Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

My study abroad experience was wonderful. Past Review

By (University of the Incarnate Word) - abroad from 08/27/2016 to 12/17/2016 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that the world is bigger than what meets the eye and if you only stay in one corner of the world you will never get to know yourself.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

The housing is very welcoming and centered. However, the kitchen is a mess.

* 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

You get excursions to local places, you are in the heart of Heidelberg and you are very much encouraged to travel.

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)

Very easy. The only big expense will be on the traveling.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? At most 30-50 Euros.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you can try to generally summarize how much money you will be spending on the traveling

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

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? Definitely take some basic German courses before arriving and continue studying German in Heidelberg.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The friends.
  • The staff.
  • The traveling opportunities.
* What could be improved?
  • The organization in kitchen duty.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That German is probably one of the hardest languages.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.