Four Months in Freiburg Past Review
By A student (Linguistics., Northwestern University) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 12/19/2014 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - Environmental Studies & Sustainability
I specifically chose this program because of its focus on language immersion and I got just that. All classes were taught in German and the professors presented material effectively and were willing to help if someone was confused. My German improved dramatically and I made local German friends. This experience was definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES Freiburg staff were incredibly helpful, friendly, and always available when/if needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I loved my dorm. I had a wonderful living situation and great roommates. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I was in a bad bike accident while in Freiburg. I called a member of the staff and she was incredibly responsive and supportive. She met me in the emergency clinic and stayed with me the entire time. The health care was easily accessible and the doctor did a great job stitching me up. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe 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) |
It depends on how much you eat out, but I chose to save most of my money for traveling. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 75 dollars |
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 |
The program encouraged that we spoke German with each other, but I was disappointed that most students spoke English with each other. The program did not require us to only speak German with each other, but that might have been a helpful push and helped us all improve our German by being required to speak/use it constantly. |
| 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? | German 102-3 |
| 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? | Spend a lot of time with your German roommates (if you have any) and only speak German with them. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | The German people are very friendly and willing to help you if you need 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 Academic or LinguistYou 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! |
