DEPARTMENT of GERMAN STUDIESFormer students of the German program recount their experiences with the Duke in Berlin program:
Morgan Fletcher (Duke University Trinity College ’24)
"This study-abroad experience offered me more than I could have imagined or asked for, and the memories I made in various places I was able to travel to will last a lifetime. If I could, I would do everything over and over again.”
Grace Sorensen (Duke University Trinity College ‘24)
"My semester abroad in Berlin was an unforgettable experience. I will always cherish the memories made, travel experiences, lifelong friends and my newfound love for the city of Berlin."
Josh Geden (Duke University Trinity College ’23)
"Participating in the Duke in Berlin program has been the single most impactful experience of my college career. I grew both as a student and a world citizen, and I cannot recommend the program enough.“
Adjoa “TJ” Ewool ‘20
BA, German and Psychology
“The summer session I spent Berlin was one of my favorite experiences with Duke German. We got to live in apartments right in the heart of Kreuzberg with other students from the program, and that made it feel like we were really integrated into the city. I spent much of my time not in class just exploring Berlin with friends and cramming as much activity as I could into six short weeks. Berlin is such a beautiful city, and I’m so grateful I got to experience it!”
Jessica Needleman ‘20
BS, Computer Science and Statistical Science; Minor, German
“Duke in Berlin was definitely one of the highlights of my college experience. I loved getting to explore the incredible city of Berlin during the week and then traveling all over Europe each weekend. Some notable Berlin moments: standing five feet away from Angela Merkel at the Bundesregierung open house, showing my parents and brother all my favorite sites in Berlin when they visited over Thanksgiving break, and going to a German-style holiday party at my German professor’s house and playing with her adorable kids.”
Maria Paula Moreno ‘20
BA, Psychology; Minor, German
“The most important experiences I had in Duke German were exploring with the Duke in Berlin cohort in the spring of my junior year. My German improved immensely and I learned so much about German culture.”
Jenna Thompson ‘20
BA, Public Policy; Minor, German
“My study abroad experience in Berlin fall of 2018 was one of the best decisions I made at Duke, and because of it I met some of my best friends. I hope to one day return to Berlin to live, work, or study.”
Victoria Wu ‘19
BS, Computer Science; Minor, German
“Spending nearly 7 months in Berlin was no doubt the one singular thing that made my time at Duke worth it. I’ll never forget the experiences I had, the contentment I felt, and the feeling of the world at my fingertips… It was such a unique and rewarding experience from start to finish. As for everything else—all the morning runs around Schlachtensee, sunny hangouts with friends at Tempelhofer Feld, trips on the S-Bahn, and everything in between… I’d give anything to go back. Berlin made me a better person and also showed me my full potential.”
Devyn Gortner '16
BA, Psychology & English; Minor, German
"One the biggest reasons I came to Duke for my undergraduate education was due to the wonderful reputation of the Duke in Berlin program. Berlin was where I found my niche – the people I met and the other students I shared the experience with became some of my greatest friends. ... Duke in Berlin changed my life in many ways, but most importantly, it allowed me to step back from my life at Duke and back home in the States and see the bigger picture of where I was in life and where I want to go. If you're on the fence about going abroad, I urge you to do it. Discover for yourself what it means to step outside of your bubble. And if you're not sure if Berlin is the right place for you, all I can say is: 'Yes it is. Go. Go and take me back with you.'"
Eileen Lin '15
BA, Interdepartment French/German; Minor, Russian
"I was part of the Duke in Berlin Fall semester program.... It was one of the best decisions I made during my Duke career. Berlin is a vibrant city that has a rich culinary culture as well as a hipster art and music scene. My foot steps across the city accumulated moments of fond and precious memories, from Warschauer Straße to Prenzlauer Allee, from Zehlendorf to Stadt Mitte. I was most fascinated by the city's tangible history, given that we can still witness the transition between destruction and renovation. I loved it so much that I went back to Berlin for a summer museum research project. If you are thinking about doing the program, I sincerely recommend it!"