Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

In terms of the program, cold and hard Past Review

By (Art History, Criticism and Conservation., Fordham University) - abroad from 01/07/2013 to 04/26/2013 with

CIEE: Berlin - Open Campus Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile. I appreciated the classes because they offered subjects that Fordham does not and that were tied to the surrounding city.

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.

too much "busy work" and lack of reliable internet

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

very little contact with them

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were located in the middle of nowhere, isolated residents from truly experiencing living in Berlin. The residential area had very limited restaurants, stores, ect. They building had no internet available, and laundry facilities were inadequate. The one good factor was its proximity to public transportation (although it took 1hr to 1.5hr to get to the city center, discouraging excursions into the city).

* Food:

n/a Since I lived in an apartment, I cooked for myself.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not have many opportunities to interact with locals. Although I feel I did immerse myself in the culture, it was entirely my own doing, not the program's- in fact, I feel my cultural integration was accomplished in spite of the program.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

n/a I had no health issues.

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60 euro
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No. I did not spend too much money because Berlin is relatively cheap.

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 had to take an intro German class, but the general class was set up with the understanding that students were not heavily invested in learning 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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? In regard to living in Berlin, do make an effort to learn German. Not as many people spoke English as I expected, and Germans do appreciate when you make an effort to use German.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • availablity of staff
  • class subjects (NOT class format)
  • option of living in apartments
* What could be improved?
  • apartments within the city center
  • fewer mandatory field trips (especially considering the unusually harsh weather conditions)
  • having classes at the actual university to encourage interaction with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? how cold it would be, and that I would have very limited access to internet

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.