Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Informative, interesting, and invaluable Past Review

By (Humanities, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 04/27/2013 to 05/31/2013 with

Brigham Young University: Various - Individual Experience Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
YES. I learned about the German culture and the cultures of my fellow students. I got to see amazing scenery and beautiful art.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our apartment was very nice, well kept, and within walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants, and public transit.

* Food:

It was Europe, the food as amazing. Crepes, crossants, rolls, sausages, ice cream...

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I rode the public transit, I lived in the city, worked in the city, shopped in the city, ate in the city, went to school in the city. It was perfect. Because it was just me and my spouse, I didn't have the added bubble of a group.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I realized while we were there that we didn't know how the healthcare system worked in Germany, we had no access to internet in our apartment, and so it would have been difficult to get help. Nothing happened fortunately, and if there were an emergency I would have done whatever was necessary, but it would have been beneficial to be briefed on Germany's healthcare system, how it worked, and what is involved in getting care.

* Safety:

Mannheim, Germany, was the safest city. I never felt scared or nervous. It was a family city, full of little kids running around. I loved it.

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)

Europe is expensive. It was especially difficult to budget because I felt like I wanted the full experience.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? A lot of cities have exploratory regional transit passes that are for people new to the area. We were able to get a pass that let us ride all regional systems for only 57 euro per month.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? GERM 202
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? Use it as much as possible. Don't get scared.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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?
  • Museums
  • Learning the language
  • Being in a foreign country
* What could be improved?
  • The language course
  • The Kennedy Center
  • The cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That an internship would be more helpful than a class. I learned way more German in my internship than in my language course.

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!