Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This summer was the best of my life. Past Review

By (HISTORY., University of Virginia) - abroad from 06/04/2013 to 07/20/2013 with

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned how to live in a foreign country and how to navigate a large city.

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.

The courses were very engaging, the professors were fantastic, the readings were interesting, and the field trips were moving.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Extremely helpful and informative.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nice apartment, helpful host, great neighborhood.

* Food:

The food in Berlin was absolutely amazing - both the cheap food and the more expensive restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

A lot of people spoke English, so my German was not used as much as I had thought. But the local areas for food and drinks were extremely friendly and abundant.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health problems.

* 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)

City living could be pretty expensive.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? €80
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy food at a grocery star - it's cheaper.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The field trips
  • The classes
* What could be improved?
  • Speaking German around the center.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be ready to spend a fair amount of cash around the city.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Modern German Jewish History
Course Department:
Instructor: Professor Bialas
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This class was amazing. The lectures were interesting, and the readings were quite fascinating. I found the field trips to be super helpful in terms of broadening my experiences and really teaching me the material.
Credit Transfer Issues: No problems.
Course Name/Rating:

20th-Century German Art and Architecture
Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This course was very interesting. It challenged and broadened my ability to visually analyze a piece of art, and I found the field trips very helpful. I also really enjoyed the readings - they taught me so much about interpreting art.
Credit Transfer Issues: No problems.