Frankfurt, Germany: VIEL SPASS Past Review
By Kelsey H (Marketing/German, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) for
Goethe Institute: Berlin - German Courses
My study abroad was completely worthwhile. I got to see so many amazing places and meet people who will be special to me for the rest of my life.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work load was considerably less than a normal semester of college, but it was still difficult because it was all German classes. The grading system was 1-6 (1 being the best). |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There was little to no help from the University when I first arrived. The International Office had VERY limited hours and the director wasn't friendly/understanding. Once classes started it got much better. All my professors were extremely welcoming and willing to help with any problems we were having. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the Ginnheim dorms and there was construction being done during my entire stay - I was aware of this and received reduced rent because of it. It was manageable and it was really nice to be close to friends I met in the dorms. |
| * Food: |
Food on campus was good at first - but like all cafeteria food it gets old. Frankfurt has so many good restaurants to choose from and grocery stores are all around and easy to find. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I traveled all over with my friend I came with and we made other good friends who took trips with us. Frankfurt had a lot of fun festivals in the Spring/Summer that we could attend. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Even though Frankfurt is large, it's very safe. You're required to get healthcare in Germany but I never had to use it. I had to figure out for myself where/how to get healthcare (use AOK insurance - on a side street off of Leipziger Strasse). |
| 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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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I practiced the language in class. I used the language when I was out in public (shopping, traveling, eating out etc.), but almost everyone can speak or understand English. |
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
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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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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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would suggest that the student who decides to do this study abroad to be ready to figure things out for yourself. Don't get frustrated when things don't work out right away - Germany bureaucracy sucks and offices have limited hours. Get your VISA app. out of the way! When applying for your Visa, you're going to need a large amount of money in your GERMAN bank account - to prove you can support yourself financially during your stay. It'll be the time of your life - I miss it so much and wish I was back in Frankfurt right now :) |
