Life Changing Past Review
By A student (Environmental Studies., Trinity University) - abroad from 03/01/2012 to 06/22/2012 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - Environmental Studies & Sustainability
I learned how to travel alone and have fun with it, rather than stressing too much. It taught me how to be flexible, things will not always work out as planned but they will most likely work out in some way. This experience was invaluable, and has made me a much more independent person.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were much less intense than at my home university. They were also less structured than I am used to. That being said, I still think they provided me with a unique learning experience and taught me things that I can apply to my other major classes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was very helpful and easy to contact. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I enjoyed living in the student dorms and the opportunity to interact with students from the University. |
| * Food: |
The university food was not the best, but it was affordable and convenient. Living in a flat made cooking for myself convenient as well. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Being in a program with all US American students made it difficult to integrate into the culture. I had to seek other means outside of the program to interact with locals. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have a need for health assistance but they outlined the insurance and protocol at the beginning of the semester. IES also called my house before I left for Germany to answer any questions I had about prescriptions and any other health concerns. |
| * Safety: |
I always felt safe in Freiburg. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
The prices in Germany were quite a bit higher than in the US. Travel also made budgeting a bit tighter. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 50 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you are living in an apartment or flat make meals with other students to bring the costs down. Also look out for student prices and deals. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I found it really difficult to improve my German when I was surrounded by other US American students. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Advanced German |
| 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? | Find a tandem partner at the beginning of the semester. Also try to force yourself to practice with other students learning the language rather than automatically using English. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Studying in a country where its local citizens speak another language is a unique opportunity that should not be wasted. Constantly put yourself in situations that require practicing your language skills. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
