Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Heidelberg in July Past Review

By (International Business., University of the Incarnate Word) - abroad from 07/01/2013 to 07/27/2013 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had first-hand experience of what it's like to live in Europe in the 21st century. From the old traditions and values to the new ways of incorporating globalization and technology. I was very pleased with coming here. I would never have this kind of experience anywhere else. Germany is truly unique.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The course had a good amount of learning but also gave us the time we needed to do some exploration around Heidelberg on our own. At times it did feel stressful, but overall prioritization worked out.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I love our staff!! Not only were they really helpful when it came to our academics, but they were also there for personal matters as well. They never hesitated to help out and were very knowledgeable.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Minus the lack of air conditioning, I was satisfied with the room. It gave enough room to move around in and was situated very nicely. Didn't like the constant bugs that managed their way into our room, but nothing like some insect-kill spray to make them go away.

* Food:

I was a little unprepared when it came to cooking our own meals, but for the most part we also ate out. Unhappy with the small kitchen; I honestly didn't like standing at the stove for more than five minutes because I felt like everyone was waiting on me. However, was very happy that the kitchen had all the basic cooking utensils and ingredients.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At times people either didn't know that I wasn't from Germany, or just genuinely didn't care. Either way, I never felt like I was being shunned. People here were very nice.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get sick while here, but I did watch a couple fellow students get sick. Medicine was found very quickly, and the doctors office was never too far away.

* Safety:

This is a great city for students because the city is filled with them. We never had problems with walking around at night. If anything, people would stop to say hello in a drunken stupor before going home. Just look both ways when crossing the street and you should be fine.

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 was a cheapskate while I was here. However, even then the basic foods we bought to cook were never too expensive. We kept meals simple: cereal, pasta, rice, sandwiches. And eating out was not too much of a problem, so long as you didn't buy too much seafood or big portions of meat.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? no more than 50 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save souvenir shopping until the end. The products won't be gone so make sure you take care of yourself before bringing anything back home. Definitely budget. For meals, I would try to keep everything under 20 Euros. I still haven't gone over that amount and I managed to get decent meals. Always keep a little amount of money stashed in a "secret compartment" of your wallet and don't touch it unless there's an emergency.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Easy schedule
  • Right amount of free time and academic time
  • Location of the school
* What could be improved?
  • I would love air conditioning (especially in the summer)
  • Bigger kitchen
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known about the weather. I only looked at the first few days rather than the averages throughout the month. I was prepared for cool weather (like spring weather).

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!