A truly enriching experience! Past Review

By (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 01/04/2013 to 05/04/2013 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This has been one of the best experiences of my life! I have been able to grow as a person, meet people from all over the world, and learn more about the German culture. I truly enjoy living in the beautiful city of Heidelberg. I recommend the program to everyone, and I would not hesitate to do it all over again if I had the chance!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Amazing staff! Easy to talk to and accessible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I have been able to integrate to the culture by joining clubs and groups outside of the program. Take risks, and meet new people!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Doctor is around the corner from the facilities and there are plenty of pharmacies nearby. Doctor appointments can be made on weekdays, and waiting time is minimal.

* Safety:

Heidelberg is a very safe city at all times of the day/night.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $200
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Heidelberg is an affordable place for living. A student can live off $100 per week, but it really depends on how much he/she spends on personal shopping and 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

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? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to learn important phrases in German prior to your departure. Also, try to get involved in Germany by participating in language practices which are held at local cafes.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Location
  • Affordability
  • Safety
* What could be improved?
  • More integration with German students
  • Broader selection of courses
  • Better communication between home school and ESC
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Classes are actually at the European Study Center, not at SRH University.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.