In the summer of 2017, I studied abroad at Technische Universitat Berlin. I took classes in Java Programming, German, and Satellite Design. Here's a photo gallery showcasing the amazing time I had learning and living in Deutschland!
Below is my reflection and my supervisor's evaluation of my participation in the program.
Reflection (Experiential Learning)
Wow. Where and how to begin? I'm finding it particularly difficult because I feel that not only did my explicit objectives constitute my learning experience in Berlin, but every facet of my daily life as well. My classes introduced me to incredible, applicable topics and provided a basis of knowledge that will stick with me forever. Throughout the ten-week program and ten days of travelling afterward, I met some of the most interesting and friendly people from all over the world. Working closely with students from countries ranging from China to Czechia, I acquainted myself with many cultures beyond that of Germany's. Moreover, I became far more acquainted with myself than ever before. A couple times I encountered the bizarre realization that there I was, alone in a foreign land with no friends or familiar faces. But ninety-nine percent of the time that fact was irrelevant, as I quickly and continuously met others in the same boat as I that were also looking for spontaneous new experiences.
Regarding the university, the program was not quite what I expected in ways both positive and negative. I had anticipated a program that was similar to the Summer Quarter here at UW, where accepted UW students can sign up for whatever classes they are allowed to and are mixed in with whomever else signs up. What I found at TU Berlin was a Summer University Program oriented toward international students that offered small, well-guided classes. I was disappointed that I wouldn't be working with and among a German majority of students in a typical TU Berlin classroom environment because I feel that situation would have brought me closer to the country's locals and the language. However, the highly international, small-class alternative that I experienced allowed me to make friends of my colleagues from all over the globe and fostered a conducive learning environment with no shortage of guidance.
The program directors and employees were unfathomably warm and helpful, and quickly after meeting them it felt like I had a group of knowledgeable friends that I could go to for advice on Berlin or even just a friendly chat. They made a passionate effort to show the students around Berlin and give us a starting point for our own exploration of the magnificent city. Young, interesting, and relatable, the program employees truly made everything run smoothly.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the location and facilities of the university. Placed on the western edge of the Tiergarten, Berlin's 'Central Park,' TU feels like an integral part of the city that is engulfed in its history and culture. The buildings each have their own personalities, and some even have cafeterias on the top floors that overlook the whole city. The campus always reminded me of the highly productive side of the Berlin lifestyle, which I feel is often overlooked. The people, environment, and fantastic commute that passed countless landmarks made me excited to go to class every day.
Each of the three classes I took advanced my abilities and brought me closer to each of my goals in the subject areas. However, since the classes were short, I must continue to build upon the strengths I was developing. My first class, Java Programming, lasted four weeks and involved particularly long hours of sitting at a computer testing code. Still, I barely caught a glimpse of the uses of the language and my ability to write code remains basic. However, the class improved my ability to solve problems and look at obstacles in various ways until a pathway to success is found. Although I don't see myself becoming a computer scientist, the skills I learned will undoubtedly come in handy in the future.
My second class was German and lasted two weeks. I've wanted to learn German for many years at this point, so I was disappointed that the program only offered two weeks of a relatively relaxed class. However, during that time I was elated to be learning new words and phrases that I could try to insert into my daily life. I received a 4.0 in the class, but felt unsatisfied by the amount that I'd learned regardless. The sad truth about life in Berlin is that it's hard to learn German just by going out and listening and speaking. Nearly everyone speaks English and prefers to use it instead of having to needlessly struggle to speak or understand in a conversation. Also, it's such an international city that many residents even prefer to speak English. Nevertheless, the class helped my progression in the language and it's up to me to continue working on it.
