Interdisciplinary Education, Lifelong Memories

Hello, I’m Marie Kremmer, a final-year student studying sociology, politics and economics at Zeppelin University, located at Lake Constance in Southern Germany. My studies are interdisciplinary, and I enjoy exploring the intricacies of current socio-political and economic issues in our rapidly evolving, globalized world.

I chose the Berkeley Global Access Program because of its outstanding academic reputation, international outlook, interdisciplinary approach and commitment to fostering innovative, globally minded leaders.

I recognized that UC Berkeley’s dynamic learning environment aligns with my passion for addressing complex socio-political and economic challenges, as well as my desire to engage in critical discussions that drive meaningful change. Specifically, UC Berkeley’s intellectually stimulating environment, renowned faculty and versatile courses drew me to this program in order to deepen my understanding of global issues and to refine my critical-thinking and analytical skills.

Additionally, Berkeley’s emphasis on diversity, inclusion and collaboration resonated with my academic and personal values. I was confident that the BGA program would provide the intellectual and professional tools necessary to further my journey.

I see myself working in a role where I can apply my knowledge of sociology, politics and economics to tackle real-world challenges. Whether in consulting, policy or government, or at an international organization, I want to contribute to solutions that make a meaningful difference in society. My time at UC Berkeley reinforced my interest in understanding complex social and economic issues in international settings, and I hope to continue learning, growing and working on projects that have a positive impact for the people around me.

UC Berkeley’s intellectually stimulating environment, renowned faculty and versatile courses drew me to this program.

A Look Inside My Classwork

As part of my university’s study-abroad grant, I had the opportunity to take three courses: Economy and Society, Leadership & Social Change, and Gender and Capitalism. Additionally, I participated in the Career Development and Coaching course to further develop my professional skills. I truly enjoyed all three courses, but my favorite was Gender and Capitalism because it was unlike any course I had taken before and challenged my way of thinking.

These courses perfectly complemented my major and enriched my interdisciplinary perspective, allowing me to approach complex global challenges with a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding.

Specifically, Economy and Society provided me with a deeper understanding of the socio-political structures that shape economic systems, reinforcing my knowledge of how institutions, policies and societal norms influence markets and social hierarchies.

Leadership & Social Change connected directly to my studies by exploring the role of leadership in driving societal transformation, equipping me with theoretical and practical insights into policy-making, activism and organizational change.

Gender and Capitalism aligned with my academic focus on social inequality by critically analyzing the intersection of gender, race and class, as well as economic structures. This enhanced my ability to assess the intersectional impact of capitalism on marginalized groups and communities.

In the Career Development and Coaching course, I appreciated the opportunity to engage in one-on-one sessions with instructor Jennifer Davis. I got to ask questions about my individual optimization possibilities for my résumé. I also came in for a session on more general career and life counseling and about what next steps I should take. Jen is very empathetic and has an open ear for her students, which I appreciated, as well.

My Berkeley classes shared many similarities with those at Zeppelin University, as both institutions emphasize interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking and dynamic discussions. Zeppelin University, for instance, fosters a highly interactive, seminar-based learning environment where students actively engage in debates and collaborative projects, much like Berkeley’s commitment to an intellectual exchange of ideas and critical discussions.

However, the different cultural setting relative to Germany was a key difference that allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of American perspectives on socio-political issues and society. Through classes at Berkeley, I gained a distinctive cross-cultural perspective to global challenges that I am grateful for.

Additionally, while Zeppelin University excels in its close-knit academic community with an emphasis on smaller classrooms, Berkeley’s expansive resources and bustling on-campus community provided a different, yet equally enriching experience. The combination of both institutions has been the “best of both worlds” and I am very grateful for all opportunities.

These courses perfectly complemented my major and enriched my interdisciplinary perspective, allowing me to approach complex global challenges with a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding.

Taking Time to Explore

I lived at the International House and formed close friendships, primarily with other residents, but also with others in BGA.

In my day-to-day life, I enjoyed events like international coffee hours and vibrant meals, as well as communal activities like salsa dancing. Actually, a lot of my social life was at—or connected to—the International House.

Being in the U.S. also gave me the chance to travel. From day trips and hikes in San Francisco to a long weekend in L.A., and even a spring break trip to Hawai’i with friends, I made the most of every opportunity I could.

I also went hiking in Yosemite National Park with my boyfriend and loved exploring its stunning landscapes. Of course, I took the time to meet up with Berkeley students for coffee and participated in BGA events to connect with more people.

My top things that you should add to your bucket list are:

• Hike from Baker Beach in San Francisco, continue on to the Lands End Trail and the Coastal Trail—which offers a fantastic view over the Atlantic Lands End Lookout—and finally end at Ocean Beach. Especially with friends, this was one of my favorite experiences in San Francisco, especially because we did this on a sunny day and there was a beautiful sunset.  
• In San Francisco, I also enjoyed shopping, visiting art galleries or partaking in events, such as Chinese New Year or watching the Super Bowl with friends.
• Customize your own fortune cookies at Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in Chinatown, which makes for a perfect small gift. The cookies are handmade and taste fantastic.
• Attend concerts or live music events in San Francisco. I saw the band Giant Rooks with two friends at an awesome venue called Bimbo's 365 Club, which is one of San Francisco’s oldest nightclub sites! The venue is glamorous and definitely worth a visit.
• In Berkeley, I also loved pottery painting at Brushstrokes Studio and exploring Fourth and Fifth Streets with their cute stores.

Walking up to the Big C—when there’s great weather—is also nice due to the stunning view overlooking Berkeley and the Bay Area. Grab a cup of coffee at Edmonds Café, Free Speech Movement Café or the 1951 Coffee Company with friends before studying.

I enjoyed events like international coffee hours and vibrant meals, as well as communal activities like salsa dancing. 

My Advice to You

First, stay curious and open-minded, and actively engage with the Berkeley community—whether through student groups, events or casual meetups. Getting involved will enrich your experience and help you build meaningful connections.

Second, when choosing where to live in Berkeley, make sure you're part of a community as it will make the transition smoother and help ease any homesickness, especially in the beginning. I highly recommend the International House: Not only does it offer a vibrant, diverse atmosphere, but BGA events are also sometimes held in its Great Hall, making it a convenient and lively place to live.