Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Everything and More! Past Review

By (Linguistics, University of California - San Diego / UCSD) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Oh my goodness I learned how to be myself and not worry about what other people think of me, and I learned so much more about international relations and making friends and growing as a person. I could go on forever, but yes it was so worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Very pleased because I was academically challenged but they still gave us room to have fun and enjoy our free time.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 60 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating at the Mensa at Humboldt University is a great way to get good food for cheap. Also things in Berlin are cheap in general so I would try to spend no more than 10 euros per meal. Grocery shopping also cuts down a ton on costs and bringing your own water bottle ensures you can always drink water for free. Always ask for student discounts at museums etc, because Germany is really big on that

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? German literature (4 semesters worth)
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? Definitely be adamant about speaking that language, even when you're with friends. Or better yet, go make German friends and make sure they only speak German. They'll be happy youre putting in the effort and so long as they know you really only want to speak German, they'll oblige.

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

  • Americans
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?
  • The family atmosphere
  • How many opportunities were available
  • the language immersion aspect of it
* What could be improved?
  • Some organizational things
  • Maybe switching up classrooms a bit
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Dont pack so much. I thought I was doing the right thing by saving money by packing more stuff but really I should have just bought a lot of things there because I ended up doing that anyways.

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!