Give Germany a Look! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The professors leading the classes are extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the subjects they are teaching. They are also sensitive that this is a study abroad experience and will plan out courses so that you can have time to get out and explore.

On-site administration of your program

The staff are wonderful and will go out of their way to research an excursion, help you plan an independent trip, and give tips about how to get around town. Your wish is truly their command!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The facility is aesthetically beautiful. From the wooden floors to the ceiling to the walls, the common areas are stunning. It almost feels like a museum. One minor drawback, a lot of unavoidable stairs! The European Study Center could not be better. It's right in the middle of a charming neighborhood, right next to hiking trails and a tram stop which allows easy access to the town and the main train station where you can literally take a train almost anywhere in Europe. The basement is unfinished and not the most desirable place to visit. There is a TV room and ping pong table down there, but the creepiness of basement keep most people away, especially at night. I only go down there to do laundry, and I never go down at night, period. In speaking of which, laundry is a 3 euro fee and requires tokens which are only available at the Reception Desk when it is staffed. The fee is annoying by itself, plus you have to make sure you have a token ahead of time if you want to do laundry after-hours or on a Sunday since tokens are not available during these times. The individual bedrooms are basic but come nicely furnished with a desk, wardrobe, and a bed with bedding; plus my room came with some bath towels. The shared bathrooms are fine, no complaints. At least during the early part of my study aboard, the wifi around the Study Center was moody, inconsistent most times and virtually unresponsive in other times, but signs point to the wifi connectivity being improved soon.

Food in the area in and around Heidelberg is VERY tasty. But, if you go out to eat on a regular basis, have a budget prepared. It can get expensive quickly. Fortunately, the kitchen in the Study Center is fully functional and cooking meals in there can save you a bundle.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The locals tend to be very kind and welcoming. Most can speak and understand English, but knowing/using German will always be the better and easier option. The Study Center is located in the middle of a residential neighborhood so the culture is literally all around you!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There are hospitals and ERs in town. Other than that, I can't really comment much on this since I have (fortunately) stayed healthy and not needed the health care system in Germany. My 4 star rating is completely arbitrary and means nothing. This computer program is just forcing me to give a rating...

Heidelberg, and Germany in general, are very safe, much safer than most areas in the US in my opinion. That being said, use common sense, and be a little extra careful at night. Drinking too much, getting drunk, and causing a scene outside local bars is also not advised. Keep it in moderation, try to behave, and you should be fine.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

It can get expensive if you go out to drink, dine out, or travel far regularly. Preparing meals in the Study Center kitchen saves a lot on meal costs. Grocery prices are comparable to those in the US for most items. (No meal plan was included in my trip. )If you want to travel a lot, be prepared to spend. However, the program cost (including tuition, room, and the planned excursions) was really reasonable and was comparable to the cost a semester at my US school

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You are encouraged to try German, but you can get by with English 95% of the time

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• Dorm

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Local Students
• Americans

• The Study Center building itself
• The staff at the Study Center
• The easy of being able to explore and do things

• The basement of the Study Center could be more inviting
• The reliability of the wifi (if not fixed already)

The Academic or Linguist