Cliche in the Best Way Past Review

By (Psychology, George Washington University) - 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?
I learned to care and make time for myself and all the adventures I wanted to have. It was the best decision I have ever made

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad Photo

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.

* 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

the program gave me everything i needed it. It introduced me to Berlin and allowed me to travel to a different country every weekend while still having Berlin feel like home when i returned.

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? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Berlin is very cheap. It is surprisingly easy to live on a budget.

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? 3rd year proficiency at my University
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? Speak to your host families - it is a great way to casually practice the language

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?
  • being forced to speak German
  • getting the chance to take courses I usually wouldnt
  • having the time to travel
* What could be improved?
  • more course variety
  • better follow through with program wide events
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? it is important to take time to discover Berlin too so make time to travel in the city and not just outside of it

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'