Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing International Experience! Past Review

By (Finance and Financial Management Services., Hamline University) - abroad from 01/27/2012 to 06/01/2012 with

Hamline University: Cologne - Cologne Business School

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned the importance of being able to adapt to different cultural norms and making the most of your time. I also learned to embrace trying new foods, etc. It was definitely worthwhile!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Cologne and traveling throughout Europe. Our program director, Hartwig, was a resource that truly made my experience. His weekly city tours were interesting and enabled me to learn more about the city's culture and history. Overall, my study abroad experience is something I will never forget!

* 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?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

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? 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? 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? Use your friends as resources and set apart times of the day to only use German or whatever language you are learning. Tell your friends to correct you if you make any mistakes.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • My host family
  • Our program director
  • The local food
* What could be improved?
  • Cologne Business School's organization
  • Assistance in adapting into a different learning/ teaching style
  • My German ;)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The differences in teaching style in Germany.

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.