Dresden is amazing Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/10/2014 to 07/20/2014 with

Boston University: Dresden - University Studies Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Fluency

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Inside the classroom it wasn't very rigorous, but being immersed in a German city certainly provides an opportunity to advance quickly towards fluency.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing was fantastic, but the housing most of the students were in was pretty poor.

* Food:

I love german food and cook, though. Dining halls are dining halls everywhere. Avoid them.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

program includes a stipend which is very nice.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? around 80 euros or less depending on travel plans
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? take the bus places that aren't too far.

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? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? some lit courses
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 Germany.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Living situation
  • German friends
  • immersion
* What could be improved?
  • class organization
  • TUD course suggestions
  • not much
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Dresden is really cheap.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.