Student Testimonial: Selen (Germany)
Selen's Bio: Selen is a fourth-year student double-majoring in Economics and Peace, Conflict, and Justice. She plans to pursue further studies within the intersection of innovation policy and digital platforms. She is originally from Istanbul, Turkey, and enjoys volunteering at festivals in her free time.
Selen shared her remarks on taking GER354Y0 in the Germany Summer Abroad program. From taking a field trip to the Communication Museum to learning about innovation in the creative industries, Selen is immensely grateful for the experience as she navigates her post-grad path. Read her testimonial below to see what it’s like to take the Germany Summer Abroad program.
How was your Summer Abroad experience in Berlin?
I will cherish my time in Berlin for a long time. I believe everyone should experience the city in their youth, especially since it is different than other European metropolises. The history of the city is present in everyday life. Berliners lounging in the shadows of the wall, conversing at the steps of the Dom, or parking their car on what used to be Hitler’s bunker, display what and how they choose to remember. "Be unique, be diverse, be Berlin” used to be the city’s slogan, yet there is one thing that is imminent for the city’s identity: change. If Berlin sprouted again and again within the cracks of its ruins, so can a Berliner.
What was the most significant insight you gained about entrepreneurship or cultural identity from the program?
A creative genius producing their chef-d’œuvre up in the mountains in a cabin is a myth. Creativity doesn’t flourish in isolation. Third spaces that allow for conversation and the exchange of ideas are crucial for the city’s creative pulse. Incentives to innovate are inherently correlated to the existence of a competitive environment; we saw this within the growth of the publishing industry and the development of the film industry and press agencies. On the other hand, Germany provides substantial funding for the creative industries as well as subsidies. A dual intervention mechanism is employed from the demand and supply sides, and it proves successful.
What was your favorite memory from visiting Berlin’s creative industries or cultural landmarks?
There was one day when we had class in the morning, and later a field trip to the Communication Museum. After, I visited the Jewish Museum and the Yoko Ono exhibit at the Gropius Bau and had dinner with friends at Prenzlauer Berg. As we were leisurely descending towards the hotel at sundown, we came across a park. A grand grass landscape where the green wasn’t even visible from the crowd watching the sunset on it. I felt truly happy after a productive day of learning, and I happened to stumble upon a place where everyone seemed relaxed and content. I remembered that “this was the whole point”.
What advice would you give to a student who is thinking about taking this course in Berlin?
Do your research, but do not plan your day down to the T. Let your curiosity guide you but also know that all of the tourist attractions, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Fernsehturn, are ten times more enjoyable when you know why you should care about them. Do not get your restaurant recommendations from English reviews, if you want to avoid touristy spots.
How has this experience influenced you academically, professionally, or personally?
Meeting filmmakers, gaming executives, museum guides passionate about their work, and press agency teams gave me the fuel I needed to navigate my post-grad path. I observed, reflected, analyzed, wrote, and debated; I had the chance to fully immerse myself in questions that had lingered in my mind for a long time. In attempting to decipher Berlin’s creative secrets, I uncovered my own. I am deeply grateful to Professor Gargova for designing and teaching this course with such care and attention, her guidance enabled us to explore, thus, learn.