Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fun and Interesting 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?
I learned independence, and it was something that I didn't even realize I was missing before.

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.

It is good that I was able to take a course at the SRH University as well as take classes at the ESC

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Both Thomas and Antonia, as well as the other staff members have been very helpful and insightful as questions and problems arouse throughout the semester.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It is a nice building with a lot of hidden secrets, and the rooms have space and good furniture, as well as 2 kitchens that have all the supplies necessary to make my own food.

* Food:

There are several food stores near by and other places to go out to get food that are delicious and easily located. Be forewarned though, that everything closes early in Germany and on Sundays stores are closed.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I do not actually feel very integrated because I am unable to speak the language here, so I am always speaking English and surrounded by my American friends as a result.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The program was very helpful with all health related issues including taking the students to various doctors and aiding in getting medications.

* Safety:

Heidelberg is one of the safest cities around, but that being said still exercise caution. As a young woman here, who has gone out and experienced the nightlife, as is the case anywhere, I know things can happen and you should always be aware of your surroundings and situation. Overall though, it is a very safe city and I feel comfortable going around by myself on a regular basis.

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

They have made my stay very comfortable here

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 have spent a lot of money on food and expenses, especially travel.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not including travel I was able to keep it under 100 euro a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan ahead, save up money in advance, and watch your bank account. Making a budget will always be helpful.

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

The encouraged me but I did not take any German Language courses so I do not know any German.

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? None
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? Learn conversational basics prior to coming here

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
  • International Students
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 fellow students
  • The local food
* What could be improved?
  • Communication prior to the programs beginning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What the class structure would be like

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!