Exchange Experiences
A semester abroad is more than just studying in another country. Rather, it is a unique intercultural experience for all students who take this opportunity.
Berlin International students spend their time abroad all over the world. Whether as part of the Erasmus+ program within Europe or as Freemovers in many other places around the world. Their testimonials reflect their experiences of studying or interning abroad, evaluate their intercultural stay, and offer useful tips and information about the city, university, and local life.
Here you will find a selection, sorted by country, of testimonials from students who have had an exchange at partner universities abroad or at Berlin International during their studies.
Read on and learn more about the experiences of our students at partner universities as well as about the experiences of visiting students at Berlin International!
Experiences on the Exchange at the Partner Institutions
Ilaria Baracco
Program: Business Administration | International Management & Marketing
Partner Institution: University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
Exchange Program: DAAD-Promos
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to spend a semester at USC. Not only did I discover a new country and make new friends, but I also got to know a new culture and new values. Having to face new teaching methods was challenging at the beginning, but all the professors were kind and happy to help, and my new course-mates were glad to meet international students and didn’t hesitate to involve me in their social activities. In addition to these social activities, I joined the campus volleyball team and a volunteer internship program in International Development, Social Entrepreneurship, and Leadership.
I left with friends that I now consider family, and can’t wait to share what I learned with the rest of the BI community.
Nora Gustafsson Rida
Program: Interior Architecture/Interior Design
Partner Institution: Ecole Camondo, Paris, France
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
If I had to describe my exchange semester at Camondo Paris in one word, it would be – Enriching! Although changing universities can be overwhelming at first, the challenge is really worth it. Moving to a new country and studying another language has definitely shaped me and helped me develop a whole new spectrum of skills beyond my major discipline).
Experiencing foreign teaching methods, learning new perspectives, and improving my language skills have all allowed me to develop my confidence as an aspiring Interior Architect and ultimately enhance my network and career opportunities.
Janine Huebner
Program: Innenarchitektur
Partner Institution: IED Rom, Italy
Exchange Porgram: Erasmus+
I was really excited about my exchange semester. When I got to my classes, I discovered there were four other students doing Erasmus alongside me, thus we had a very international group, and it was really interesting to exchange our experiences, and especially to realize the extent to which every one of our home countries taught Interior Architecture differently. Between this colorful mix of colleagues and the new and foreign environment, my exchange certainly never lacked excitement or new experiences. I also traveled as much as I could during my stay and got to visit many places, such as Pulia, Napoli, Sorrento, Palermo, and finally Milano during the Milano design week. And then of course there was always Rome itself! I am so glad to have been able to enjoy visiting these amazing architectural sites, not to mention the breathtaking local environment. I learned so much about my discipline, and also how to adjust to a different culture and working environment.
I can only recommend this kind of experience to anyone, especially if their ambition is to possibly learn and work in another country.
Linda Klassen
Program: Interior Architecture/Interior Design
Partner Institution: ESAD, Porto, Portugal
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
Taking part in Erasmus is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I’m not sure if it has to do with the fact that over the past two years, we have all been struggling with life due to Covid, but before going on my adventure to Porto, I didn’t really feel like myself anymore. Then while I was there, I met some of the greatest, most inspiring people -- they taught me so much about life, probably without them even realizing it. I have become more open, and more inspired, and most importantly I have found myself again along the way. The 5 months flew by and I don’t even know where the time went. I wouldn’t have missed out on this experience for the world and I am so glad I chose to come here. It has changed my life in so many ways and I will forever be grateful to have had this experience. It taught me to trust the process and to believe in myself and my skills. It also taught me to not take life so seriously and to take care of my body, mind, and soul. To also take breaks when I need them and do not apologize for them. I know I will hold on to these feelings forever.
Although the time has come to an end, I have learned lessons for life.
Elisa Robles Vera
Program: Graphic Design & Visual Communication
Partner Institution: ESAD, Porto, Portugal
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
My time at ESAD was amazing and I will never forget it. I am really happy I decided to apply for an Erasmus semester and get out of my comfort zone. Studying abroad gave me a lot of new insights and different perspectives: learning from different professors is really inspiring and enriches your knowledge as a designer. The classes I took were a great choice, and most of them were in English, which was a plus, and I progressed in many areas that I wanted to explore. The city of Porto is also beautiful and the people were all so helpful and welcoming, it really made me feel at home. The students at ESAD are very friendly too, with a great student association that hosts events every month. Studying abroad is a unique opportunity.
It was one of the best experiences of my life and I will be forever grateful for this.
