留学生だより

Nicholas Alexandrou(to Hertie)

I participated in a four month exchange with the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, in 2010 to complete the last semester of my degree. A thoroughly stimulating and enjoyable experience both academically and privately, I sincerely recommend students considering an exchange to consider Hertie.

For my part, I would consider the following three reasons as justification in choosing Hertie as a destination for an exchange:

  1. Most of the academic & administrative staff and students have extensive experience in multiple countries around the world. Such a broad range of experiences and views will provide ample opportunity for you to broaden your world view and, therefore, the types of policy frameworks that you will have recourse to in your career as a policy professional. If you intend to become a policy professional on a global scale, Hertie is an exceptional start.
  2. Hertie has great facilities. Not only are the study rooms many, the atmosphere is also conducive for study. And, when you are finished studying, the Mitte and surrounding areas are full of opportunities to relax and enjoy yourself.
  3. It is located in central Berlin! Not only is Berlin itself a great place to live, it is in the middle of Europe and travel during breaks is very convenient via train, plane, or automobile. The following article captures much of what I felt in Berlin:
    BEING THERE: BERLIN

Initially, I was worried that a lack of German language skills (non-existent, actually) would hinder me from integrating with my local community and the city in general. No such anxiety was or is warranted. Most people in Berlin speak English quite well. So much so that it is hard to practise one's German.

With its wealth of history, great beer, and a convenience for travel par excellence, Berlin is a place that I will not soon forget. My life at Hertie was academically challenging and was a valuable investment in my future. You, the reader, may read with distrust at this seemingly blatant advertisement for the things that await you at Hertie and in Berlin. There may be some truth to that (Berlin truly is interesting) but, you will only know for sure if you go there yourself. Are you up for an adventure whilst studying to become a policy professional at GraSPP?

Understand today. Shape tomorrow.

留学生だより

2010年1月掲載

2009年10月掲載