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Being there with the people I was living and studying with made it stick in a way that classes alone never do.
Blake Backes, Duke in Berlin (Fall 2025)
What was your favorite memory from your study away experience?
Going to Leipzig with my whole cohort. We learned the city’s history and how the Monday demonstrations in 1989 connected to the protests that helped bring down the Berlin Wall. Being there with the people I was living and studying with made it stick in a way that classes alone never do.
What was a class activity that stood out to you during your program?
Anything that got us out into the city and forced us to pay attention and engage. The best moments were when we tied what we were learning to real places, then talked about it together as a group.
Where were your favorite places to go in your host city?
The TU library. It’s in downtown Berlin and open 24/7, so it became the default spot to lock in, especially the nights before exams. I ended up there a lot with friends, which made studying feel more manageable.
Another exciting art class outside of the classroom
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Tarantino's Chair and Jacket from when "Inglorious Basterds" (sic) was shot in Berlin
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Friendsgiving at the KoLu... plenty of food, secrets spilled and memories
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1 expert, 2 newbies, guess who.
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My friend Alex Free and I studying in TU Library
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Why did you decide to do this program?
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I wanted a real view of international business, not just the U.S. perspective, and Berlin felt like the right place to do that. It also mattered to me personally. Both sides of my family are German, so being in Germany gave me a chance to reconnect with that part of my background while improving my German.
What advice do you have for other students considering Duke in Berlin?
Say yes to optional excursions and random plans. They end up being the best memories. Find one study spot early and make it your routine. Also, do not wait to “get good enough” at the language before you talk to people. Just start. You learn faster than you think.