A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Past Review
By Sierra Spraker (Chatham University) - abroad from 07/18/2018 to 08/17/2018 with
AIFS: Berlin - Humboldt University
Aside from improving my language, I gained a more in depth knowledge of German history that is unparralleled to the courses I've taken in the states.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Overall I learned more in the short 4 weeks I was here than any semester-long course I've taken at my home university. The professors are extremely knowledgeable in their content and even took us on applicable field trips. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The AIFS staff in Berlin is amazing! They were extremely helpful every step of the way - prior to departure, once I arrived, throughout my time there, and we are even still connected today. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had a slight issue with one of my two flatmates, however I was extremely pleased with the apartments they provided us with. They were conveniently located and had everything I needed during my stay! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The summer program at Humboldt is mostly international students, however I was able to make friends with students from all across the world that I still talk to today! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Unfortunately I ended up getting strep while I was abroad. Fortunately, AIFS has an international health insurance plan for each student that made it super easy to get better. All I did was call the number on my international insurance card to ask where to go. They gave two locations and I picked one. They told me to go and everything else would be handled. I ended up paying out of pocket for my medication, but the insurance company offered to reimburse me for them. I got the bill in the mail a month or so after returning to the states and it was only 20 Euro and the insurance covered it. |
| * Safety: |
Never once was I concerned for my safety in Berlin. It is a lively city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Absolutely 10/10 I would do it again in a heartbeat. The staff, location, everything was absolutely amazing. |
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 didn't have a budget when I went, however I found that groceries were extremely affordable. |
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 |
I chose this program so I wouldn't have to be reliant on my knowledge of the German language, but if I wanted I could practice. AIFS doesn't require students to have any language experience prior to going, nor do all of the programs require you to take a language course (this program included.) |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Most people will be able to spot Americans easily, but many appreciate when you attempt the language (especially if it is difficult) Just do your best! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | 10+ |
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? | I would plan a budget. That's the only thing I regret not doing. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
