Life Changing Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/13/2018 to 12/15/2018 with

CIEE: Berlin - Global Architecture + Design

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I started forming my true identity and built a stronger relationship with God. I made amazing friends and was taught by amazing teachers. It was worthwhile.

Review Photos

CIEE: Berlin - Global architecture + Design Photo

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?

* Food:

It was hard not having a meal plan nor access to a job to earn money, but the food in Germany was amazing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The campus was for American Students, I didn't much German college students.

* 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

It wasn't where I wanted to go originally, but it turned out being where I needed to be in the first place.

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? $175
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Come prepared with a lot of money. I suck with budgeting, but prioritize everything and you should be fine. Remember the exchange rate. search up bank accounts that do not take out foreign exchange rates.

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? Beginner
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice with native speakers

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Friends
  • Berlin itself
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • meeting native German college students
  • laundry facilities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Plan your extra trips in advance

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.