A once in a lifetime experience! Past Review
By Allison Koch (Hobart and William Smith Colleges) - abroad from 02/29/2016 to 07/02/2016 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - Environmental Studies & Sustainability
Studying abroad has been one of the smartest decisions I have ever made. When I was younger I was timid and shy, and as the youngest of 3, I tended to ask a lot of questions and didn't try to figure things out on my own. I am so thankful that I decided to travel abroad on my own, with no friends, because I wanted to gain the independence I knew I was lacking. I think I have grown in so many ways, but specifically, I feel more confident in making decisions, traveling, and managing every day tasks on my own.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The IES Environmental and Sustainability program offers a 4-module course system, (including 4 courses of choice that are 3 weeks each, taught one at a time). Field excursions are integrated into the program which was great for hands-on learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
IES was available for assistance at any time. The staff and professors take the time to get to know you, and you don't feel like just a number. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living in a flat was great because you can directly be immersed into German culture, and make connections with German students and other international students. Although, the districts where IES students live are far from each other which makes meeting up challenging at times. |
| * Food: |
Groceries are so inexpensive! There are so many grocery options for all food preferences. Lots of great local restaurants that exemplify the culture. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Despite studying German, the language barrier can be a challenge. Although, I found that if you make the effort and show your interests, people tend to reciprocate. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
IES was great - they were able to call and make appointments within one day. |
| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30 Euros or less. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | I would recommend taking advantage of the kitchen in your flat. It is a great way to learn more about different types of food that may be new to you, and you can make connections with your flatmates/friends. Groceries are also extremely inexpensive and it may be financially smarter to eat at home rather than out every night. |
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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A.2.1. |
| 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? | I would suggest talking with flatmates or other internationals. For myself I found it hard to speak conversationally, so I would have liked to talk with a tandem partner, for example. |
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? | I wish that I had taken advantage of university activities and club sports to fill my free time and meet new people. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
