Salma Houmane

Looking back, what did you most enjoy about your time at Bard College Berlin/what had the biggest impact on you while studying at Bard College Berlin?
The community and the sense of belonging. I believe moving to a big city like Berlin would be tremendously more challenging if it weren't for the existing family and structure at BCB. Everyone from the faculty to the students and staff are very welcoming, kind, and patient so it is an easier transition into 'adult life'.

How would you describe, in a nutshell, the experience of studying at BCB?
Studying at BCB, even as an economics and politics major, is like embarking on a philosophical journey where you're encouraged to question everything, step out of your comfort zone, and engage deeply in discussions that challenge your perspectives and broaden your horizons. These are skills you cannot gain in a public German university following an economics program.

How has BCB influenced the path you've taken since completing the program?
The class I took during my second year with professor Nassim Abi Ghanem called Quantitative Methods where I learned the basics of R and coding is what led me to choose a quantitative methods specialization for my masters and work in the data analytics field. It opened my eyes to how much data can be fun and intriguing.

Where are you now and what are you doing?
I am still in Berlin, pursuing an MS at Potsdam Universität in the program EPQM: Economic Policy and Quantitative Methods. I am also working part time with GLS Studio as a data analyst.

Any advice you would give to students considering BCB?
Take classes that seem odd and that you would not have access to in different institutions. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things and let yourself struggle and learn and maybe love something new or also hate it, but at least experience it.