Category: Blog

UW Honors Berlin Study Abroad – final reflection / project

I The Plan I went into this project wanting to study Arabic graffiti in Berlin. Having learned Arabic (MSA) for the past year, I’ve not only fallen in love with the language but, combined with my interest in the politics of public space, have also learned a great deal about Arabic graffiti in Arab countries […]

Berlin Study Abroad: Reading Reflection

Reading reflection for Arrival City and Figure of the Migrant 1. This was not very far into the first reading, but for me, this couple of sentences brought to mind many things, “In my journalistic travels, I developed the habit of introducing myself to new cities by riding subway and tram routes to the end […]

Berlin Study Abroad: Community Asset Map

Note: Our Community Service Partner asked us to try to go into a small shopping plaza to get opinions on his mobile furniture project. Justin & I attempted to maneuver with our limited German and English – we got turned down a few times. We finally were invited into the retirement home / community center […]

Berlin Honors Study Abroad – Reading Reflection #1

Reading Reflection for: Imagined Communities and Ghosts of Berlin Thoughts on Imagined Communities: This topic of “nationalism” is particularly poignant in today’s political climate especially in the United States (for me, as an American.) I have taken a few classes recently where the concept of national identity and rootedness has been a topic and I’ve […]

Berlin Study Abroad – 5 senses (in Berlin!) / Journal #1

There are many aspects – sense-wise – that have been fairly universal in my European travels over the years. There’s certain smells or sensations that have been imprinted on me that, whenever I smell them elsewhere, immediately take me back or fill me with nostalgia. When I noticed these things in Berlin, I knew I […]

Berlin Honors Study Abroad: CERP revision / final

ETA: I came across this quote, while reading Arabic Graffiti, and it felt like it summed up what I’m interested in pretty clearly, particularly in regard to reclaiming public spaces. In addition to looking specifically at the role of urban art and graffiti in issues of Arabic migration and refugees in Berlin (and the world.) When the […]