Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Lacking in organization, but wonderful location and people Past Review

By (The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 03/07/2017 to 07/01/2017 with

IES Abroad: Berlin - Study Abroad With IES Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My language skills improved drastically, and I got to live abroad for an extended period of time, so it was definitely worthwhile.

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

Organization and communication leading up to the program start date was lacking.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Not quite what I asked for with my preferences, but it turned out okay.

* Food:

N/A, students cooked for themselves

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health problems during the program, so I did not need program assistance.

* Safety:

Berlin feels very safe, you just have to be aware of your surroundings.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved Berlin. The IES program I could take or leave, but seeing as how it's the only program in Berlin available to me, I would do it again. Were there a UT exchange through Humboldt or another uni there, I would have preferred that.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat out in touristy areas, cook for yourself a lot.

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? Advanced Grammar
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? Immersion is obviously the best choice, but having taken classes in German before and having written papers in German before the program was also a huge help.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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?
  • Location of classes
  • Berlin
  • Courses were interesting
* What could be improved?
  • Price - the price of the program on top of normal UT semester tuition is very expensive
  • Organization within IES and between IES and my home university.
  • Unlike with an exchange program, my courses don't count as in-residence, and I still don't know which ones I actually get credit for. Improving the way courses are evaluated is essential.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew for sure if I was getting credit for my courses abroad or not.

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!