New video shows huge impact of epic Berlin trip

It was one of the biggest European trips ever undertaken by a UK university and gave hundreds of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) students priceless academic experiences.

Back in June DMU flew more than 800 students out to the German capital to explore one of the world’s most progressive, dynamic and creative cities first-hand.

Now this new video shows just how inspiring, moving, exciting and enriching the epic visit was for all those who took part.

The students – from nearly 35 different courses – all had their own itineraries, making visits to businesses, organisations, museums and landmarks which will enrich the studies undertaken on their course.

After nearly a week spent in the German capital, they flew back to the UK with heads full of inspiration and ideas, having made connections in the industries they want to achieve in.

Among dozens of priceless experiences, Engineering students got a behind-the-scenes tour of Berlin’s BMW motorcycle factory, Physics students marvelled at the famous Archenhold observatory, and Journalism students got behind the controls at the Deutsche Welle international broadcast studios.

Students also took in Berlin’s world-famous landmarks such as the Reichstag, the Holocaust Memorial and the Brandenburg Gate, sampling Berlin street life including the vibrant East Side murals and meeting and networking with Berliners.

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They engaged in academic activities all week. On Wednesday, June 14, DMU held a conference event at the British Embassy at the heart of the city, at which Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard was joined by Sir Sebastian Wood, British Ambassador to Germany, to give speeches on the importance of building and maintaining connections across Europe and the benefits of international education.

Seehab Ahmed, second year Architecture student was given tours of the city, learning about Berlin’s hidden design gems from enthusiastic and knowledgeable lecturer Dr Yuri Hadi.

Seehab says in the video: “Berlin is one of the sites where we can really look at regeneration.

“Coming here has allowed me to take in a lot more in terms of culture and take in a lot more in terms of understanding how we design for different situations.

“I’m hoping I’ll be able to be more sensitive in my research and my approach and context in my own work.”

The Berlin trip followed another epic journey undertaken by more than 1,000 students and staff from DMU to New York in January. The trip was such a success that the decision was made to repeat the experience.