Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

great international experience for adventuresome students Past Review

By (Economics., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/07/2012 to 06/29/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Germany Internships and Language Study

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about finance, specifically finance in Germany. My German language ability improved significantly. I met a lot of great people--Germans and non-Germans. It was definitely worthwhile. I got to be part of educated/professional German society. It far exceeded my expectations.

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.

My class at the Goethe Institute and my internship were both challenging, yet left me enough free time to delve into culture

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to make friendships at my internship which extended outside of the workplace

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues

* Safety:

no problems whatsoever

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)

Germany is expensive in general, but that is just something you know going into it.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150 $
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? travel in groups on weekends

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

I spoke very minimal English for the duration of my stay, which really helped me to improve my German language skills.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Fluent
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? German 330
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Speak German with roommates, even if they are native English speakers

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Being integrated into the workplace in Germany
  • The Goethe Institute was very proactive at introducing students to German culture
  • Meeting and mixing with a lot of people
* What could be improved?
  • It would have been good if the Goethe Institute would have been able to tell me earlier what internship I would be doing.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have been a little more outgoing at my internship--willing to reach out to other employees there.