JI’s 2012 Winter Program in Technische Universität Berlin (TUB) took place from December 18, 2011 to January 20, 2012. Twelve students participated in the program, led by Ms. Qi Wu, JI’s Students’ Affairs Manager.
During the program, students underwent 72 hours of German language training. Starting from zero and bit by bit, students learned basic grammar, pronunciation rules, and frequently used phrases for daily life and travel. Their German instructor Dr. Loo who is originally from Italy is an experienced teacher. She used advanced techniques to help students grasp the lesson contents. Dr. Loo’s teaching was interspersed with German geography, culture, and history, which opened the students’ eyes.
In addition to language class, students toured the laboratories of Technische Universität Berlin and visited the factory of Mercedes-Benz, from which they experienced the high-tech side of Germany. The program also exposed them to German culture. Students visited the Berlin Wall, Parliament building, Brandenburg Gate, and National Gallery, from which they learned about Germany’s history, economic and political situations.
Besides the weekends and the Christmas-New Year holidays, students had some free time at the end of the program to explore other parts of Germany and neighboring countries. They divided into different travel groups. Some went to see the windmills in the Netherlands, some tasted the beer in Munich, and some admired the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo at Louvre Museum in Paris. Others skied on the Swiss Alps and enjoyed a concert at the Golden Hall in Vienna. Students learned a lot, from planning a trip, experiencing a foreign culture, and learning a new language.
Every student passed the German class with excellent grades. At the farewell dinner, Dr. Loo handed out the certificates to the students, which successfully concluded the Winter Program.
JI’s TUB Winter Program is a 4-week German language and culture exchange activity. There are, on average, 15 hours of language training every week, with emphasis on daily usage and technical application. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to travel around Berlin, nearby cities and countries to experience European history and culture.
If you are interested in finding out more about this trip or the next trip in December 2012, please contact Viva Du at viva.du@sjtu.edu.cn.
Photo by Huajun Zhang, Heri Zhao, Meng Xue, Zheyan
Han
