Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Great Cultural Opportunity Past Review

By (Averett University) - abroad from 08/20/2019 to 12/13/2019 with

European Study Center: Heidelberg - Summer Program in the EU

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I have become more self-aware regarding how I interact and analyze the cultures and people around me while also becoming increasingly more self-sufficient and confident with the German language and culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was able to take classes that I was interested in outside my immediate field of study, allowing me to further become more knowledgeable on the European Union and international relations as a whole while also becoming more comfortable with speaking the German language.

* 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? No

If I could do another study abroad program, I would choose a different program so that I can continue expanding my cultural awareness and perceptions.

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)

Because the Euro is very similar in worth to the USD, conversions and managing money was not difficult.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Put away a significant amount of money away prior to the study abroad so that you do not have to stress about finances while you are traveling.

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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
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? Engage with people outside of your program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* 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?
  • The friends that I have made
  • The country
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • Administrative Tasks and Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To always be open to new ideas, experiences, and opportunities.

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!