I met some of my best friends this semester Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

This program is so unique because it mixes classroom learning with real world experiences. This blend of knowledge, centering around everything European Union related, is designed in a way for students to get the most out of the program. At first I was nervous about having to learn in a European system with European professors because their values and norms are so different, but I found out that IES really tries to cater to Americans. The best part of the program was the learning. Now hey - that sounds really nerdy of me, but everyone on the program was nerdy in some way. We would spend a couple weeks in class learning about current events and EU institutions. Then, what really brought it to life, we would visit the places that we talked about in class. It was super unique to see these things in real life, because how many people can say they have been to the Council of Europe? The field study trips that accompanied the program were some of the best times of my life. Just with organized IES field trips, I got the opportunity to visit 10 different countries! Everything was planned perfectly and organized expertly. The travel was always on time, comfortable and not too long. The accommodation was clean, comfortable and always in a good location. We had a walking tour in every city we visited right when we got there, so that we could learn about the history, culture and layout of the city. We also had about three or four academic meetings in each city where we learned about the political culture and government of the city and country. This is where we got to meet very high up, important people who held good positions. We learned so much from just discussing and listening to these people. Although all of that sounds really academic, we still had so much free time. We had almost all afternoons and evenings off, so we could pick our own dinner restaurants, go see all of the touristy sites and then go out and experience the local nightlife. The truth is, even if you plan your own travel throughout Europe, it will never be as cheap and well planned as the IES trips.

On-site administration of your program

The staff was very good at dealing with American students. They bridged the gap between the German and the American culture very well. They were incredible at making sure that we were covered in the areas of health and safety. I never once felt unsafe - even in Paris at 3 AM or in Prague or Riga!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We got to live in student housing! I was really excited about this prospect because we spent so much time with American IES students on the program that we didnt get to meet many Germans. The housing opportunity allowed us to meet and interact with German university students who were in the same boat as us! It really gave me a chance to compare and contrast American vs. German life. This was an added plus for the program.

I LOVE GERMAN FOOD. Southwest Germany has fantastic food. The EU protects many of their local dishes like Maultaschen and Spatzle. They also have many different sausages and schnitzels. The varying range of potatoes makes my mouth water, just thinking about it. This might be the thing I miss most about studying abroad in Germany. If you arent into German food, dont fret! The city is very multicultural and they have Indian, Mexican, Thai, Turkish and Chinese food in town as well. You will never go hungry.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met some of my best friends this semester! Studying abroad is kind of like your first month at college: nobody knows anyone and everyone is looking for friends immediately. I made incredible, lifelong friends through this program. The people are more academically driven than your usual university student. The kids are all quirky, nerdy, weird and fun. This basically means that during the day we would have political discussions and would watch John Oliver together, but at night we would go to bars and clubs together. The people come from many different universities all throughout the country, so it was really unique to share experiences. We all got so close that we are planning a reunion this year. The people really helped out on limiting home sickness and eliminating the side effects of cultural shock.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a minor health issue when I was abroad. Fortunately, the issue was handled in a very timely manner. Within a week I was able to get into a specialist doctor. For an exam, blood work and medication, I only paid 120 Euro. I could not believe how cheap it was! I was also impressed about the friendliness of the doctors and the cleanliness and comfort of the office. My experience with the German health care system was a very good one.

I never felt unsafe. I was never put into any uncomfortable positions and was always in environments that made me feel safe and at ease.

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

Germany is also doing well economically so the country is thriving, yet prices are not too expensive. You can find many deals throughout the city as food is fairly cheap. I would say that each meal you eat out is about 10 Euro.

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

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• Apartment

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• Local Students
• International Students

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• Americans

• The real world class room experience
• The friends that I met
• The opportunities to travel

• Staff friendliness
• Pre progam communication

The Academic or Linguist