Berlin, Emotions, and Finding Myself

By: Elizabeth Prieto

Studying Abroad is a daunting task. At times, it can be extremely lonely and overwhelming. But luckily, CIEE is an exceptional program that has the utmost care for its students. During an orientation day, which is perhaps the most difficult part of the study abroad experience, one of the wonderful CIEE staff members shared a quote from a former mayor of the city where I was. “Berlin ist arm, aber sexy,” translating to: “Berlin is poor, but sexy.” That quote really spoke to me, and I started to see how it could apply to myself. Sure, I was a little emotionally all over the place, but I could still have fun and feel great about myself). 

As I filled my days with vintage shopping, learning to cook a few German staples, and taking yoga and Zumba classes, I slowly began to not just experience Berlin, but immerse myself in it. And that's the core of what studying abroad is. Sure, it makes for some amazing stories and cute pictures, but it also provides the opportunity to discover who you are in a completely different setting, allowing you to know yourself better. Though I am only roughly a month and a half in, I am so much gentler with myself than I was before. I’m embracing all the “embarrassing” parts of myself. 

So my biggest advice to those studying abroad in the future is: be prepared to learn about not just another culture but yourself as well. While that can be scary, it’s freeing, especially in a place you’ve never been before. Don’t push down your emotions, marinate in them.

EXPLORE BERLIN