Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Good Overall Program for International Beginners and Veterans alike Past Review

By (International Relations, Austin Community College) - abroad from 01/07/2016 to 05/14/2016 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Basics of German Culture German Language Immersion Yes

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:

Provided meals were good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Interaction with German culture requires initiative outside of the program

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Rear gate is always open.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The program is set up very well, and as someone with no previous international experience, I found it easy to adapt to the local routine in Germany.

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? Same as US, although much more cash
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to hold back on overusing cash.

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

Good language school in the same building, although most Germans speak English, so I would not view it as required.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 2
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Order food in German; Join a club that is mostly German

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

  • 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?
  • School is in the same building as Dorm
  • Good Location of School in City
  • Good Faculty
* What could be improved?
  • More encouragement to learn German and it's culture
  • Overall Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That there is a separate language school in the same building.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!