Best time of your life! Past Review
By Connor (Campbell University) - abroad from 08/01/2018 to 12/21/2018 with
Achievement Study Abroad - Two Countries, One Amazing Program!
Study abroad was the best time of my life in so many ways. I made life-long friends from around the world, travel around Europe, and truly found myself through is experience. I also gained the ability to understand German and was speak it. Also the Marburg location has hosted some of the best theologians and their theology classes are amazing!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I went to Germany and Austria with only two high school classes of German below my belt. I felt encouraged by all the professors and teachers. They were more than helpful and provide help whether it was a tip or materiel that would help my German |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Kris did a wonderful job in both countries. I felt prepared to face a new culture and also encouraged when I was down. He also brought us into his home and treated us like family! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Both my home in Marburg and Vienna was beautiful, however in Marburg you will need pots and pans |
| * Food: |
It was wonderful! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
From the beginning both |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The health was amazing |
| * Safety: |
I never felt endangered, no matter what time of night it was |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The friends I made, and the classes I took were amazing! We also were able to travel a lot and it was fun! |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
I most weeks in Vienna, I would spend €50-60 of Food per a week, but going out with friends would be another €50-60. You could easily live on €100 week. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | €100 - €300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't go out every night and cook more |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
A lot, Kris would speak to us in German, when we were walking around, and encouraged us to only speak German. He told us to try to only communicate in German if we can. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Two high school classes. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Take at least a few classes in your University, but if you don't that's okay. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | You will need cooking supplies in Marburg and that travel as much as you can in Vienna! |
