Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

German Political and Cultural Memory (I wish I was German). Past Review

By (Stephen F. Austin State University) - abroad from 03/10/2016 to 03/23/2016 with

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA): German Political and Cultural Memory

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I love Germany more than I previously thought. I knew a lot about German politics and culture before I arrived, but it was so great to see everything in person.

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.

Instead of just reading about German politics and its history, I got to learn about it again while standing in the exact spot where those historic moments happen. It was amazing.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The only problem I had was the language barrier, of course. Other than that it was an interesting experience to live within another culture for two weeks.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I carried my migraine medication on me.

* Safety:

I felt safe in every city. All of us watched out for one another as well.

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

I loved Germany. I also had a great time with the professors and all the students. Even with disagreements with some students, everyone was very professional and trustworthy.

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)

We had access to food for whatever budget we were on. My budget was just a little smaller than most of the other students. I managed by stashing hotel breakfast food in my bag, so overall it was fine.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about $200, for food and souvenirs and train tickets.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take food from the hotel breakfast. I only spent the most money for dinner, so if you can make the hotel breakfast last for lunch you will be fine.

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

Of the little I knew, I would try my best to start with it and then ask if they spoke English. We also had one student who knew the language better than the rest of us so he was our translator.

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? Spanish 4, but I was in Germany, which would be none.
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? I learned basic phrases from my professors. Most people in the big cities know English but when you get into the smaller cities they only know German.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • The country
  • My professors
  • The topics discussed each day
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly
  • Nothing
  • It was perfect! (Sorry I'm no help.)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have taken German as my foreign language.

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.