An amazing experience that I hope every single student can have! Past Review
By Neel D (Business Administration, Management and Operations., The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/23/2013 to 12/21/2013 with
European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU
Too many things to write. I learned a new culture, the public transportation system, basic level German, cooking, cleaning, traveling, and so much more.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Absolutely amazing time, I would strongly recommend to every single person! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was great and very helpful. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
There were a few things that needed adjustment such as the showers and washing machines |
| * Food: |
German food isn't exactly the most unique and flavorful, but it's more about the experience of trying different foods. It is very easy to find good food anywhere too. There is a large variety of ethnic foods all around Heidelberg. I have eating, German, Italian, American, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and so many other ethnic foods all around Heidelberg. That does't include when I traveled around Europe. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I feel like there is some work to be done with the integration of local culture. As I started my course at SRH, I felt I was able to meet more German students and integrate more, but the course started only 5 weeks before I left. I feel like if there is a better way to meet these students earlier, I could have integrated myself better. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Never had any health related issues. |
| * Safety: |
I felt very safe around Heidelberg. Even coming home late at night, walking, trams, and taxis are all safe ways around town. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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 tried spending about $100 a week, but it always seemed to pass a little bit. There were weeks where I was able to spend less then $100, but then other weeks when I spent more. When it comes to traveling around Europe, the cost comes to be much more. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I aimed to spend about $3000 while I was here, but I think it will be coming to about $5000-6000 with everyday expenses and traveling. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't waste money going to bars and clubs all the time. They're expensive and overpriced. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We were encouraged to learn the language, but personally I was not able to learn too much. The course did not fit my schedule, but I tried to learn on my own. |
| 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? | Meet German students and try and practice with them. They all speak English and German, so they should be good to practice with. They usually enjoy being able to practice their English and respect you trying to learn the German language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | More information on how classes were and schedules. More information on how public transportation works. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
