Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Semester in College Past Review

By (German, Business, Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/20/2013 to 07/19/2013 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - Environmental Studies & Sustainability

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Get to know a different culture, making a lot of friends in Germany. Unique internship experience and improved my German.

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.

The courses offered by IES are nice. Professors are reachable and patient, especially through German taught courses, I learned a lot.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration in Freiburg IES is wonderful. Everyone is reachable and easily getting along with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I like the Charlottenburger Strasse apartment, which is big and new. It is also nice to keep privacy all the time, while having a quiet WG life.

* Food:

I personally like the German food and went to most restaurants in Freiburg. Not cheap definitely.. but yummy. :)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I get to know a lot of German students and international students through study, club and social events. Not easy at first, but later pretty happy.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I do not know much about the healthcare system here in Freiburg, but the city is really nice and comfortable. I heard from most people talking about the insurance here in Germany, all of them are positive for individuals.

* Safety:

Good public transportation and quiet city at night. Safe city with good people.

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)

I have to say, it really depends on people. For cooking at home, it would be pretty easy to spend under 50 Euro per week. However, for me who seldom cooks... it is about $200 per week..

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? For travel tips. If students travel very frequently (every weekend), Euro Pass would be worthy in a limited time (60 days). However, if students travel less, for instance, once a month or so, it would be good to go to Deutsche Bahn and purchase the DB card. (25%, 50% discount)

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

I talked as much as possible German to other people in the program. Yet, if some students talk to me in English, then I would respond also in English.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Fluent
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 181 Kafka Erzaehlung
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? To participate more in local events and get to know more people through Tandem Partner program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Nice people
  • Good professors
  • Interesting field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Moodle System
  • More local trips
  • get more connected with the University and German students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Purchasing the Strassenbahn Card and semester card fees..

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!