Berlin, the international city and europe’s silicon valley Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/24/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

CIEE: Berlin - Business & Culture

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

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.

Light but at the same time usefull work. Great excursions tied with class to various places in or around berlin.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Ciee

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Originally was goven daisy pills for a cold. Needless to say they didn’t work

* Safety:

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

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? 170
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Be prepared to cook, buy food in bulk, no need for a taxi in berlin

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate german
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 the app Duolingo before going or even during as it is better learning experience than in class

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Freetime
  • Traveling
  • Beer
* What could be improved?
  • Dorm beds
  • Access to meals
  • Realistic pricing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much to save before going, I originally thoight 1.8k would be enougth but slent closer to 3k