Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The European Experience was Quite the Experience! Past Review

By (Accounting (MACC), Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 01/05/2015 to 05/04/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program overall was a great experience. It definitely changed the way that I see American culture and the "way we do things" here in America. It helps to broaden your horizons about life in general. Living in a completely different culture gives you a great opportunity to reflect on yourself and grow as a person. The academics overall were pretty good, as well. I really liked the leadership class taught by Kerstin Spurk. Of course, German beer is fantastic (for those of you who are 16, which most likely any of you are) and the food is also amazing. The people you meet are a huge part of the experience, as well. You create bonds with people that will never be broken. Having an experience together like studying abroad creates a deep relationship with friends you never knew before. When I entered into this program, I was not a political science major, nor did I take any political science courses beforehand in college (the traveling really hooked me). For those of you who love political science, this is definitely a go-to. And for those who aren't into political science, like I was, it is cool to learn about political science from a European perspective. The European Union is fascinating (and also falling apart), so definitely keep an open mind. Flatmates are very good resources for friendship, German language, German knowledge, and just about anything else that you need to know about Freiburg. The travel was probably the best experience I had while in this program. I don't want to spoil too much, but get ready for seeing some of the biggest European cities and get ready to explore some of the coolest towns and architectural sites known to man!

Review Photos

IES Abroad: Freiburg - European Union Program Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

Unfortunately, I had to share a room. I was one of few study abroad students that had to share rooms, however.

* 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? $30
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Limit dining out/bar hopping to two-three times per week (grocery shop - groceries are pretty cheap in Germany).

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? In German, none.
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? Start studying the language earlier, before you arrive.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Travel
  • People
  • Culture
* What could be improved?
  • Living Arrangements
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The people you are spending four months with will either become friends or not friends. Try to make it the former.

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 Linguist
You 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!