Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye opening Past Review

By (Minnesota State University, Mankato) - abroad from 05/26/2016 to 06/26/2016 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Summer Program in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became more world aware- yes it was worth it

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Always someone in the office to help

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

you had to buy and cook your own food

* Food:

depends on how well of a cook you are.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to use my meager german skills well

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a stomach issue and everyone was vey helpful and offfered to take me to a local doctor

* Safety:

lots of locked doors, DON'T FORGET YOUR KEY!!!

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

offered classes for my major that other programs did not

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)

Easily affordable but make sure you save!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100-200$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Have a currency converter app on your phone so you what everything costs in dollars

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

If you knew it use it, if not no problem :)

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Ger 102- Level 2 of German
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? Duolingo app

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?
  • in center of city
  • let us travel on the weekends
  • good facilities
* What could be improved?
  • more diverse students- not all 1 or 2 colleges
  • stricter on kitchen duty
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that everyone already knew eachother- I was kind of left out

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!