Aliana Arzola

Source: https://berlin.stanford.edu/student-life/student-testimonials/aliana-arzola Parent: https://berlin.stanford.edu

Aliana Arzola (she/her) - Lead Ambassador - Stanford in Berlin

Major: International Relations

Minors:Economics, German Studies

College year while abroad:Spring 2024

About the photo: This was me taking my parents around the heart of Mitte (and hence, Berlin) when they came to visit. Walking around the Museumsinsel and Lustgarten area during golden hour was such a highlight, especially since it was so peaceful that day!

Contact

Email: arzola26@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.

Q&As

Why did you choose to study in Berlin?

I have been captivated by Germany ever since they won the 2014 FIFA World Cup (they’re my dad’s favorite national team). Since I love language learning, Berlin was ideal for developing this love of the language further! Also, learning about history and change fascinates me, especially the Cold War. Living and learning in the city that essentially encapsulates that history was as exciting as it was a challenge. In short, it had everything I was looking for in a program: cultural and historical richness, a great location in Europe, city-based academics, the Krupp Internship program, and a bustling city environment.

How did studying away support your academic growth?

The tight-knit classes allowed me a more interactive academic experience all while completing major, minor, and language requirements. In Berlin, three out of the four classes had less than 13 people! I had the chance to take a one-on-one German class, which was amazing for my conversation skills. Our Contemporary Theater class also just had 3 students, which made for great in-depth discussions. Aside from major classes like Globalization and Germany, I was also able to explore in a way I may not have time for back on campus. I took everything from Medical Ethics to Theater and, if you’re unsure, it’s great for WAYs!

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

Although this experience was something I was greatly looking forward to, the actual logistics of *being* in a new country were challenging and pushed me to adapt creatively. From having half-day time differences with loved ones to no longer having the community and convenience of campus life, it was quite a change. I took this in stride and embraced living in the moment in all Berlin had to offer, using the “discomfort” to push myself to explore, live, and change. With this, I also learned to advocate for myself better in unfamiliar situations, taking some of that Berliner directness with me.

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

A typical day often looked like a couple of classes (mine included topics like theater, the German economy, medical ethics and women's health, and German!), cooking lunch at the center, exploring new parts of the city like museums, coffee shops, and parks, and finding new restaurants to try! My favorite part was taking public transit! I don't love driving, so I welcomed the chance to explore the whole city--and country--with trains! Berlin's public transit is varied, accessible, and relatively easy to understand! Getting anywhere is truly doable :)

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

I have completed one Krupp Internship and am currently doing another! This year, I am working at the German Council on Foreign Relations' English-language foreign affairs magazine, Internationale Politik Quarterly. This experience has been invaluable as I refine my editing and attention to detail (which will help with writing my thesis this year!), research for my own article to be published, and expand my knowledge of European affairs and security through conferences like the German-American Trade and Tech conference and regular chats or roundtable discussions with other think tanks and professionals.

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

A portable charger...and cash. Please remember to bring cash and a debit card ;)

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

Although being so far from campus is a big change, welcome the opportunity and the challenge! You will grow in ways that are difficult to recreate: from taking public transportation daily to living in another language to the cultural adjustments, studying away is so incredibly special! Studying and taking amazing courses that often include field trips (I got to go to Nuremberg for two days with a class!) will expand your academic horizons deeply. You will return to campus energized, informed, and enriched by the cultures you experience, the people you meet, and the habits you build.