Voices from Abroad: Martina Vucenovich

Berlin (Germany), THEMIS: Freie Universität Berlin

My THEMIS experience was a life-changing journey; one of those incredible experiences which is hard to say good-bye to. As a THEMIS student, I was given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to widen my intellectual and academic horizons by spending one semester at a partner university, attending a specialized seminar in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and participating in an international internship abroad.

I was selected to attend my semester abroad at Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany.

Berlin Cathedral

Inspired by principles of freedom and internationality, FU is one of the leading universities in Germany and one of the most internationally oriented universities in Europe. The choice to attend Freie Universität Berlin stemmed from both the quality of the educational and social experiences available to its students and the course of study offered by the institution.

The school's international and multicultural context creates a great motivational and intellectually stimulating educational environment, representing part of what makes attending FU a singular experience. Its diversity represented an important additional strength that enabled me to be exposed to different opinions and new ways of life, to exchange ideas and gain new perspectives.

FU offers a wide range of courses both in German and English. THEMIS students select classes – held in English – from a short list; however, they can also attend one class held in German. The THEMIS courses mostly focus on European Law. Classes are usually small-sized pushing students to be more pro-active, discuss topics and share opinions during classes; it especially allows students to establish a strong bond with the distinguished professors and TAs.

Along with more "traditional" classes, FU offers its students the possibility to enroll in more "dynamic" courses, which usually involve simulations. I attended the Model European Union class, which turned out to be one of the best experiences I have ever had so far. Along with other fellow students, I was given the opportunity to work closely with Afghan diplomats from the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on diplomatic issues. Furthermore, we were also invited for a Gala dinner at the "Auswärtiges Amt" (the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and introduced to the Afghan ambassador in Germany.

Located in Dahlem, an amazing residential area at the outskirts of town, FU can be easily reached by subway or by bus. The Philologische Bibliothek, the main library, is most certainly one of the most remarkable elements on campus; it is designed in the shape of a human brain and, therefore, called "The Brain."

Martina and other THEMIS students

The famous quote reads "Paris is always Paris, but Berlin is never Berlin." Berlin is great place to study abroad. It is an extremely fascinating and intriguing cosmopolitan city which perfectly combines history, art, architecture, culture, nature and entertainment. Even if you've never opened a history book, you will definitely be intrigued by the recent and relevant history of Berlin: you will want to touch the Berliner Mauer, stand in Babelplatz or hear all the escape stories at Checkpoint Charlie. You will never get bored for there is always something to do from underground bars in Oranienburgerstrasse to retro-clothes stores, from vibrant artwork expositions to the silent disco in Gendarmenmarkt. And do not forget the Weihnachtsmärkte during Christmastime! Berlin is a tailor-made city for students. It is a very cheap city full of clubs, bars and weird and original parties everywhere. You will basically depend on the Semesterticket (public transportation ticket). It needs to be said that public transportation is very efficient and runs everywhere and at every hour, especially during weekends.

Unlike what most people may think, it is not easy to find an apartment (so-called WGs – shared apartments) in Berlin: students usually undergo some interviews (yes, indeed, INTERVIEWS!) and, therefore, it is easier to find a place once on location. However, the student dorms are a great solution for accommodation: it is a very multicultural place to live, since it hosts students coming from all around the globe, from Korea to Chile, from the United States to Russia. By living and working together, students develop tolerance and respect for others, an appreciation of cultural diversity, and the opportunity to build strong, life-long relationships.

My time in Berlin was simply extraordinary. There is not one day that goes by that I do not miss my German life. My advice to you is to take all the opportunities that the THEMIS program offers. Believe me, it is a truly life-changing experience. You will never regret it.