Noémie Gavillet studiert in der Schweiz Architektur an der Hochschule für Technik und Architektur Freiburg (Haute école d'ingénierie et d'architecture Fribourg | HEIA-FR) und war für ein Semester als Austauschstudentin an der BHT. Für das BHT-Magazin berichtet sie von Ihren Erfahrungen.
"Hi, my name is Noémie. I had the opportunity to spend an exchange semester at BHT.
Why I Chose Berlin
When I chose Berlin, I knew the city had an incredible architectural history, but I never expected the experience to be so rewarding, both academically and personally.
I decided to go on exchange because I wanted to discover a different way of studying architecture and experience what university life was like somewhere else. I was also keen to improve my German, step out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in a new culture.
I had already visited Berlin before and completely fallen in love with the city and its diversity. So, when I had the chance to spend five months living there, the decision was an easy one.
Before leaving, I definitely had a few concerns. I wondered whether my German would be good enough to follow the classes, whether I would make friends and settle in, and whether the teaching style would be very different from what I was used to. In the end, I realised I had worried far more than necessary.
First Days at BHT
Both the teacher and the students were welcoming and never hesitated to switch to English whenever it made communication easier. That international atmosphere made my first few days much easier than I had expected.
I also took part in the intensive German course organised in March before the semester began. Looking back, I’m really glad I signed up for it. It helped me find my feet, meet other exchange students from different degree programmes and build my first friendships before classes even started. I would definitely recommend it to future exchange students.
One thing I particularly appreciated at BHT was the flexibility to choose my own timetable. Many of the courses involved group projects with BHT students, which helped me understand the teachers’ expectations as well as the university’s way of working. They also helped me navigate the university system and all the administrative procedures that can feel overwhelming when arriving somewhere new.
A Different Perspective on Architecture
One of the courses that left the biggest impression on me was Urban Design. We worked on one of Berlin’s historic areas, analysing its history, development and future regeneration.
The Architectural History course followed a similar approach by studying existing buildings while placing them in their historical context. Constantly connecting theory, practice and heritage allowed me to develop a much more critical perspective on architecture and the way cities evolve over time.
Thanks to these courses, I discovered Berlin from a perspective I would probably never have experienced as a tourist.
Experiencing Berlin Beyond the Classroom
Almost every week, the Cultural Training programme organised an activity for exchange students, giving us the opportunity to discover museums, exhibitions, concerts and many other cultural events across the city. One of my favourite outings was a visit to the contemporary art museum at Hamburger Bahnhof.
Outside university, Berlin is an incredibly vibrant city. I loved exploring its neighbourhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere. Walking through Tiergarten, experiencing the lively streets of Kreuzberg or wandering around the quieter neighbourhood of Prenzlauer Berg sometimes felt like visiting completely different cities in a single day.
As soon as the weather became warmer, Berlin’s parks quickly became our favourite meeting places. My friends and I spent countless afternoons having picnics, playing games, sunbathing and organising barbecues. The lakes surrounding Berlin also became part of my everyday life during the summer.
What surprised me most was the constant contrast the city offers. Within just a few train stops, you can go from a historic neighbourhood or a former industrial site transformed into a cultural venue to a peaceful park where locals gather as soon as the sun comes out.
Friendships That Made the Difference
One of the greatest parts of my exchange was, without a doubt, the people I met. I shared this experience with students from all over Europe and beyond, all driven by the same curiosity to discover a new culture. Together, we explored Berlin, travelled, experienced its cultural life and, of course, enjoyed its famous nightlife.
These experiences gave me so much more than I expected and allowed me to build friendships that I hope will last long after our semester together.
One of my favourite memories is a Sunday spent with friends in the Grunewald Forest. After a long walk, we went for a swim in one of the lakes before ending the day on a hill, watching the sunset. The atmosphere was incredibly peaceful and, at that moment, I realised just how unique Berlin is in combining the energy of a major capital city with the tranquillity of nature.
Growing Through the Exchange
Living in Berlin helped me improve my German, even though English is widely spoken throughout the city. It wasn't always easy at first, but simply hearing and using the language every day gradually made me feel much more confident. I’m still far from fluent, but I’m leaving Berlin feeling more comfortable than when I first arrived.
Looking back on these five months, I realise that this exchange gave me so much more than academic knowledge. It pushed me out of my comfort zone, made me more independent, introduced me to incredible people and allowed me to discover Berlin from a completely different perspective. I’m leaving with new skills, unforgettable memories and a real desire to keep discovering new cultures throughout my future career as an architect."
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