A Fairytale City with a Great Host Program Past Review
By Colin K (Sociology, The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/19/2015 to 12/19/2015 with
European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU
I learned a lot about American culture and how we, as Americans, are viewed abroad. It's truly impossible to gain that experience without stepping outside of your homeland first.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes are easier than my home University. The teachers are nice and helpful otherwise. |
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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 housing might be one of the biggest pulls of choosing this program. Situated in a quiet neighborhood of the picturesque Heidelberg, a beautiful converted mansion serves as the living quarters for all students upstairs, while the downstairs areas are classrooms and administration. Only a five minute tram ride away from the city center, the ESC housing situation is possibly the best in Europe. |
| * Food: |
There are two full kitchens for students to cook themselves meals in. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Several excursions were planned to integrate us into the local culture including festivals, a wine tasting, and a general tour of the city. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Heidelberg is one of the safest places I've ever been in my life. It feels like you stepped into a fairytale. |
| 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) |
Food in Heidelberg is remarkably cheaper than in the States, and it was very easy to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at a really low price. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | €50 - €100 |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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? | 0 |
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? | The weather in Germany is much more mild than in the states. I only brought out my winter coat half way through December. |
