An Engaging and Meaningful Experience in a Gorgeous City Past Review
By A student (Finance, The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/19/2014 to 12/13/2014 with
European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU
I learned that you get out of your study abroad experience what you put into it. Since I was open to new experiences and excited to explore and travel, the benefits to me became immeasurable. I experienced many wonderful places in Europe, learned a ton of history, tried great food, and much more. The friendships I made with the people I was with in Heidelberg are incredibly meaningful, and, looking back, are one of the most valuable parts of this experience.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was great to take classes both at the ESC and neighboring SRH University; each offered a different and unique academic setting that I really enjoyed. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The European Study Center's Villa for student living is beautiful, large, and comfortable. |
| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Attended several local events and, by the end of the semester, was immersed in Heidelberg, as a local would be. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Never felt unsafe in Heidelberg or surrounding areas |
| 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) |
Definitely affordable; groceries were less expensive than in America |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 Euros/week (more for weeks w/ traveling weekends) |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Determine a budget and stick to it. There are a lot of great activities that are free or of minimal-cost happening in Heidelberg or surrounding areas, so take advantage of those! |
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 |
I took German classes with other international students; we spoke German with each other outside of class as well |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | German 200-level |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to use your German on a daily basis (ordering food, shopping, navigating public transportation, etc.), and interact with native speakers |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Before traveling to a new place, learning a few new things about it to make your experience even more meaningful. |
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.' |
