Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great experience October 16, 2023

By (Economics, Vanderbilt University) - abroad from 02/01/2023 to 07/17/2023 with

Dickinson College: Bremen - University of Bremen

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My language skills and cultural competencies improved greatly. I found it very worthwhile.

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.

Most of the courses were great. Some Professors were not very accessible.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really only had two options, so I would not have changed to a different program.

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)

Cost of living was much cheaper compared to Nashville.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 120 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cooking food is much cheaper than eating out in Bremen.

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

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? Advanced German
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? I found interning very helpful to practice formal speaking and writing.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Excursions
  • Fellow students
  • Advising
* What could be improved?
  • Connecting with local students at program start
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It is much more difficult to make friends with German students compared to students in the US.

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 Linguist
You 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!