Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So glad I came to Germany! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/20/2014 to 12/13/2014 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
So far, I think I've learned more about myself than I've learned about the material in my classes or about the places I've visited. There is something about taking yourself out of your comfort zone for an extended period of time that gives you a new perspective on yourself. Coming to Heidelberg has been, hands down, the best decision I've ever made!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We cook our own meals in student kitchens.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish we would be able to interact with local students more. But the surrounding area is really nice if you take the time to explore it on your own!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There is a local doctor just a minute away and the hospital is easy to get to. They were able to help me in decent English when I needed it.

* Safety:

I always feel safe in Heidelberg, even at night or alone.

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)

If you cook for yourself and limit eating out, it is easy to maintain a reasonable budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Groceries + Weekend travel plans
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Lidl is a lot cheaper than Rewe for groceries!

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

All classes are in English, you had the option of taking a German class.

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? None
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? I didn't learn any German, other than general polite things to say when I was out in town...like "please & thank you."

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Nice rooms
  • Classes
  • Flexible schedule to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Kitchen upgrade
  • Laundry facilities
  • Interaction with international students/locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pre-plan some of your travel, don't wait until you're here to first decide where you want to go and what you'll do when you get there. Of course, you won't know when you'll be available to travel yet or who you'll be friends with, but pick out the major things you want to see in each city. And it's okay to travel alone sometimes too. In each city, I've tried to do one thing on my own. Often times, it was my most enjoyable experience that I got the most out of.

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 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.