Cassidy Lucht
"The Summer in Berlin program was such an enriching experience for me. Not only did I get to
practice and improve my German language skills in a high-level classroom, but also got to
experience so many other parts of German culture that I would not have had the opportunity to
had I not been in this program. An amazing part of this program is the fact that none of our
classes with Andre and Kye were inside a classroom. We were able to use the city as our classroom by
going to various museums, monuments, and other landmarks around Berlin. I learned that
Berlin is so rich in culture and history, but also learned how important it is for us and Germans
to look back at their dark past, so that they can learn from it. It was so eye-opening to learn
about so many different aspects of German history and meet amazing new people, eat delicious
food, experience new things, and explore the vibrant city of Berlin." -Cassidy Lucht
Gabrielle Stork with Cassidy and Meng Shi
"Being able to spend this most recent summer in Berlin not only allowed me to expand my
knowledge of the German language, but also encouraged me to reflect on Berlin’s past, present
and future with my peers. Having visited Berlin in the past, I thought I understood the dynamics
of the city, but as soon as I stepped foot into Berlin’s main city center, I knew things had
changed. The change I felt was not due to a singular event, but rather was attributable to
Berlin’s ever-evolving culture, being Germany’s most multicultural and fast-paced city. And with
Professor Terrasi and Professor Schütze’s curriculum, I was able to better understand the stark
changes Berlin has experienced over the past century, socially, culturally, and historically, and
what Berlin’s future potentially looks like. The five weeks I spent in Berlin were enriched with
cultural exposure, language learning, and adventure, making it easily the best summer I have
had in a while. By the end of the program, I felt as if Berlin had become my new home and
although it was difficult to leave, I would not have wanted to experience Berlin with any other
professors and group of students. Although my time in Berlin was temporary, I know both my
peers and I will hold onto the memories and experiences from our time studying abroad well into
the future."- Gabrielle Stork
Daniel Popa and Miriam Stein
"For me the Summer in Berlin program was an amazing way to explore my interests in German
language and culture, and to experience them in ways that are not always possible in a traditional
class at UW. The most important part of this program to me was the amount of exploration we
did around Berlin. Being able to learn about important historical and cultural events where they
really happened gave a lot more weight to what is being taught. I could see and feel that what we
were learning was important rather than just being told it was. I now have not only significantly
more interest, but also respect for German culture after having had these experiences. Constantly
touring the city was also great reinforcement for our German lessons. It is extremely rewarding
and motivational to finally be understood by native speakers, which is important because a lot of
German is taught in a short amount of time during the program. Being taught in Berlin has the
added advantage of being exposed to different “types” of German, like dialects and
colloquialisms. Class dinners and group projects helped make a community where I felt
connected to the class and was able to make friends. For any level of knowledge on German
language or culture the Summer in Berlin program is both challenging and fun and is a great
opportunity to experience German culture." -Daniel Popa
Alexander Reiss: A Journey Never to be Forgotten
"The cliché for any student who has just returned from a study abroad is to say that it was
a ‘life changing’ experience. The culture, the language, the art and so on impacted them in a way
which they would have never expected. I believe it is the mystery and the ambiguity in these
statements which is the reason why we tend to roll our eyes when we hear them. However, I
suppose I will follow in the footsteps of many in saying that the Berlin summer abroad program
was indeed a life changing experience. Though, I would add that the tailored experience, the
culture, language and so on, were factors in my awe while abroad, the ability to mold the trip
into one of wonder and adventure in your own eyes is what makes the cliché saying a reality.
The German department’s Berlin summer abroad program is not just educational or useful, but it
opens a plethora of doors in which students may explore a potentially new place in a variety of
different ways. Through history or culture, architecture or food, you can create your own quasi
class which will enhance the general benefits of the program overall. By far the greatest piece for
me while studying abroad was the ability to see with my own eyes the many wonders which I
have heard or read about. Couple this with the spontaneous outings with friends and you are
almost guaranteed to have a unique story to tell. All this is beyond what is advertised upfront, but
what comes with the program shouldn’t be swept aside. Classes are set in a way where you may
progress at your own pace. Professors are kind and there to help. The added cultural studies
which are separate from your regular German classes give you a fantastic chance to learn,
explore, and have fun in a mostly outdoor setting. For those looking to improve their German
and/or get ahead credit wise before the start of the next academic year, I highly encourage you to
sign up. For those who have no German language or German anything experience, as well as
those who are not German majors/minors, do not hesitate to join. I was a history student and
nothing during the program seemed irrelevant to me. As I said before, it’s all about how you mold
your journey using the many resources made available to you. Plus, there are plenty of
scholarship opportunities for those who may need them. All in all, I would highly recommend
the Berlin summer abroad program to any and all students, as it was truly life changing." - Alexander Reiss