Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable experience - I wouldn't trade it for anything Past Review

By (Saginaw Valley State University) - abroad from 08/21/2019 to 12/13/2019 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
While abroad I learned how to problem solve better, how to stay level headed in stressful situations and overall I was able to open up my perspectives on the world. By traveling and interacting with students from all over the world I was able to gain a new lens on the world in which I live in. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

I one hundred percent would choose the same program. Heidelberg is a stunning city and the European Study Center is a great institution full of history & experiences to be had with their lovely staff.

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)

Germany is very budget friendly, especially as a student

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Create a weekly budget and track your expenses!

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

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?

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?
  • Excursions
  • Class Scheduling that doesn't affect trip planning
* What could be improved?
  • More transparency with professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The ESC was very proficient at supplying information about what your experience abroad would be like as to culture shock. Additionally, they provided housing information, excursion information, and a rough class schedule many months before studying abroad.

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.