Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Study Abroad is amazing Past Review

By (University of California - San Diego / UCSD) - abroad from 08/10/1979 to 07/04/1980 with

Georg-August-Universität Göttingen: Göttingen - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad gave me a perspective that has served me well over the years. It REALLY opened my eyes to what it means to be American and how others in the world view us. Learning a second language was a lot of fun. It also gave me a different perspective on non-native English speakers. You don't know where life will take you. I am now chair of a department at a university. Part of my job is to deal with study abroad as well as international students.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Mostly I cooked for myself. Ate one meal a day in the cafeteria

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Lived in dorms with all students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Don't remember

* Safety:

Very safe but that was 35 years ago. Can't speak to current levels.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved being in Gottingen. It was a great town and a central location. The people there were very welcoming. I was able to travel though Europe from there and catch bits and pieces of other cultures as well.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eat the way the German students eat. Don't try to recreate America.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Second year German
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? We spoke German amongst ourselves if any Germans were present. This encouraged conversations with Germans. I spent a lot of time in our Tagesraum, listening at first, speaking when I became more comfortable. I sought out conversations and friendships with non-Americans. I got my thoughts together before entering a store so I could greet properly and knew what I wanted to say in advance.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Learning the language
  • Meeting people
  • Trying new food. Drinking legally for the first time (I was 19)
* What could be improved?
  • Don't know.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The first 3 months were very hard. Language skills were minimal, family was far away. Then it got better.

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.