Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I love Heidelberg and can't wait to go back! Past Review

By (Quinnipiac University) - abroad from 01/02/2020 to 05/01/2020 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Study Abroad in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can take care of myself very well. When I am at my home university, I am on a meal plan, so I never really had to cook for myself. Here, I cook almost everyday because it is the cheapest option, and being able to cook is a necessary skill to have. I also learned that it can be easy to adjust to a new culture if you stop focusing on the differences between your own culture and theirs. Just try to immerse yourself and act like the locals do, and you will have an easy time.

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 professors are all very kind and understand that the students are there to travel and make the most of their experience in Europe. Because of this, they keep the workload light and understand when you are absent due to your travel plans.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration is very helpful for whatever situation you may have. However, they tend to me unorganized at times, which can lead to some frustration.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The house is very clean and the rooms are comfortable. The WiFi in the building is not good though.

* Food:

I have been cooking for myself a lot and I think that I am pretty good.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I really feel at home in Heidelberg.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I have never felt unsafe in Heidelberg. The neighborhood we live in is very nice and safe.

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

I thought the program was very cool. Since we live in a mansion and take classes there too, it was very different than my home university. I thought the administration and professors was very nice as well and that they were willing to help you when you needed it.

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)

4.5 - the food in the grocery stores is very cheap compared to the US. I am able to get a whole week's worth of food for less than 50 euros typically. If you treat yourself to meals out often, however, it will be harder to stay on a budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Around 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep track of all your travel expenses as those will be the most expensive parts of your experience.

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 program encouraged it, but since many people speak English here I can get by easily.

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? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? There are apps you can download that will help you.

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 friends I made
  • The programs location made it easy to travel
  • How the professors are understanding of our situations and are flexible with their schedules
* What could be improved?
  • It could be a little more organized
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the classes that are offered. Since this tends to be a smaller program, some classes are not offered if not enough people sign up. I wish they notified us of this before.

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!