Austria/Europe changed my life!!! Past Review
By Nolan W (Kinesiology, New Mexico State University) for
FH Joanneum: Graz - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I grew as a person; I met people from all over the world and learned about the culture and the way they think about things. I threw away the sterotypes I had ever learned in the past and I think everyone that met me did the same with their stereotypes about Americans. There is a huge world out there and the only way to learn and grow is by experiencing it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I think the workload is about the same. It felt it a little easier but they take more classes in a semester than we do so there is not as much information in each class, but overall they probably have more to learn. I believe that we did at least one powerpoint presentation in each class which is more than I've ever done. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were met and exceeded! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
It is a close walk to the school, about a 5 min walk. The international coordinator helped set it up and gave me websites for the two dorms to choose from. I felt very safe where I was at and never felt threatened or scared. The staff was very friendly and provided sheets and pillow for me |
| * Food: |
Food is pretty much like in America, although a few differences and new items. Just learn ingredients in German to be able to read the labels! Many places for pizza, kebap, and of course, wiener schnittzel. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Travelled to over 13 countries while in Europe and loved every second! Plus had two excursions with the school which were very informative and made it easy to make new friends! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt more safe in Europe than I do here. I never had a single problem and people were very friendly and more than helpful in any situation. As with healthcare, it is better than the U.S. You must pay a small fee every month but visits, medication, and treatment is all free. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I didnt account for insurance which was around $75 a month, but other than that everything was as expected. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke English but I really wish I had learned at least the basics of German before studying abroad. It became frustrating at times when I could not understand people. The other students helped us learn common words and phrases and we carried our dictionaries around with us everywhere. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Any student would do good in this program...my best advice: do it!!! |
