Ainsley Braun

Education Abroad Programs: 

• Freiburg: Goethe-Institut, Intensive German Culture and Language (Summer 2024) 

• IES: Berlin, Language, Culture, & Politics (Spring 2025)

Majors: Public Relations and German

Minor: American Sign Language

About Ainsley: Ainsley Braun is a Senior dual majoring in Public Relations and German. She participated in two education abroad programs: one in Freiburg, Germany, through the Goethe-Institut’s Intensive German Culture and Language program; and one in Berlin, Germany, with IES Abroad in the Language, Culture, & Politics program. While in Berlin, Ainsley completed a part-time internship for the Berlin International University of Applied Sciences in their Marketing, Presidency, and Student Affairs departments. During her internship, she primarily focused on online presence, social media operations, organization, and analysis. She was also the Event Planner and Marketing member of the Berlin Student Council executive board. For IES Abroad, Ainsley served as a Social Media Correspondent, creating content about her experience for others to view. Through her IES Abroad classes, such as German Pop Culture and German Conversation: Current Topics, Ainsley was able to learn about the details of Berlin culture, including its history, trends, and politics, while also improving her written and spoken German language skills. Her cumulative seven months abroad have allowed Ainsley to immerse herself in the customs and hobbies of the locals while traveling throughout Germany and identifying the differences in dialects and habits throughout the country. Ainsley wanted to become a peer advisor to help people understand the benefits and opportunities that education abroad can provide! 

Advice to Prospective Education Abroad Students: Studying abroad gave me a sense of independence I never would have gained by staying in my hometown. Living in a new country challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt quickly, and rely on myself in ways I hadn’t before. I learned a lot about who I am while in Berlin, which is why it was one of the most rewarding and transformative parts of my college experience. I love working with other students and helping them discover how to have this opportunity for themselves. 

To get in touch with Ainsley about her experience abroad, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu and address your email to her!