Germany: Lita Elkendier
Program: CIEE Berlin Open Campus, Fall
Lita’s Major: Journalism
Describe your internship, research, or fieldwork and how the experience helped advance your career or studies.
I worked as a Marketing & Communications Intern for a startup called Silicon Allee. It was so interesting to see how startup environments and European workplaces operate, and I learned so much. I worked closely with the Marketing lead for the company and was able to be fully immersed in projects, and was trusted to work independently. I managed the company’s social media accounts, created content and graphics, promoted and attended company events, and networked with Berlin techies and innovators. The trust and support from my supervisor helped me become confident in my skills and take on new challenges. I learned that I have a knack for social media strategy and that I really enjoy working on smaller teams. Interning abroad made me realize that I don’t want this to be my last experience in Europe. After graduation, I plan to return to Europe to pursue my life and career!
My study abroad experience was very transformative. I grew tremendously in terms of independence, flexibility, perspective, and creativity. Berlin is a very open and creative community, so I felt confident in expressing myself through fashion, movement, and art and trying new things. The people of Berlin were inspiring and made me feel safe in taking chances and standing out.
What challenges or barriers did you face as you prepared to go abroad and/or during your time abroad? How did you work through them?
I worried that people would be very unfriendly; I feel like that is a narrative that we are fed often about European countries. But I found that most people were actually very friendly, in ways that I have never experienced in America. If your program doesn’t require a language, I still suggest that you learn the basics of your host country’s language. People appreciate the effort!
How were your program academics similar or different from taking classes at UW-Madison?
Academics at CIEE followed a more intense time schedule, but the professors were managing small classrooms (~10 students) so it was much easier to engage. Most of the courses were geared towards learning more about Berlin and included excursions around the city to enhance our learning and explore while still learning. I got to make meaningful connections with my professors. At UW-Madison, I was never able to make those professional relationships possible because of sheer numbers. I stay in touch with many of my CIEE professors and we would chat over coffee often while I was in Berlin! From these connections and my hard work in class, I’ve been able to network, find professional support, and even receive job opportunities.