Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Always learning something new. Baden Württemberg Exchange Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering & German Studies, University of Connecticut) - abroad from 09/01/2014 to 08/14/2015 with

Heidelberg University: Heidelberg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It definitely was worthwhile! I learned a lot about my ability to take care of myself. I also got to experience another culture: both university life and the work place

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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:

* 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? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • Meeting new people
  • Being surrounded by a different culture
* What could be improved?
  • More advice on internships (taxes and what to do about city registration if you move)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I was given more of a heads up as to how beaucratic germany is and how to handle all the paperwork correctly to ensure I would not have had problems later on

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.