Learn German in Berlin: Social Life
All students are encouraged to make the most of their time in Berlin by participating in the guided excursions and activities offered by the college.
Since the Wall came down, Berlin has developed into one of Europe’s cultural hot spots. Imaginative architecture, an avant-garde arts scene, a bustling nightlife and more multi-cultural communities than in any other German city, this ensures Berlin is a stimulating and provocative backdrop for your experience of Germany and German life.
The college guides will of course ensure you see the better known attractions such as the Reichstag, Brandenburger Tor, the National Gallery or the Check Point Charlie museum. All these visits are accompanied by a college guide and are generally free of charge.
In addition however, the college wants you to try out the less well known activities that Berliners themselves enjoy; swimming in one of Berlin’s lakes, walking through the post-industrial landscape of alternative Kreuzberg or simply exploring the hidden corners of Berlin that the average tourist never gets to see. Students are asked to pay entrance fees and public transport tickets etc but they do not have to pay extra for the presence of the guide. Do not forget to bring a couple of passport photos of yourself so that you can arrange a college student card, which entitles you to reduction on public transport, some cinemas and museums etc!
The college arranges a minimum of three activities per week. Each weekend (in winter, every two weekends) they take you out for a whole-day excursion around Berlin and its surroundings. In addition, at least once a month, the college offers a guided excursion to other German and nearby Czech and Polish cities.
For those who want to explore Berlin’s nightlife we recommend the Savigny-Platz, Pariser Strasse, Winterfeldtplatz, Hackeshe Hofe, Prezlauer Berg and the Friedrichshain.
A sample of a Week’s cultural programme:
Monday: Monday welcome: Get together in a traditional Berlin pub, for all continuing and recently arrived students. A great way to break the ice and get to know your fellow students.
Tuesday: New Reichstag & Potsdamer Platz: Berlin’s new downtown with ultra-modern and old-world styles in sharp contrast.
Wednesday:Free afternoon for activities on your own – Suggestion: Try one of the restaurants near the school, then check out the bars and dance-clubs nearby.
Thursday: Berlin Wall: A visit to the Bernauer Strasse memorial with photo, video and audio presentations about the divided city.
Friday: Berlin by night – Out of the town with our guides, e.g. in Friedrichshain, the youngest and trendiest of downtown’s three main scenes.
Saturday: Free day for activities on your own – Suggestion: Visit the flea market on Strassse des 17. Juni, a treasure-trove of antiques and nick-nacks of all kinds.
Sunday: Full-day excursions to Wannsee, Potsdam or Sachsenhausen. Possibly a longer excursion to Prague or Hamburg.
