Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best month of my life so far. Past Review

By (University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth) - abroad from 06/28/2012 to 08/01/2012 with

Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences / FRA-UAS: Hessen International Summer University Frankfurt

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad taught me many things, but the most important lesson was that I could survive in a city abroad on my own much better than I had anticipated. I learned that I loved German culture, and that the way they ran things was much more efficient than back home. This experience was the best experience I've had in my life. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Review Photos

Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences / FRA-UAS: Hessen International Summer University Frankfurt Photo Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences / FRA-UAS: Hessen International Summer University Frankfurt Photo Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences / FRA-UAS: Hessen International Summer University Frankfurt Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The courses we partook in were challenging yet informative. Throughout the course of my four weeks in Frankfurt am Main, I gained general knowledge of topics including: Corporate Finance, European Business Law, Corporate Banking and a general European Finance course.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program administrators were exceptional. Melanie, Phil, Hussein, Malik, EVERYONE was outstanding, helpful, and all around just great people. We developed relationships with our administrators that will hopefully last a life time.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in a 5 star Best Western in Friedburger Water. Our accommodations were exceptional and I had no issues whatsoever.

* Food:

Schnitzel anyone?

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Attended a multicultural communications course that really opened my eyes to how people interact throughout the world. Given we had 62 people from 22 different countries it was also a learning experience just speaking with these different people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Never had a problem with anyone in the city as far as danger goes, however the Nacht Bus had very inconsistent hours. More than once I found myself having to walk from Alt Sachsenhausen back up to Konstablerwache just to try and get home.

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)

I made it work.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 100 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just be SMART. If you go out to the bars, go to Crazy in Alt Sachsenhausen first and grab some cheap shots before going to the more expensive bars. If you go out to eat, stop and get some Fleischkeiser from Konstablerwache. Cheap filling and delicious. STAY AWAY FROM MY ZEIL IF YOU WANT TO SAVE MONEY I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

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

Many people in Germany speak English but you still need to know how to basically communicate.

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? Nothing
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? Go into the country knowing how to say hello, goodbye, thank you and excuse me. Trust me.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Advisiors
  • The Culture
  • The city of Frankfurt am Main
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
  • Class Schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nothing.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.