The third and final class was CanSat: Satellite Design and lasted four weeks. This class was by far and away the most interesting, exciting, and educational. It began with various lectures given by university staff that actively work on space science projects, mainly those involving satellites that the university develops and operates. I was surprised to find out the extent of TU Berlin's satellite program, which is truly impressive and ongoing. The department even launched a small satellite last July aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. The lecturers taught us about the past projects completed by the university and about technologies the university was researching for potential commercial use. The goal of the class was to have the students participate in a mock satellite project from start to finish. The objective was to create a payload that would be propelled to at least 60 meters by a rocket, eject from the rocket, and then collect data as it and the rocket parachuted down to the ground safely. We first learned about all the necessary components of a satellite: structure, propulsion, power, data systems, and sensors. Then we were put into groups and began designing and constructing. My group consisted of me (19), a student from Cairo (24), and two students from Beijing (23). Communicating was difficult at times as the Chinese students were not very adept at English, however working with an international team and overcoming those difficulties was part of the fun of the project despite the occasional frustrations. I oversaw the ejection mechanism, which allowed me to practice my 3D printing and designing skills. Developing a functional system for an integral aspect of a project was stressful at times, but in the end felt rewarding as I knew the hours I'd put into the project paid off on launch day. Along the way I learned a lot about the development process for space projects as well as the space environment, spacecraft, and their subsystems. This class gave me my first taste of a career in Aerospace engineering, and I can safely say I'm looking forward to the future.
Another reason my future is looking bright is that during my time in Berlin I was accepted into the Aeronautics and Astronautics department at UW. Although I was confident I'd eventually be accepted, it is a huge relief to be accepted early, as now I can focus on my studies without the looming fear of a forced change in my studies. I'm proud to be a part of the major and now it's just a matter of correct scheduling and following my passion.
Throughout my time in Berlin I came to realize my love for learning, especially when the consequences of failure aren't grave and threatening. People questioned why I wanted to study during the summer for non-essential credits, and the simple answer is that I want to learn and experience as much as I can, both in the classroom and outside it. I elected to have my grades count as satisfactory/not-satisfactory so that I could simply enjoy learning without fearing a drop in my GPA. It turns out that if my grades had counted my GPA would have risen, but I still don't regret my selection as my time studying in Berlin was stress-free and still very rewarding. And, now that I'm in my major, I am especially excited to be learning without as much stress back home in Seattle.
My experience in Berlin was unforgettable and like many that visit, I am determined to return. The vibrant, bohemian city is a place of industry, art, and history. Every day I discovered something new and exciting, and even though I spent just ten short weeks there, I feel a certain pride in saying the quote from our late president: "Ich bin ein Berliner!"
Regarding the university, the program was not quite what I expected in ways both positive and negative. I had anticipated a program that was similar to the Summer Quarter here at UW, where accepted UW students can sign up for whatever classes they are allowed to and are mixed in with whomever else signs up. What I found at TU Berlin was a Summer University Program oriented toward international students that offered small, well-guided classes. I was disappointed that I wouldn't be working with and among a German majority of students in a typical TU Berlin classroom environment because I feel that situation would have brought me closer to the country's locals and the language. However, the highly international, small-class alternative that I experienced allowed me to make friends of my colleagues from all over the globe and fostered a conducive learning environment with no shortage of guidance.
The program directors and employees were unfathomably warm and helpful, and quickly after meeting them it felt like I had a group of knowledgeable friends that I could go to for advice on Berlin or even just a friendly chat. They made a passionate effort to show the students around Berlin and give us a starting point for our own exploration of the magnificent city. Young, interesting, and relatable, the program employees truly made everything run smoothly.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the location and facilities of the university. Placed on the western edge of the Tiergarten, Berlin's 'Central Park,' TU feels like an integral part of the city that is engulfed in its history and culture. The buildings each have their own personalities, and some even have cafeterias on the top floors that overlook the whole city. The campus always reminded me of the highly productive side of the Berlin lifestyle, which I feel is often overlooked. The people, environment, and fantastic commute that passed countless landmarks made me excited to go to class every day.
Each of the three classes I took advanced my abilities and brought me closer to each of my goals in the subject areas. However, since the classes were short, I must continue to build upon the strengths I was developing. My first class, Java Programming, lasted four weeks and involved particularly long hours of sitting at a computer testing code. Still, I barely caught a glimpse of the uses of the language and my ability to write code remains basic. However, the class improved my ability to solve problems and look at obstacles in various ways until a pathway to success is found. Although I don't see myself becoming a computer scientist, the skills I learned will undoubtedly come in handy in the future.
