Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pretty Cool! Past Review

By (Columbus State University) - abroad from 06/30/2016 to 07/30/2016 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Summer Program in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I am capable to adapt to a new environment. It was definitely worthwhile!

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The majority of your meals will be out of your own expense.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not require any medical attention, but the staff always made it known that healthcare was accessible.

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? approx 40 Euros for groceries and 25 Euros if I go out on the weekend.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? SAVE! SAVE! SAVE! Keep in mind the money that you could potentially use towards activities and independent traveling. *****Make sure you understand the exchange rate****

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

I was actually enrolled in the German I course so i was encouraged weekly and the staff helped me with words when we were out together on excurions.

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? German I
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? Try to use it when making local transactions or asking for directions. Watch kid cartoons, it will help you hear some the words you are learning!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • having classes with other internaitonal students!
* What could be improved?
  • The cost, it was quite expensive for only 4 weeks and my plane ticket was not included.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I truly understood the currency in comparison to USD.

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!