Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I want to go back! Past Review

By (International Relations and Affairs., Pomona College) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 12/20/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program was extremely informational and educative. I learned a lot from the classes that I took and I think that in general, the people on my program were highly knowledgeable as well. I really like the ease of mobility and the chance that one gets to venture out onto Europe. You're only an hour away from the airport so I had many European friends visit me and also visited some as well. I want to go back and be able to eat at some of the best Italian restaurants I've ever eaten. Enjoy the time here because you will see a lot in just 3.5 months. Take time to see the Black Forest and discover some treasures in Freiburg as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Shop at Aldi.

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

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? N/A
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? Order at Restaurants

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The EU and the Muslim World Class
  • Professors
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Some classes
  • Transparency
  • Hidden Fees
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To use the time abroad as a way to redefine yourself.

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.