11 Countries in 4 Months Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational experience went beyond the classroom when we went on our 3 week-long field studies to learn about the European Union in other EU countries.

On-site administration of your program

Sometimes things were disorganized, but it was impressive how they planned for and shuttled 84 students to over 10 countries.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in apartments with German university students really allowed us to be immersed in the culture of Germans our own age. We were also placed in an apartment with another IES student to make life easier and more comfortable.

Freiburg, Germany, is a mini cultural capitol and provided endless food options. I preferred to eat the delicious German cuisine in the area, but I had my share of burgers and fries, pasta and pizza, Asian foods, Indian foods, and more.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I wish we had more opportunities to get to know local Germans. We lived with some and often frequented the same student bars, but it was tough to feel integrated when you're constantly surrounded by 84 Americans.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I got bronchitis on a field study in Paris and a doctor came right to my hotel and the administrator travelling with us helped me get my medicine and everything taken care of. Much better than if it had happened in the US... except I had to spend a day in bed in Paris.

Freiburg has high crime rates... but for bicycle theft! Other than that, it's an extremely safe city. Some cities you travel to, however, aren't as safe, but heed warnings, stay in groups, and be smart!

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

This is difficult to answer because when we were on our field studies, there was no choice but to eat out for lunch and dinner for a week, which got expensive. We were also going to museums, etc that cost money--transportation costs in each new city are covered by IES. My roommate and I split groceries for about 40-50 euros total each week (50-60 USD).

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It wasn't a prerequisite to the program but they encouraged you use it when ordering, asking for directions in town, etc.

Select all that apply

• Apartment

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

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• Americans

• The travel component (40% of the semester spent outside the host city)
• Convenient location of host city (Freiburg, Germany)
• The like-minded, driven group of people on my program

• communication from IES Center adminstrators to participants
• organization of the capstone Model EU
• some (not all) of the field trip presentations

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