Studying Abroad in Heidelberg, Germany Past Review
By A student (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 08/20/2018 to 12/14/2018 with
European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU
I learned a lot about myself while studying abroad. Studying abroad has challenged to get out of my comfort zone. It has led me to be more confident in my decisions. It finally has let me enjoy and appreciated different cultures from my own.
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. |
My educational experience while studying abroad has been stressful. I attend classes for eight plus hours a day. The course work is not rigorous; however, when I am in class for so many hours it is hard to manage time socially and academically as well as trying to explore Europe on the weekends. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration is very nice and accommodating. However, I feel misinformed a lot of the time or told about mandatory things last minute. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing is beautiful and in a great location to the center city of Heidelberg. |
| * Food: |
The housing accommodation has two full kitchens supplied with all utilities. It is a great way to save money instead of having to eat out. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I feel as though I adjusted will into the local culture. Heidelberg is a great small city and it is easy to familiarize yourself into the day to day life. I also know some German and it is not too hard to get around the city; although, English is spoken well here. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I have yet to experience healthcare here. However, administration seems as though they are very accommodating and flexible to your needs if you are in search of health care. |
| * Safety: |
I have yet to feel unsafe in Heidelberg. Housing is close to public transportation and is located in a safe neighborhood a little outside of the center city. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Although my administration has created difficulties for my time abroad, I have cherished my time abroad here. I have learned so much from adapting to different cultures and learning how to be independent. |
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 been able to budget my money wisely while being abroad. Food and personal expenses have been easy to budget. Weekend expenses while traveling adds up. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would suggest planning weekend trips very early in the program. The earlier you plan a trip it is cheaper. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 knew about academics more and how classes would be run. I felt as though it was not organized and I was not informed about how it would be. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
