Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most rewarding experience Past Review

By (Accounting, The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/18/2014 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?
While I certainly had expectations about how my experience abroad would be, I don't think I really understood how much of an effect it would have on me. In the four months that I spent abroad, I learned so much about myself and what I want out of life. You have the opportunity to learn and see so many things. Although the idea of living abroad and going to a completely unfamiliar place is daunting, it's worth it. You will see the world in a completely new light and will question everything you've ever known. I can say with certainty that this was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had and I would not trade it for anything.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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? 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)

It really depends on your spending habits. You can get by on anywhere from 25 to 50 Euro each week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food: 30-50 Euro; Misc: 30-50 Euro; Traveling: dependent on country etc.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for discount food stores (Lidl, Aldi etc.). The further in advance that you buy tickets (train, plane) for traveling, the cheaper your tickets will be and the more you will save!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Informative excursions
  • Housing is very nice
* What could be improved?
  • Organization - in regards to classes etc.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It would have been helpful to know my class schedule earlier.

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.