Berlin du ist meine Angel Past Review
By Manuel R (Media And Cultural Studies, University of California - Riverside) for
FU-BEST: Berlin - European Studies Program
Yes. My experience taught me new things about myself as well as what it means to be an American.
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. |
The grading system was at first difficult to understand but it made sense once I understood the equivilants of certain grading. Classes were generally longer in length time. The work load was fairly light compared to my home university. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I liked that the administration was knowlegeable and helpful. No real weakness. Good fieldtrips. Progrm size was a bit large which made it hard when we went out as a group and it seemed like we were talking over the streets. My expectations were met. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My program set up my housing for me so i did very little in that regards. i did like where I lived because it was a nice area and very quite(safe) However I lived in the old folks part of town (senior citizens) hence the quiteness. So I had to travel to go any where fun/interesting.I was close to school though. I did not need to buy anything important. I was treated well by my host family who treated me out to expensive dinners occasionally. There were some disagreements between us. I did notice that my host parents fought a lot with each other in front of me which was uncomfortable. |
| * Food: |
Eat at the "imbisses" they are cheap and good tasting food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
A real football (soccer) game was great to attend and see why so much of the world loves this sport, which we don't have in America. Museums and other cultural events are important to go to whenever you have a chance. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Very safe for me. I heard of sudents in the past having some troubles. I always was aware of my surroundings and treated people with respect so I had no issues. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Maybe between 40 and 50Euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just know how much money you can spend ahead of time before departure and spend accordingly. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None. |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Try and speak the foreign language as much as possible evn if your pronounciation is bad. Keep practicing in public (stores, restaurants, etc.)Don't get lazy and ask people if they speak english unless you absoulutly have to. Read as many signs as possible traveling and try to figure out what they mean/stand for. I stayed with a host family so I practiced and asked for help with my German. You will need to know the foreign language because you will have to count (money) and order food regardless!!!! Most people did speak english in Europe/Germany. |
| 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?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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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