Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

New cultural expereinces Past Review

By (University of the Incarnate Word) - 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?
The language, the culture...so many things! It was completely worthwhile, it taught me so many things. I am happy that I was part of this program. I was able to learn about and fully be a part of the culture.

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:

* 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

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? 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy groceries and cook at home, it's a lot cheaper than going out.

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? Beginner
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? I had never taken a class, I knew some words but not a lot.
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? Do not be shy about using the language when you go out, it is good practice! Just try and speak the language, even if you make mistakes...it makes it easier to learn.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • I enjoyed learning the language, my teacher taught in a way that helped me learn the language and be able to use it when I went out to the city.
  • I enjoyed the excursions, there was a good variety and I learned from each one.
* What could be improved?
  • I would have liked to know that the german course began a week earlier. I would have liked to come a week before and begin with the class.
  • I know it had to be done that way, but I did not like the 7-10pm class. It was a bit late in the day and it was a difficult time to work with.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know that taking a language course is really essential to fully becoming a part of the culture. It's ok to step out of your comfort Zone. This is what helps you to be a part of the culture.

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!