CEA Student Life: Berlin Staff

CEA feels it is very important to have a resident staff that works to ensure the well being of you and all CEA students. Our Program Director in Berlin, Kristin Kerr, and her staff will:

• Be available to assist you with any difficulties or questions that may arise during your program
• Act as a liaison between you and the administration of the host institution
• Help you make a smooth transition into German culture and educational system
• Closely monitor your academic progress
• Organize a wide range of social and cultural activities

Questions about the Berlin staff? Email .

Meet the Berlin Staff

Gerry Kerr Campus Director - Eastern Europe & Southern France

Kristin Kerr Program Director

Here's what Kristin has to say about Berlin

With a population of just under 3.5 million, Berlin is one of the most modern, vibrant and environmentally-friendly cities of the 21st century.

It became the capital of reunified Germany in 1990, after three decades of separation. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Europe's biggest post-war construction project has transformed Berlin into one of the continent’s most intriguing and "must-see'' cities. Today, as you stand on Potsdamer Platz and gaze at the modern high-rise buildings all around you, it is hard to believe that only a few years ago, this was the "death strip" that separated East and West Berlin.

Berlin is vast and diverse. Since it was 2 cities (East and West) before the wall came down, it now has two of everything. Two main train stations, two zoos, two TV towers etc. For that very reason it has twice as many art galleries and museums for students to enjoy.

Berlin has 16 universities, 3 opera houses, 8 symphony orchestras, 150 theaters, more than 300 libraries and 174 museums. More than 1,400 cultural events take place in the city on any given day. Despite its size, it is incredibly green, with 35% of the city’s area made up of forests, parks, lakes, rivers and canals which students can take advantage of during the warm sunny summer months. Berlin is paradise for cyclists, since there are bike lanes on every street. Many students rent bikes to get around town. Public transportation is punctual, frequent and very affordable.

Berlin is a very friendly, safe city, where the cost of living is quite low compared to other major European capitals. The city’s nightlife is legendary. Lively, cosmopolitan areas such as Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg have some of the best clubs, bars and restaurants in the city. Many of Berlin’s theaters, cinemas, museums and galleries, including the five museums on the Berlin Museumsinsel (Museum Island) are a short walk from the Humboldt Universität zu Berlin campus. The Museum of Natural History, located on the Humboldt campus has impressive collections of dinosaurs and minerals.

During the Berlin summer program there will be lots of opportunities to interact with German and International students of your own age. The international student club, “Orbis Humboldtianus”, for example, organizes many special activities where international and German students can get acquainted. Students at the beginner level should not worry, since most young Berliners will speak reasonably good English and will be eager to help you to get started with your German.

By the end of the CEA summer program in Germany, I am confident you will truly say, “Ich bin ein Berliner”.