Best Decision Ever Past Review
By Taylor Fairweather (Ithaca College) - abroad from 09/03/2018 to 12/15/2018 with
IES Abroad: Berlin - Urban Studies & Social Sciences
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This experience was definitely worthwhile. I learned that time is valuable and to never waste a day, as there was always something to do there. I gained confidence when speaking a different language, even thought how bad it sounded or came off. I also learned that every culture is different and it really is special when you feel as one within your homestay culture. I also learned that I want to comeback for a longer visit because I loved my experience so much.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
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: |
Berlin is such a safe city with very low crime rates. I definitely felt safe walking alone at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would definitely like to relive this whole experience. Everything about it was phenomenal. |
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? | Learn how to budget! Only buy what you feel is necessary and try not to overspend! |
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 |
| 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? | Learn from your host family. They know the language best and are willing to help you. Immerse yourself in public and listen to how others talk, their tone, volume, etc. Honestly, the best way is to speak it whenever you can. If you mess up, it doesn't matter. Germans appreciate foreigners knowing/learning their language. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew to really savor every moment. You don't realize how fast time flies, especially being in a different country for a short amount of time. Towards the end of the program I couldn't believe how fast my time went by. It really teaches you to appreciate every moment and to take it all in. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
Featured Program Providers
