring because I was practicing (even if I had a funny accent).
Paz and I even went to our first German bakery. Everyone always told me to check out the German bakeries. We ordered some type of cheese cake and it was awesome! The cakes and desserts in America are usually super rich and heavy, whereas these were light and had a delicate taste. I also tried German Nutella, which unlike the Nutella in America, was actually hazelnutty and not just chocolatey. Very tasty! The bread here is amazing, Germans love their carbs. And there are so many different types to choose from.(Although, I must say I do miss peanut butter, which I have yet to see here).

This week I even spent some time with a different host mother. Christine is an English teacher and had to go on a field trip all this week. My first thought was "Home alone, yes!" and  chuckled to myself. However Christine, who has children of her own, knew better. Her friend who lives in north Germany is a landscape architect and had a project to work on in Berlin for three weeks. Christine arranged for her friend to stay with us. Ursula or "Ushi" as she calls herself, speaks good English and loves to talk about politics. She cooked some awesome meals during the week and we had some interesting conversations about environmental regulation, education, and the lack of motivation the elderly tend to develop. (Glad to know that's just not an American thing).


So overall, I had a productive yet fun first week. Will be posting another blog soon about my second weekend in Berlin. 

tschüss!