Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An Experience of a Lifetime Past Review

By (The College of New Jersey) - abroad from 01/03/2019 to 05/10/2019 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Independence, patience, and amazing travel experiences I'll never forget.

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.

The professors are kind and helpful, and classes are interesting. However I am used to having assignments more frequently, so in my opinion the classes were not too intense. I think they are perfect for an institution that houses American students who wish to spend time in Europe, because the fact that they have fewer assignments means it is easier for students to travel.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I personally didn't have any issues with the Administration here at the ESC.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were very clean, and I was provided with all the amenities I expected to receive. I have no complaints!

* Food:

I find German food to be very good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I speak German, but because very few other students here at the ESC do, I didn't have much occasion to use it. I don't have any regrets from this semester, but I do wish I had the opportunity to meet more German students to practice my language skills. (I did not have any classes at the SRH.)

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have not sought out health care while in Heidelberg, but I assume if I did, the people at the ESC would give me the help I needed.

* Safety:

I feel very safe at the ESC, and overall I think Heidelberg has a low crime rate. I had a friend get her wallet stolen, and my friends and I have had uncomfortable experiences at clubs because we're women; but I think that sort of thing would happen anywhere. Overall, I've felt very safe during my time here.

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

I've learned so much from being here in Heidelberg, and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.

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 did not bring as much money with me as others did, and although I had to reign in my expenses sometimes, for the most part I didn't have any issues.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approx. 50 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend all your money on alcohol!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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 people I've met
  • The ability to travel
* What could be improved?
  • The lack of contact with Germans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? things don't always go as planned, and it's okay!

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 Linguist
You 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!