Average Program Past Review
By A student (German Studies, Vassar College) - abroad from 05/29/2015 to 07/05/2015 with
Hampden-Sydney College: The Münster Summer Program
it was worthwhile due to my experience with my host family
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
the classes had good intentions and the teachers were good but most students only came to Germany to drink |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I was disappointed with the lack of organization and administration of this program |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
originally, I was housed with a single male (I am a female) which was not ideal and uncomfortable. It was a shame that the program did not realize this earlier. Afterwards, I was relocated to another family, which was absolutely fantastic. However, at the start, I had to deal with a very uncomfortable situation due to a lack of preparation on the part of the program and it's staff |
| * Food: |
german food is amazing |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated outside of the program (with my host family). Host families are key to this program. |
|
* 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) |
|
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 100 euro |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | eat more with your host families |
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? | Intermediate |
| 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? | intermediate 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? | spend time with your host family and only speak german. don't let them speak english with you. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | there would be a lack of females on the trip |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
