Extremely worthwhile and educationally enriching Past Review
By John LaMaina (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/24/2016 to 12/17/2016 with
European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU
I gained a lot from my experience abroad, the biggest things come from within yourself. There is a lot of time to think about the world globally and your role inside of it. Coming to the ESC challenges you to think and you come out learning a lot about yourself as a person.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Classes are fair and worthwhile. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
We cook and buy our food for ourselves every day but I think it just makes the experience that much more valid. It is an extra component to study abroad that I find important. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I speak german well so it was easier for me to make friends than other people, but this is a very english-friendly town as well. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I fell very safe here |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I could see myself staying here for the full year and not just a semester long. The ESC is so fantastic you really will find yourself not wanting to leave the program. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 200 euro including traveling averaged out over the whole semester |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Work hard before you come and save up! You will not want to miss out on traveling while you are here. |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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 202 college level |
| 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? | conversation practice is best |
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? | I wish I was prepared for all the fun I was going to have. Looking back I don't know what I was expecting, but the ESC program goes above and beyond any ideas I had before coming here. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