My second class was German and lasted two weeks. I've wanted to learn German for many years at this point, so I was disappointed that the program only offered two weeks of a relatively relaxed class. However, during that time I was elated to be learning new words and phrases that I could try to insert into my daily life. I received a 4.0 in the class, but felt unsatisfied by the amount that I'd learned regardless. The sad truth about life in Berlin is that it's hard to learn German just by going out and listening and speaking. Nearly everyone speaks English and prefers to use it instead of having to needlessly struggle to speak or understand in a conversation. Also, it's such an international city that many residents even prefer to speak English. Nevertheless, the class helped my progression in the language and it's up to me to continue working on it.
The third and final class was CanSat: Satellite Design and lasted four weeks. This class was by far and away the most interesting, exciting, and educational. It began with various lectures given by university staff that actively work on space science projects, mainly those involving satellites that the university develops and operates. I was surprised to find out the extent of TU Berlin's satellite program, which is truly impressive and ongoing. The department even launched a small satellite last July aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket. The lecturers taught us about the past projects completed by the university and about technologies the university was researching for potential commercial use. The goal of the class was to have the students participate in a mock satellite project from start to finish. The objective was to create a payload that would be propelled to at least 60 meters by a rocket, eject from the rocket, and then collect data as it and the rocket parachuted down to the ground safely. We first learned about all the necessary components of a satellite: structure, propulsion, power, data systems, and sensors. Then we were put into groups and began designing and constructing. My group consisted of me (19), a student from Cairo (24), and two students from Beijing (23). Communicating was difficult at times as the Chinese students were not very adept at English, however working with an international team and overcoming those difficulties was part of the fun of the project despite the occasional frustrations. I oversaw the ejection mechanism, which allowed me to practice my 3D printing and designing skills. Developing a functional system for an integral aspect of a project was stressful at times, but in the end felt rewarding as I knew the hours I'd put into the project paid off on launch day. Along the way I learned a lot about the development process for space projects as well as the space environment, spacecraft, and their subsystems. This class gave me my first taste of a career in Aerospace engineering, and I can safely say I'm looking forward to the future.
Another reason my future is looking bright is that during my time in Berlin I was accepted into the Aeronautics and Astronautics department at UW. Although I was confident I'd eventually be accepted, it is a huge relief to be accepted early, as now I can focus on my studies without the looming fear of a forced change in my studies. I'm proud to be a part of the major and now it's just a matter of correct scheduling and following my passion.
Throughout my time in Berlin I came to realize my love for learning, especially when the consequences of failure aren't grave and threatening. People questioned why I wanted to study during the summer for non-essential credits, and the simple answer is that I want to learn and experience as much as I can, both in the classroom and outside it. I elected to have my grades count as satisfactory/not-satisfactory so that I could simply enjoy learning without fearing a drop in my GPA. It turns out that if my grades had counted my GPA would have risen, but I still don't regret my selection as my time studying in Berlin was stress-free and still very rewarding. And, now that I'm in my major, I am especially excited to be learning without as much stress back home in Seattle.
My experience in Berlin was unforgettable and like many that visit, I am determined to return. The vibrant, bohemian city is a place of industry, art, and history. Every day I discovered something new and exciting, and even though I spent just ten short weeks there, I feel a certain pride in saying the quote from our late president: "Ich bin ein Berliner!"
Supervisor Evaluation
Danny completed all of his courses with flying colours, and was an absolute asset to our program. His overview of the summer program here is a great reflection of the experience that we want students to have on our summer programs: a learning experience that is both academically demanding and that challenges inter-cultural perspectives and enables students to forge international friendships. Of course while we provide the scaffolding, these aims can only be met with openness, hard work and willingness from participants, and Danny put the effort in, and reaped the positive results. We wish Danny all the best in his onward studies and with starting his major in Aeronautics and Astronautics, and look forward to seeing him if he returns to Berlin!
- Kate Vaughn Williams
- Kate Vaughn Williams