My experience at Jacobs opened my eyes to the world! Past Review
By A student (Environmental Studies., Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/23/2012 to 12/23/2012 with
Constructor University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was the most worthwhile experience of my life. I learned a lot about myself by being in a place where I knew not one person going in and after 4 months came out with what I hope will be a group of lifelong friends. The best thing about Jacobs is the international community on campus. You learn so much from being in this community- at the dining hall, you can be eating dinner where literally everyone is from a different country and is open to talking about their life experiences. Its really a special place.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | if I stayed on campus, about 10 euros. If I traveled, much more. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save up beforehand so you have plenty of money to travel while you are abroad! Your money goes a long way when you travel in Europe and its money well spent. |
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 |
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How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
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? | 300 level German course |
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? | Make German friends who will speak German with you and request to be placed with a German roommate! Also, use couchsurfing to make friends with people off campus. If you just stay on campus and dont hang out with Germans you wil never speak the language. You have to go out of your way to speak German and Jacobs but it is possible! |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Exchange |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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? | I wish I knew more about how the German university system works. Its very different from studying at a small liberal arts college in the US where your hand is held throughout the learning process. At a German university, its all up to you to study and be prepared for your exams. You will rarely get homework assignments or feedback from your professors on how you are doing with the class material. You have to be self motivated and manage your own time and make sure to study on your own! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
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