Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Sampling Europe Past Review

By (University of Redlands) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 12/19/2014 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - Environmental Studies & Sustainability

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Absolutely. I increased my confidence in my independence and became more understanding of the ntion that no matter what culture we come from ,our similarities are greater than our differences.

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.

Academically it was not very challenging, but I think that was because they wanted us to have the freedom to explore and not just be studying all the time.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Overall they were helpful, accessible, and friendly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing situation was not at all a good fit for me. I had to share a flat with three perfect strangers. Im shy, so it was not comfortable having to live in such intimate quarters with people Indid not even know. Other students in my program had very different types of housing situations, and I wonder how I ended up where I ended up. In any case, I didn't like where I lived, though the flat itself was nice.

* Food:

Almost every cuisine is available. Younshould have no problem finding a variety of things to eat, even if you're a vegetarian, as I am.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Im very introverted, which might be part of the problem, but I really did not feel like there were many accessible options for integrating with the locals.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Freiburg felt like a very safe city.

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)

It wasny cheap but it wasnt bad either. However I do have certain dietary restrictions that might have been contributing to how expensive it was for me.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? not sure
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you plan on traveling, stay in hostels and look into getting a EURAIL PASS.

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

All of classes were in German, so we had to get comfortable speaking it all the time. We were also encouraged to speak only German with each other outside of class too, but honestly no one ever did.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 202
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? Try thinking in German. When something happens to you, mentally practice how you would explain the event and how you felt about it et cetera in German.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the location
  • the constant German
  • the teachers were great
* What could be improved?
  • I did not like my housing situation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had been less timid about packing fun clothes. At home I have a very funky fashion style, but I thought Germany would be much more conservative than it turned out tobe, so I packed accordingly.

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!