A good program for science majors or pre meds looking to study abroad Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 12/23/2016 with
Constructor University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I got the chance to travel to a bunch of different cities in Europe (both through class and for fun). I also got the chance to attend and experience a different university and a new academic environment.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes in each program were fairly challenging. Depending on your major it was advised to take second or third year courses even without having taken the necessary prerequisites, which made some of the classes fairly challenging. Most of the science courses were taught in a lecture based style, and grades depended on your midterm and final only. There was very little resources to go to if you did not understand the material. Lab courses were twice a week for three to six weeks. They were a lot of work, but the work load was fair. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The office of international studies was incredibly helpful for all exchange students. They answers any and all questions in a timely manner. During course selection they also worked closely with students to insure that everyone got the classes and credits they needed and wanted. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Each student was given their own single room, and shared a bathroom with one other person. The rooms were a good size and well kept, with good furniture. |
* Food: |
Like many other college food cafeterias, the food options ranged from delicious to pretty bad depending on the day. For the most part there were plenty of options at every meal. I think that students with dietary restrictions would have a hard time here, as foods were often mislabeled and some of the staff did not speak english. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Fall program has exchange students go through orientation with the first years. This includes many hours of multicultural training as Jacobs is a very international school. I think that even despite this the exchange students tended to mostly stay together. As an exchange student you are in classes with the second and third years, so the orientation at the begining of the program did very little to introduce you to new people. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Wellesley college covers your health insurance which is mandatory for any student attending university in Germany. The program walks you through how to sign up for your health insurance during orientation week. |
* Safety: |
Campus was small and safe. Once outside campus, going out alone was fine. Late at night, it was better to go out with another person or with a group, especially if going downtown. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
There are not that many options for pre med/science majors to go abroad. I needed a program where I could get some of my lab courses done. I think that although this program was not perfect, it was still a good experience and I got the classes I needed done. |
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) |
|
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 |
The entire school is in English so it is very hard to practice German on campus. As soon as you leave campus however almost no one speaks English. |
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 |
How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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 |
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nothing |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |