Best decision of my college experience so far Past Review
By Karley (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/25/2016 to 12/21/2016 with
Constructor University: Bremen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
It's studying abroad in more than just Germany - an international university is like seeing the world without having to spend the money to travel the world
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Professors are less available than at Wellesley because Jacobs is a research institution and research takes priority over students. The work load is similar to that of Wellesley, depending on which department courses are taken in. I learned a lot, Jacobs is a valuable academic experience! |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The study abroad coordinator is AMAZING and will help with any problems or questions |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
So much better than Wellesley. Nice rooms, private bathrooms! |
* Food: |
Less options than Wellesley |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Jacobs is often described as a "bubble", but the experience with local culture can be as little or as much as one wants. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
German insurance is amazing and easy to obtain. Many English speaking doctors! |
* Safety: |
Very safe, no problems |
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) |
Free public transportation, meal plan is included |
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 |
Everyone on campus speaks English and few speak German - only encouragement was in German class, but I researched in a lab and my supervisor and I spoke German together. |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 236 |
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? | Get off campus or make German friends |
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?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | That it's very easy to forget that I'm abroad and to stay on campus instead of exploring |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |