From 18 to 22 May 2026, the students of Class 4B from the French International School of Düsseldorf took part in a five-day educational trip to Berlin. Accompanied by three members of staff, the group of 24 students travelled by train to the German capital for an immersive exploration of its history, culture and architecture.
The group stayed at Berlin Ostkreuz Youth Hostel, ideally located close to the famous East Side Gallery and the vibrant district of Kreuzberg, renowned for its impressive street art and murals. It provided the perfect base from which to explore the city.
Throughout the week, students travelled on foot and by public transport, mainly using Berlin’s tram network. Although the packed itinerary left little time for shopping, it enabled the students—many of whom were visiting Berlin for the first time—to discover the city’s iconic landmarks while gaining a deeper understanding of its rich and often complex history.
Highlights of the programme included visits to Charlottenburg Palace, the East Side Gallery with its world-famous murals painted on the remains of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, one of the most symbolic crossing points between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the DDR Museum, and the Humboldt Forum. The students also had the opportunity to visit the glass dome of the German Bundestag, where they enjoyed spectacular panoramic views over the German capital.
One of the most memorable moments of the trip was a guided tour focusing on the history of the Berlin Wall. It gave students valuable insight into the historical and human consequences of Germany’s division during the Cold War. They also explored the Jewish Museum Berlin, whose remarkable architecture, designed by Daniel Libeskind, is itself a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Mathilde Ferrant, the French teacher who initiated and organised the trip, is also a musician and wished to add a prestigious musical highlight to the programme. The students were fortunate enough to attend a concert at the magnificent Berlin Philharmonie, where they heard pianist Igor Levit perform with the Staatskapelle Berlin, conducted by Christian Thielemann (https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/en/concert/calendar/56651/).
This outstanding musical experience will undoubtedly remain one of the defining memories of the trip.
Beyond discovering Berlin itself, the visit was fully integrated into the educational objectives of the Year 9 curriculum. In French lessons, students had been studying the theme “The City: A Place of Endless Possibilities,” which encourages reflection on how urban spaces shape human experiences, encounters and life journeys.
In preparation for the trip, students worked in pairs or small groups to research and present the main sites included in the itinerary. These projects enabled them to explore the historical, artistic and cultural significance of each location before experiencing them first-hand.
Throughout the week, students also kept notes, recorded their observations and reflected on their personal impressions. These materials will form the basis of a travel journal—the final assignment of the project—in which they will recount both their discoveries and the shared experience of this memorable week in Berlin.
Combining academic learning with personal growth, teamwork and shared experiences, this educational trip will remain one of the highlights of the school year for both the students and their accompanying staff: Mathilde Ferrant (French teacher), Caroline Caruyer (Mathematics teacher) and Mme Guégan, the school librarian and documentation specialist.
