Great month in Tübingen Past Review
By Adam T (International Relations; German Studies Double Major, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 08/06/2012 to 09/01/2012 with
Brigham Young University: Germany Internships and Language Study
It was very worthwhile. I gained increased German language skills, increased understanding of the local culture, especially the regional culture of Baden-Württemberg, and appreciation of diverse perspectives from other international students.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Tübingen |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very valuable course material as well as an environment, which fosters learning and diversity. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration of the program was effective and efficient. It would have been nice to have known more details further in advance. A detailed schedule isn't available until arrival at the university. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The student housing provided by the University of Tübingen was outdated, expensive, and in poor condition. If I were to do it again I would look online for a shared apartment in the Altstadt or closer to the University. Several students that found their housing independent of the University paid far less for a nicer apartment in a better location. I paid 360 Euros for a student dorm. |
| * Food: |
The food in the city was great. The food in the university-subsidized cafeteria was unimpressive, but there are many options in the area. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The TAs and the staff go out of their way to help you feel integrated into the local culture. However, effort on the students part is necessary in order to have much contact with native speakers. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any health issues and didn't need any vaccines. One student at the program got sick and was well taken care of. |
| * Safety: |
No safety related incidents. I felt safe in every part of the city and everywhere we went. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Living in Tübingen is expensive. Basic food costs were reasonable, but any travel or other purchases would make a student's budget difficult. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | No |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| 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? | The bus to and from the Stuttgart Airport is cheap and takes about an hour. The university provides you with a monthly bus card but other travel is cheaper if you travel in groups. Each dorm has a shared kitchen for groceries. Buying groceries in a group is also cheaper. |
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 almost only spoke German with those in my program. |
| 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? | 330 |
| 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? | Practice both conversational and academic German. I would get used to reading newspapers on topics such as culture, politics, economics, and social life. |
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?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Get private housing instead of university. Attend as many activities as possible. |
