Best decision I have ever made in my entire life!! Past Review
By A student (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 01/05/2017 to 05/13/2017 with
European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU
I learned so much about the German culture, as well as many other cultures of the 11 other countries I had visited while studying abroad. Every cent spent was worth the experience and memories that will forever be burned in my memory.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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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: |
N/A |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The ESC was only a few minute tram ride from the center square, Bizmarkplatz, thus allowing us to submerse ourselves directly in the German Culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A I did not fall ill during my program |
| * Safety: |
Our RA, Jonas always ensured the house was properly locked up. On top of that, the house had punch number entry codes and swipe cards to access the dorm floors. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The ESC in Heidelberg was a fantastic place to live and a welcoming staff. Not only was it central to the middle of town, but it is also only a 10 minute train ride to the train station and an hour ride to Frankfurt International airport allowing for easy transportation around the E.U. |
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) |
I have worked 3 part-time jobs during the semester and then work full time in the summer; including my scholarships, I was able to have a very easy time financing my abroad experience myself. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 10-30 euros a week if I was only buying groceries, but if I ate out that number would substantially increase. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Grocery shopping is the most efficent way of saving money during the week, allowing you to save money for weekend trips. |
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 |
They encouraged me, but I had to take specific classes in order to keep on track for graduation, thus not allowing me to take a German Language class. |
| 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? | N/A |
| 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? | Use it as much as you can in person. |
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? | How to properly plan a weekend trip because at first it would take forever, but after a while planning a whole trip would only take an hour or so. |
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. |
