Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

When learning is not confined to classrooms Past Review

By (Business & International Studies, Franklin & Marshall College) - abroad from 09/03/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
German culture, EU situation and problems, specific country's challenges…I feel like I have learn a lot. At the same time, I learned a lot about myself and developed a set of skills that only studying abroad can give me.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We learned a lot both in classrooms and field trips. As the program is focused on the European Union, we went to meetings in EU institutions in Eu member countries.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The IES Staff is amazing. They are incredibly helpful and caring. For example, they organized Thanksgiving dinner for us and it really helped us homesick kids!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My apartment is great. I have my own room and share a bathroom with 2 other students.

* Food:

The food is great and very affordable!

* 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)

Food is cheap here. You can basically go everywhere or take public transportation (which costs 38europs/monthly ticket), so not really a big problem for me.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10-20euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? APPLY FOR IES SCHOLARSHIPS! I myself received 3 separate scholarships from IES and it really helped me finance my semester abroad

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

The program is taught in English. But there is a mandatory German course.

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? I did not take German before
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? Going outside and talking to people in German. At a restaurant, try to order in German, for example. Or when you go to the farmers' market, try to ask questions in German. Local people will be very helpful if you show them that you are trying to learn their language

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Opportunity to travel
  • IES Staff
  • The city, Freiburg
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunity to speak German
  • Less strict attendance policy
  • I guess that's all
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Should prepare some hiking boots because Freiburgers are all about the hiking!

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.