Study Abroad in Berlin: Best experience of my entire life. Past Review

By (Biology, University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) - abroad from 07/14/2012 to 08/10/2012 with

FUBiS - International Summer and Winter University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Taught me a lot about the world, opened my eyes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Great coursework intertwined with educational fieldtrips.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

FUBis team was incredibly helpful.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Worst part of the experience.

* Food:

Kebabs are the best.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Berlin is a very international and friendly city, I felt right at home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No problems.

* Safety:

Felt comfortable at all hours.

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)

Europe is expensive.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 300 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out every night, it drains your pockets.

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? Beginner 2
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Actually take the language course, my home university didn't accept the credit.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Coursework
  • Europe
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Cost
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I could speak the language better.