Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Breathtaking Past Review

By (Spanish Language and Literature., University of Hartford) - abroad from 02/11/2013 to 05/30/2013 with

AIFS: Salzburg - University of Salzburg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It's okay to go to a country where you don't speak the language at all- it gives you new opportunities to learn and try to integrate yourself with the local culture and people there.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

All classes taught in English- except for a couple that were classified as "independent study" courses, which were offered in both English and German. Not too rigorous academically.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was super welcoming and willing to talk to us about anything we needed; we were always told we could stop by the office for anything. Very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The kitchen in my dorm was not the best (only had a microwave, hot plates, small grill), so sometimes it was hard to make the best out of the food we would buy. Other options were to eat out.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Salzburg, even being out at night.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It's hard to tell? Maybe around 50 euro?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? It might seem like you're not spending money because it's this nice foreign currency, but you definitely are. That's not to say don't buy or do anything; just keep track of what you're spending so you're not totally broke the last month you're there.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None; had never taken German before
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? Go to the grocery store, ask for directions, order food, greet people in their language. Even if you have to ask if they speak English, do that in whatever language they speak.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • location
  • excursions
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • dorm situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Again, not to be as nervous about the language barrier. People are always happy to help, and especially in a central European country (and touristy area), lots of people speak English.

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 Linguist
You 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!