A Semester in Heidelberg Past Review
By Derek Bender (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 01/05/2017 to 05/12/2017 with
European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU
I mainly learned how to navigate past a language barrier. I also learned how to move around a foreign city, and public transportation by myself. The experience was worthwhile, and I had enjoyed it greatly.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes weren't too difficult, and the way classes were scheduled were favorable to students wishing to travel |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was taller than my bed |
| * Food: |
The snacks from our welcome meeting were tasty |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I would have liked to come into contact with actual Germans more often, as the isoladed nature of the ESC made interacting with other German students somewhat difficult. |
|
* 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
The city itself is beautiful, and the location in Heidelberg is favorable for traveling. The ESC was a great place to live, and I enjoyed the classes that I took. |
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? | 20-30€ per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Learn to cook, and dont just buy frozen foods. It will be cheaper (and healthier) in the long run |
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? | Russian 252 |
| 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? | Find native speakers, and have them help you with your speaking skills. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew more German before I left, as it would have made the early days off living in Germany much easier. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
