Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A once in a lifetime experience Past Review

By (Monmouth University) - abroad from 01/02/2019 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?
I gained many new skills that I'll be able to use for future job prospects. I also gained a new perspective on life while abroad; witnessing how other people of other cultures live was very interesting.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses offered were very interesting and unique to Heidelberg. The overall experience was great, and it supplied me with lots of knowledge not only about the course topics but about German culture as a whole.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration at the ESC were very helpful and had our best interests in mind. They went out of their way to help with anything and everything we needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorm-style living arrangement of the ESC was very fun as I was able to meet and communicate with a bunch of other American students. I met a lot of cool people from different walks of life.

* Food:

The food in Germany is great! I will definitely miss it when I leave.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel very integrated with the local culture. Once you have been here long enough, you begin to forget that you're technically an outsider in the German culture as an American.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The administrators at the ESC are very helpful and it was evident that my well-being was their priority.

* Safety:

Heidelberg feels very safe, and I never had any issues with safety. As you would anywhere else, just be aware of your surroundings.

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

I felt very supported throughout my study abroad experience, and I feel like I got the best out of it through the ESC.

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)

With traveling and grocery shopping, it can be difficult to budget; however, planning can help with this.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Definitely save up money before you go and try not to spend money flippantly.

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

We were definitely encouraged to use the language, however, it was not a necessity in Heidelberg as many people speak 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? None
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? It was very helpful to take a German course while abroad.

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?
  • traveling around Heidelberg
  • meeting new friends at the ESC
  • the administration
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I did not stress as much about studying abroad as I did before leaving. It definitely was not an easy experience, but it is not to be stressed over.

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.