Alexandra Sadikova
Program: Interior Architecture/Interior Design
Partner Institution: IED Barcelona, Spain
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
My exchange semester at IED Barcelona was a truly unforgettable experience. In general, living in another country for several months is a life-changer: you make new friends, discover a new culture, and get to learn about its history and traditions. It was super exciting to experience different teaching methods, and the IED community showed itself in the best Catalan traditions of hospitality: the teachers, other fellow students as well as the staff were super inclusive and always there to help.
I also fell in love with the city. Barcelona is incredible -- sunny, rich in history and culture, and full of amazing, talented international people and sources of inspiration. It will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Nicole Gusel
Program: Business Administration | International Management & Marketing
Partner Institution: Universidad Europea, Valencia, Spain
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
I am so glad I was able to spend a semester as an exchange student in such a lively and modern city. Prior to arriving, I did not have any expectations. I would look at pictures in excitement, but once I got there the city truly came alive and it felt amazing being able to study there. I felt warmly welcomed at the university and it was a great experience studying in such a diverse setting. My classes were challenging and the teaching structure was extremely different from what I knew from Germany, which I had to get used to but still really enjoyed. I also got used to Spanish life faster than expected. It was not unusual for me to have longer siesta breaks, and therefore early classes in the morning or later at night. Valencia sometimes seems to be deserted, shops close and most of the population spends the midday inside to avoid the heat. In the evening, the city, and especially the districts surrounding the university come alive. I met a lot of inspiring people, made incredible friendships, got to know the Spanish way of life, and was able to develop personally.
Most of all, I learned that if you step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself, that’s how you end up having the most memorable experiences.
Experiences on the Exchange at Berlin International
Oliver Schaller
Program: Interior Design
Partner Institution: New Design University, St. Pölten, Austria
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
Even though the university itself is relatively new, I am happy to have chosen Berlin International. You can tell that the lecturers are qualified and impart the syllabus to the students very well. The choice of tasks for the semester was good, realistic, and with a practical orientation. In a one-to-one conversation if needed. I can recommend Berlin International to everyone who is interested in the area of Interior Design!
Heidi Kresbach
Program: Interior Design
Partner Institution: New Design University, St. Pölten, Austria
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
Berlin International is pleased to announce the achievement of the best results. Within four months, Berlin International became an important part of my life and hopefully, I became part of BI's life :-).
Alicia Bruns
Program: Interior Design
Partner Institution: CREAD, Lyon, France
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
Design is everywhere in Berlin. Discover it! My stay at BAU International Berlin was very exciting. Thank you for everything.
Lula Díaz Reséndiz
Program: Graphic Design & Visual Communication
Partner Institution: Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Mexico
Exhcange Program: Freemover
I was a "BI free mover exchange student". I stayed in Berlin for 7 months and I can say it's amazing! There is no better place to get inspired! A lot of activities, movement, mixed cultures, art ... it's full of life! - Some advantages that BI offers: are English-instructed courses, an excellent location, a good environment, small groups of students, and a good-conditioned working space. If it keeps this way, I am sure I am going to grow and improve in a short period of time.
I'll miss it like crazy!
Nazaré Menéres
Program: Product Design
Partner Institution: ESAD - College of Art and Design, Senhora da Hora, Portugal
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
I did Erasmus at Berlin International and it was one of the best experiences of my help. Berlin is an artistic city, you feel like EVERYWHERE you go, you smell it, you eat it, and you breathe it! I felt so good and safe there, that I did not want to leave. The teachers and all the staff from BI helped me every time I needed them - they really made me feel at home. I will never forget the 6 months that Berlin gave me. I grew up as a designer and as a person, too.
Thank you for everything - and one day I'll return to Berlin for sure :).
Juraj Hornak
Program: Interior Design
Partner Institution: University of Fine Arts and Design, Bratislava, Slovakia
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
I've heard once again about one of my friends. Simple, but catchy: 'The school is not about what you learn in it. It's about the people you meet, it's about the environment. ' Yes, environment, that's what school is about, the small universe where things happen. Universe of Berlin International very much. The diversity of so many different personalities on a small ground is incredible. I've learned things and people I am not going to forget ever in my life. Thank you for that very much BI Uni(vers).
Marty Pardoe & Will Jackson
Program: Product Design
Partner Institution: University of Brighton, Brighton, United Kingdom
Exchange Program: Erasmus+
Our time at Berlin International University is an experience we will never forget. We got to embrace the famous bohemian vibes of the capital and explore the wealth of history Berlin has to offer. The mix of nationalities and cultures makes it a truly unique place, it's an inspiring place to be a designer! The BI community is such a diverse group of staff and students so we got to meet some amazing people. Everyone is so welcoming, we felt at home straight away.
We're planning many return trips to Berlin - missing it already!
