Hanna Carlsson

Source: https://berlin.stanford.edu/student-life/student-testimonials/hanna-carlsson Parent: https://berlin.stanford.edu

Hanna Carlsson (she/her) - Stanford in Berlin

Major:International Relations

Minor:German Studies

College year while abroad: Spring 2025

About the photo: This is me while hanging out with friends in Kreuzberg!

Contact

Email: hannacar@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.

Q&As

Why did you choose to study in Berlin?

I wanted to study abroad in Berlin before I even started at Stanford. I started learning German in high school, and when I visited Berlin in 2023, I instantly fell in love. Berlin struck me as a unique intersection of history and modernity—every corner of the city told a story. I was eager to live, work, and study in the city to fully explore everything it had to offer. The immersive aspect of the Berlin program especially appealed to me, particularly the chance to live with a host family, engage with locals, and improve my German.

How did studying away support your academic growth?

In addition to fulfilling some major requirements, the courses I took in Berlin helped me learn through real-life experience, not just classroom instruction. Everything I studied—German history, language, or sport culture (shoutout Wolf’s class)—I later encountered in the city. The unique courses and intimate class sizes also allowed me to engage directly with my teachers and form deeper connections with my classmates. I attended sporting events, plays, and concerts, and learned about Berlin's history with the city as a backdrop (genuinely “vor Ort”). My experience in Berlin made me more motivated to ask questions, critically engage, and make my learning tangible.

What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?

During my time in Berlin, I learned to embrace independence and spontaneity in a way that felt completely different from life back home. Berlin’s public transportation meant that I could go anywhere, anytime, relatively easily (something I’m not used to in Texas or California). Throughout the quarter, I started taking myself on solo dates around the city, exploring new cafes, museums, districts, and anything else I was interested in. I stopped for unplanned coffee breaks, took the scenic route back, and quit stressing about having a set plan. As someone who loves following a routine, this was an unexpected—but welcome—change in pace.

Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.

A typical day in Berlin started at 8:30 am. I'd wake up, get dressed, make breakfast, and take the U-Bahn to the Stanford center for class. After I'd finish classes for the day, I'd meet up with people from my cohort to eat, visit a new museum, explore a new part of the city, or enjoy the spring weather. My favorite part of the day was always this period of exploration and uncertainty—I never knew where the day would take me. In the evenings, if I wasn’t attending an event or meeting up with friends, I'd cook dinner at home and catch up with my host family. I’d then complete any homework I had left then head to bed!

If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?

For my Krupp internship, I worked with two refugee-focused non-profits in Berlin. As a member of these small, motivated, ethics-driven teams, I got the opportunity to learn about the bureaucratic and societal obstacles that refugees face in Berlin through direct and personal interactions. I visited refugee accommodation centers, volunteered at events, and met with community and political leaders. These positions greatly improved my German speaking and writing skills and pushed me to break out of my comfort zone, particularly when speaking in my non-native language.

What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?

Definitely my black sambas. I walked (minimum) 10k steps every single day in Berlin, and I wore these shoes 95% of the time. They are simple, comfortable, and with the "all-black" aesthetic of Berlin, you can never go wrong.

What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?

Do it! You won’t regret it. No matter your interests, you can tailor your study abroad experience to align with your personal and academic goals. And when you go, commit to the experience! Spend time learning the language, exploring the city, connecting with your cohort, and building relationships with the locals. Be present, inquisitive, and open-minded.