Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Seeing a Different Side of Things Past Review

By (University of the Incarnate Word) - abroad from 05/26/2016 to 06/25/2016 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have gained new information about German culture. I think that it has allowed me to become more confident and flexible. I know I am better at finding different ways of explaining something in any language. If one language doesn't work you just keep looking for one that is the most similar.

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

Always willing to help out in any way or at any time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Great location. Close to everything. The center itself was really great as well, everything clean and organized.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lots to do in order to get to know the country and the culture, whether it is just going on the excursions, traveling with a group, or just wandering around the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe. Felt comfortable walking around by myself if necessary.

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

The people here really care about the participants and do whatever they can to make the transition to a new country an easy one. They look out not just because they are in charge but because they want to and they want everyone to have the best experience possible.

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)

Depends on what you get and how much shopping you do. Possible to live off of less than 20 euros a week.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20-25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Sometimes the best deals on food are at the smaller stores outside of the main city area.

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

Used during class and helpful when going around Germany.

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
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? Try to learn a little bit before leaving home. When here practice when ever possible. It will really help you understand the language better.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • The excursions
  • The people
  • Everything
* What could be improved?
  • Comunication
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think that you can't really and truly know what it's going to be like until you are actually here experiencing it. It is worth it.

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!