Elena Eßer

Looking back, what did you most enjoy about your time at Bard College Berlin?
Majoring in politics at BCB, the interdisciplinary nature of the liberal arts approach significantly contributed to a more multi-dimensional view on the subject. Both academically and professionally, I repeatedly got the feedback that such a broad approach is unique and highly desirable.

How would you describe, in a nutshell, the experience of studying at BCB?
Finally, I got the chance to study what I was genuinely interested in and also found a second family in the amazing friends I met at BCB.

Write briefly about one of your courses that left a lasting impression on you.
Dr. Nassim AbiGhanem's 'Global Citizenship' course perfectly prepared me for my time in NYC at the Bard Globalization and International Affairs program (BGIA). Covering the basics of international relations theory while simultaneously applying them to current events is one great trait of this course. The second, and for me more significant, trait of this course is the incentive to critically analyze the course contents.

How has BCB influenced the path you've taken since completing the program?
BCB has fostered my diverse interests and laid the foundation for me finding a study program and future occupation that allows me to make use of said interests.

Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am staying in Berlin for the summer for work. Starting in September, I am going to pursue the Bard Global Studies Masters program in collaboration with Central European University (CEU). This degree entails one semester in Vienna and one in NYC while awarding two Masters degrees, a European one in Global Studies and a US one in International Relations.

Any advice you would give to students considering BCB?
If the uni-layered approach to academia bothers you and you constantly hear that you are thinking 'too complex', BCB will be the perfect match for you. Who knows, you may even find academic interests you were not aware of before...