Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Germany and the Balkans Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., Lehigh University) - abroad from 05/27/2013 to 07/19/2013 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - European Union: Politics, Law & Economics

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was most definitely worthwhile! I had the time of my life, met amazing people, ate delicious food, and learned so much more about myself, history, and culture than I thought was possible.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned an incredible amount of the history, culture, and politics of Europe, Turkey, and the Balkans and had more fun learning all of it than I ever have before.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was very friendly, helpful, and relatively organized. They set up a few activities for the program, but mostly let us explore things at our own pace.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a conveniently located flat with one other American and 4 German students.

* Food:

Doener, Schnitzel, Bratwurst... all of it was delicious and I am eagerly awaiting the day when the Doener stand makes its appearance in America.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Since we were only there for 8 weeks and took classes in English with other American students - most of whom did not speak any German - at times it was difficult to break out of our 24-person group.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues, but I feel confident that if I had, the program would have adequately assisted me in resolving them.

* Safety:

Freiburg is very safe. It is a good idea to try to blend in as much as possible, so as not to become a target; and to have at least a basic level of comprehension of the language, so that you can communicate if you get lost or need help in any capacity. As a relatively small female, I am always cautious regardless of where I am, but didn't feel any less safe in Freiburg than I do at Lehigh.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn your bank's withdrawal policy ahead of time and plan accordingly. I got slapped with a $5 fine every time I made a withdrawal from a non-Wells Fargo ATM.

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

Well, we had a foreign language component from the fact that we were staying in a non-English speaking country. The program officials understood that most of the group did not speak German, but did get very excited upon discovering a few of us who did, and made efforts to speak to us more in German.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? High school
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? Don't be afraid to be wrong; chances are, the locals will appreciate that you're at least trying. Make yourself uncomfortable! On many occasions, someone would assume I was American and just start speaking to me in English, and I would automatically reply in English, before realizing I actually knew how to say what I wanted to in German. You have to make a concerted effort if you want to get anywhere.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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 field study trips
  • They gave us quality academic content, but left large amounts of time for us to explore for ourselves, too.
* What could be improved?
  • Increased contact with the locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You'll wish you'd bought more souvenirs. The memories and pictures are the best souvenirs of all (take pictures of everything!), but if you're on the fence about a purchase, it's better to laugh at the random items you have than to kick yourself about something you wish you'd bought, but didn't.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.