Studying abroad has made me a more confident and independent person! Past Review

By (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/23/2013 to 12/21/2013 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to travel extensively to different parts of Europe as well as engage with many types of cultures. It was such a worthwhile experience and wouldn't trade it for the world!

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.

Beside a few teachers, most of the academic staff was not very good.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program coordinator interns were fantastic!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Didn't like having communal showers and bathrooms but the set was satisfactory.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't get any local interaction until I started my SRH class with the international students. But after meeting these students through my class we were able to really get to know one another.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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? $100 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make an excel spread sheet to keep track of your expenses. It really helps especially if you are on a budget!

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? GER 103
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? Integrate yourself with the locals as much as possible to practice the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excursions
  • Fridays off
  • Fall break
* What could be improved?
  • kitchen staff
  • better program coordinators who understand college students
  • host families could be added
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? going everywhere by foot!

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.