Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best decision I made in college! Past Review

By (Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations., Quinnipiac University) - abroad from 08/31/2012 to 12/22/2012 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I cant even begin to explain all he things I've gained. I gained more of a global mindset and appreciation for other cultures. It was absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great work load for studying abroad, its enough that you'll actually learn something but not too much work that it'll interfere with your travels.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Absolutely amazing, I have never had such supportive and friendly staff in all of my schooling years.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Its rich in history but still up to date enough to satisfy all your needs and wants. The downstairs facilities are a lot nicer however

* Food:

Its genuine European food, do I really have to say more?

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I have been here forever and I feel like I'm walking around my own town when I'm out by my self.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I haven't had any problems but from what I've seen we are very well cared for

* Safety:

This is not even an issue, just be smart with your belongings and you really have nothing to be worried about

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

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)

I mean it is pretty easy to get by on a small budget but you are going to always tend to spend more than you wish

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy more of your food and drinks at the grocery store instead of going out.

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

We are encouraged to speech German whenever given the chance but we are not pressured to do so.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
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? Use it as much as you can with locals.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The staff
  • The cultural experience
  • The freedom to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Some of the facilities
  • Wireless internet
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I should plan out places I want to travel to.

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 Adventurer
The 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.