Germany + So Much More Past Review
By Kacy L (International Economics, Texas Christian University) - abroad from 09/03/2014 to 12/20/2014 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - European Union: Politics, Law & Economics
I learned so much more about my own culture and where I come from than I could have ever expected. Not to mention the amount of knowledge I gained about Germany and the European Union as a whole is remarkable.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
the program was definitely rigorous almost overwhelming at certain points in the semester, but the information and experience I got out of it was well worth the work load. The classes themselves were not hard themselves and the professors are wonderful people. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Very helpful with any problem you may have! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in Berliner Allee and it had great amenities. I loved all of my roommates. I lived with all girls, but the majority of the people in the program lived in co-ed flats. |
| * Food: |
The university's cafeteria is ok, but I preferred to cook for myself. You pay for your own food so I suggest finding the local Penny or grocery store. My German roommates taught me some great recipes! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The travel limits immersion in some sense, and it is hard to break away from the very American program. It is possible, but it just takes a little more work. There are some great cultural activities that IES provides! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had a swollen eye within the first week and got my prescription and medicine all in the first day. My German was so-so at the time, but pretty much everyone is able to speak English. |
| * Safety: |
Freiburg is probably one of the safest places in Germany. It is a small city with great people! |
| 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) |
Depends on the week. It can be difficult to be on a budget especially on the trips. Weeks while in Germany can have minimal expenses. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | depends on the week. anywhere between 20-60 Euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | don't eat out all of the time, and cook your own meals. |
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 |
It's a very americanized program compared to the others, but there is some language course required and naturally you'll use it in transaction. |
| 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? | Beginning German III (three semesters) |
| 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? | Duolingo is a great app to use to practice! |
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? | Just because it's different from your culture, doesn't mean either culture is wrong. Different is different. Different isn't wrong |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
