My favorite semester of college thus far! October 02, 2022
By Nick R (Economics/German, Dickinson College) - abroad from 02/01/2022 to 07/27/2022 with
Dickinson College: Bremen - University of Bremen
I feel that I've never made as much personal growth in 6 months as I did living in Bremen. Living in another culture while experiencing the most amount of independence I've ever had before helped me become more confident and adventurous. In addition to learning more about myself and what I may find fulfilling after graduation, this experience makes me want to actually move to Germany. I had already thought about moving to Germany before my time abroad, but now I am determined to live in a German city. Because the program also helped me make personal connections and reach C1 level of German, I feel much more prepared to move overseas!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Before the semester began I was under the impression that the courses would be much more lecture based. However, I found I had ample opportunity to participate in smaller classes sizes and I noticed that because I had the motivation to participate that my German skills improved. I did not feel overwhelmed in any of my courses, but I felt intellectually challenged on a regular basis. I am very happy that I chose each of my courses as a German major because I feel much more confident in talking with native speakers and I would not have had the chance to learn about those subjects at Dickinson. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Dr. Ludwig and Ms. Thiele made me feel confident that if I ever needed help or ran into difficulties that I was in good hands. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I chose to live in a shared apartment that I found independently through WGgesucht.de, but the program gave me an sufficient stipend for my room and it was a largely successful experience! |
| * Food: |
The Uni Bremen Mensa serves delicious and inexpensive food. Although it is only open for lunch, the University also has a couple of other smaller dining locations from the morning until the late afternoon that has great options too. I felt satisfied given the food stipend and my cooking abilities. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Through getting to know my classmates and events in the city I made plenty of fiends. This not only helped me improve my German, but also grow fond of the culture of the city and feel like a real resident of it by the end of the program, |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The healthcare service provided by the program was very helpful in finding appointments to receive the medication I needed while abroad. |
| * Safety: |
I felt walking, riding my bike, and taking public transportation in the city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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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? | 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? | I began with a B2.2 language courses and by the end of the program I was able to pass my C1 language exam with the Goethe Institute |
| 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? | Speak whenever you can and don't be afraid to make mistakes! |
Other Program Information
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* 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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| 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 to start looking for an apartment earlier. |
