Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Germany = Amazing Past Review

By (University of the Incarnate Word) - abroad from 08/21/2018 to 12/14/2018 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to interact with others from different cultures and become more independent. Definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was a great experience learning in these different courses they offered, especially the Nazi history course which I found to be quite interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It is pretty organized especially when every week they plan different excursions for us to get to know Germany and its business environment.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I am satisfied with my current living situation and get along quite well with my roommate.

* Food:

There are a variety of foods to enjoy in Germany that I have never tried before that I absolutely enjoy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was quite difficult at first but then you start to pick up on a few things and learn the way of life in Heidelberg.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They were addressed in the sense that you must definitely prepare for when winter arrives.

* Safety:

It has been very safe for us during the program where I feel comfortable traveling around the city alone when needed.

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

It was one of the cheapest and best ways for me to travel abroad and learn new things.

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)

I was able to live quite comfortably on a student budget as long as I managed my expenses and stuck with cooking more in the kitchen than eating out.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I would say around $100.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of your expenses and manage a budget.

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

They did have a integration portion teaching us the basics of German and did encourage us to speak it more. But also told us that many Germans also knew English.

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? I had completed Spanish and it was my first language.
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 speaking more with locals or Germans in the program to practice more.

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?
  • It was smaller than other programs.
  • Classes were easy to get to.
  • Excursions were amazing.
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Better kitchen equipment.
  • Some A/C.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew the German language.

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.