After a class at IFS, south of Potsdamer Platz, students can collapse next to the school's fountain or indulge in discounts at the chichi Imbiss next door. Students with an artistic bent get a chance to show their stuff at school-organized exhibitions or concerts, and the school's soccer team is a sporty way to make friends with energetic people from all over the world.

Don't let the relaxed atmosphere and laughter-filled classes fool you; studying is no joke here. A German class is kein tea party: The formal lessons (maximum 12 students) are full of challenging exercises and grammar drills. In the 'Conversation' course, students gloss over grammatical rudiments and engage in clever parlay. But as most students attend IFS in order to pass the DSH or DaF tests, the school's method combines classes with personal coaching sessions in order to perfect students' grammar and vocabulary. Interesting and interested students and an emphasis on showcasing their talents make this relaxed yet vigorous school a good bet in the west.