Studying in Berlin was both exciting and eye-opening. At first, I thought the cultural differences wouldn’t be that big, but I soon realized that Germans are much more straightforward compared to Finnish people. At times, their directness felt a bit rude, but as I got used to it, I started to appreciate their honesty and efficiency.
The academic culture was also different—there was a strong emphasis on independent learning, and discussions in class were more open and critical compared to what I was used to in Finland. One thing I really liked was the variety of courses available, especially in business studies. Many professors had real-world experience and encouraged students to think critically and debate different viewpoints.
One of the best things about Berlin was the food culture. While traditional German food like sausages, schnitzel, and pretzels wasn’t really my thing, the international food scene was amazing. Berlin is a very multicultural city, and you can find food from almost every corner of the world. Döner kebab and currywurst are street food staples, and I found myself eating döner way too often because it was cheap and delicious!
Berlin is also a paradise for cafés. There were so many cozy and unique coffee spots where I could sit for hours, studying or just people-watching. My favorite cafés were the ones with a relaxed atmosphere and good pastries. Some places had a very hipster feel, with plants, bookshelves, and even old vinyl records playing in the background.
Of course, I couldn’t talk about Berlin without mentioning its famous nightlife. The techno scene is something truly unique, and I had to experience it at least once. The clubs were unlike anything I had seen before—huge, industrial spaces with intense music and an atmosphere that felt more like an art installation than a regular nightclub. Even if techno wasn’t my usual type of music, it was still an incredible experience.
Berlin is packed with history, and I loved exploring its many museums. Museum Island was one of my favorite spots, with stunning historical buildings and some of the best museums in the city. The Pergamon Museum was incredible, especially the ancient artifacts and huge reconstructed buildings from different cultures. The East Side Gallery, with its long stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in murals, was also one of the most powerful places I visited.
Art is everywhere in Berlin—not just in museums but on the streets too. Every neighborhood had its own character, and some areas, like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, were covered in graffiti and murals. It made the whole city feel like an open-air art gallery.
Berlin was definitely the right choice for me. It was unlike any place I had ever been before, and I loved how every area of the city had its own unique vibe. Even though I wasn’t a big fan of traditional German food, the city’s international food scene made up for it—I got to try so many different cuisines from all over the world.
This exchange experience broadened my perspective in ways I didn’t expect. Meeting people from different cultures, adapting to a new way of studying, and exploring a city as unique as Berlin made this an unforgettable adventure. If you’re considering an exchange, I highly recommend Berlin—it’s a city full of life, culture, and endless opportunities.
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