I attended a one-week semi-intensive A1 beginners’ course with GLS in September 2019. This is my story.
I arrived in Berlin in the afternoon, after 12 hours on a train from Switzerland. A major technical problem between Lausanne and Bern, meant changing trains three times, (Bern-Basel-Mannheim), instead of only once in Bern. For the final part of the journey I sat in the corridor – (the seat I booked originally was in a carriage which had been closed off due to a malfunction with the air conditioning).
Also, the toilets in the carriage broke down towards the end of the journey. The stench of ammonia was overpowering. It was a relief when the train finally pulled into Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
As soon as I got off the train, I went straight to the Tourist Information Bureau. They told me to take tram N°10, get off at Eberswalder Strasse and walk (5 minutes) to GLS. After a minor detour, (I accidentally went in the wrong direction), I got off at Eberswalder Strasse and started walking up Kastanienallee to GLS. What the Tourist Information Office didn’t mention was the cobblestones.
GLS is in Prenzlauer Berg, an ultra-hip, trendy neighbourhood, packed full of Bohemian bars, fashionable restaurants and quaint boutiques. A fascinating mix of former Eastern-bloc, Communist-era architecture rubs shoulders with urban modernity.
But back to the cobblestones. Whilst it adds charm to a leafy neighbourhood, I doubt that the planning authorities had suitcases on wheels in mind when they designed the pavements. If I had known I would have jumped on another tram. It’s only one stop, and it gets you off right in front of GLS.
After a warm welcome at reception, I filled out forms, paid € 100 refundable security deposit + 30 € non-refundable cleaning fee, received the keys to my room and made my way through the building across the garden to my studio. When I opened the door, I was blown away by the space, and the décor – more boutique hotel than student accommodation.
On Monday morning, I had a delicious breakfast in the school canteen, followed by a quick placement test in German. There were seven other students in my class: 1 Brazilian, 2 Scandinavians, 1 Italian, 2 Japanese, 1 Polish and me (British). Four girls and four boys in total.
Only German is allowed during lessons, but occasionally I cheated and spoke English or French. We had two teachers, one for each block, and two lots of homework every day, except Friday, when we had a test instead! The tempo was perfect for me. Everyone received course materials and a handbook, and we also used interactive whiteboards, which I loved.
The best thing about a language holiday is going out and practicing your newly acquired skills around the local neighbourhood.
The highlight of the week for me was the Berlin Wall Bike Ride organised by GLS.
From GLS to Checkpoint Charlie via the Brandenburg Gate.
GLS and Berlin exceeded my expectations. I made friends from all around the world, I drank wine from a mug, and I ate authentic Italian pizza! It felt like a home from home. Such a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Danke GLS, danke Berlin. I will be back.