Sabeeha is a third-year Architecture student, and in February 2026 she travelled to Berlin, Germany as part of an academic-led trip that explored Architecture. Sabeeha was a recipient of the DMU Global Access Fund (learn more about it here), which meant that she received an extra £200 on top of the DMU Global bursary. Below, she shares her thoughts about her time in Berlin.
As someone who had never travelled abroad before, the overall cost of flights, accommodation, and daily expenses felt like a big obstacle. I was worried that the financial commitment would stop me from taking part, even though I knew how valuable the experience would be for my personal and academic development. The idea of navigating airports, international travel, and being in a completely unfamiliar environment also made me feel quite uncertain. I knew it would be a transformative experience, but the lack of prior travel experience made it feel daunting.
The funding made a huge difference by lowering the overall cost and making the trip more financially accessible. Without it, I would have struggled to justify or manage the expense, and I may not have been able to go at all. Knowing that DMU recognised the barriers faced by first-time travellers and provided this support really helped ease my anxiety. It made the whole experience feel more achievable and gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone.
During the trip, one of the most memorable moments was experiencing just how cold Berlin is in February. Stepping outside into temperatures much lower than anything I’d ever experienced in the UK was a shock, and it really made me appreciate the warmth and comfort I usually take for granted. In a way, the cold highlighted how different everyday life can be in another country and made me feel even more grateful for the opportunity. It added something unique to the experience and influenced how I explored the city and reflected on the trip overall.
A significant challenge I faced was when my return flight was unexpectedly cancelled. As someone who had never travelled abroad before, it felt quite overwhelming because I wasn’t sure what to do. Thankfully, our tutors stepped in straight away, spoke with the airline on our behalf, and arranged for us to stay an extra two days. Their support really helped reduce the stress, and the extra time gave me a chance to adjust to an unexpected situation. Instead of panicking, I learned how to stay calm, trust the process, and adapt. What started out as a stressful moment actually became an important part of my learning experience.
After the trip, I can say it’s had a really positive impact on both my confidence and my experience at DMU. Travelling abroad for the first time showed me that I’m capable of handling unfamiliar situations, which has made me feel more confident when approaching new challenges in my studies. It also broadened my perspective and helped me see the value in stepping outside my comfort zone and trying new things.
The most interesting thing I learned was how different everyday life can feel in another country, even in small ways like the extreme February weather in Berlin. Experiencing this firsthand made me more aware of how environment shapes daily routines and behaviours. It’s encouraged me to think more openly about cultural differences and how they influence the way people live.