Bear Tolson
Bear Tolson (he/him) - Berlin (Krupp)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
College year while abroad: Spring 2025
About the photo: Taken during our Cohort trip to Bratislava. Pictured behind is the Slovak National Theater.
Contact
Email: wbtolson@stanford.edu or click here to schedule an appointment.
Q&As
Why did you choose to study in Berlin?
The Berlin study abroad program interested me because it offers a unique chance to both study abroad, and work abroad through a fully funded summer internship program. The program offers an accelerated German class allowing students to fulfill two quarters of language classes with a single course. Berlin also sits at the center of twentieth century history, and presents challenging lessons that are more relevant than ever today. Berlin is in the heart of central Europe as well, and the program's many long weekends provide ample opportunity to explore Europe while abroad.
How did studying away support your academic growth?
The courses offered by the Berlin program are taught by experts in their respective fields, and allowed me to deepen my understanding, not only of Germany, but of Europe as a whole. I was fascinated to learn about the differences in German economics and politics as well as exploring the underlying causes behind these differences. Learning German, while living in Germany was incredibly helpful for exploring the country, and provided a much more fulfilling way to satisfy Stanford's language requirement.
What did you learn about yourself during your study away experience, especially through any challenges or major cultural adjustments?
Before studying abroad, I would definitely have been described as a "homebody," but going abroad completely broke me out of my shell. I have become so comfortable living in a foreign country, spontaneously traveling, and meeting locals. Overall, studying abroad was a incredibly freeing experience, and I feel like the three months I spent abroad where as transformative for me as my first three years at Stanford.
Briefly describe a typical day and your favorite part of daily life in your program location.
A typical day for me began with a classic German breakfast, yogurt and muesli, followed by a short commute to the Stanford in Berlin center for morning German class. After class, I’d head home to make lunch, then spend some time playing basketball or board games with friends from the cohort before afternoon classes. Evenings were usually spent grabbing dinner with the group and winding down with a bit of homework before bed.
If applicable, how did participating in an internship, volunteership or experiential-based project help you grow professionally? What specific skills did you gain?
The Krupp Internship allowed me to explore the field of aerospace robotics in the German air and space department's cutting edge robotics and mechatronics center. This helped me develop and solidify technical skills directly relating to my research, and master's degree program back at Stanford. My work experience from the Krupp Internship, also allowed me to better understand the cultural differences that exist between engineering in Germany and in the United States.
What was the most essential item you took with you on the program?
A US to EU power converter!
What advice would you give students who are considering studying away?
Consider this the ultimate escape from the Stanford bubble. It's worth every second of the time you're away from campus. Make weekend plans in advance! The time flies so fast.