Black Forest Bliss Past Review
By A student (Politics and German, Scripps College) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 07/25/2015 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - Environmental Studies & Sustainability
Studying abroad has been the most incredible experience of my life. It has been both challenging and rewarding. The experience of living and learning in a culture different from my own, in a language foreign to me has been one of the most thrilling times of my life! I am sad to see the experience come to an end because the many opportunities it has offered have been such a joy.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The German University system is much more self-guided than that of the American Liberal Arts experience, but I found it incredible rewarding once I discovered interesting professors and seminars. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I always felt totally supported by the IES staff. The providers are incredibly accommodating, but you are also offered the chance to develop your own experience and explore Freiburg away from the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I cooked for myself mostly, or ate at the local Mensa (cafeteria) which offers huge portions for cheap! I enjoyed the experience of cooking with my roommates and friends. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I really enjoy German culture and the culture in Freiburg is really its own. Freiburg itself is filled with many students as well as creative, open minded individuals. It's an incredible city if you explore its many outlets and delve deeper into the counter cultures and various events hosted throughout the city, be it a wine festival or a series of lectures at the Uni. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Easy access, affordable. |
| * Safety: |
I always felt very safe be it on my bike late at night, or traveling alone on the tram. |
| 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) |
Germany is incredibly affordable! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30 Euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself and pay attention to rebates around town. Some nights at the theater are cheaper, like Tuesday evenings. A lot of events are held for free around town! Many bars and restaurants offer student discounts. Eating out is always cheaper at lunch. |
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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| 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? | I had completed 4 semesters of German at the college level. |
| 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? | Just do it! Speak, speak, speak. Be shameless and be forgiving of your mistakes! Also, give yourself breaks. It's okay to speak English (or whatever your native language is!). |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | I wish I knew at the start just how fast time abroad flies. I believe that I ceased most moments, but I think at the start I was hesitant to speak German or to dive in. Time is of the essence, and you just have to go for 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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
