Beyond Expectations Past Review

By Brette B (Political Science and Government, Connecticut College) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 12/18/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

The education I got and hold most closely are the lessons I learned outside of the classroom. Being able to travel, live in a different country, and learn about a different culture have allowed me to have a better understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. This now can be applied to me studies.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	This course allowed for an in-dept study of the EU legislative process, cultural/social change, and growing presence as a global player. The classes were based in conversation with an analytical critical eye. Students participated and attended all classes.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The IES staff did everything to ensure its students were safe and happy. This ranged from helping student-athletes practice while abroad to providing mental health aid. The IES staff and professors alike quickly became family.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	There were a few different types of housing. One was a new building, while another was perviously military barracks for the occupying French. I stayed in the latter, called Vauban, and was taken by surprised about the laid back feel. Vauban was the closest thing to a hippy commune I have ever seen. It was home to students and families alike. Students live together in individual flats but families are near by, giving it a homey and welcoming feel. A student will not be put with a family.
* Food:	German food it great! However, it is heavy- but don't worry there are many different types of food ranging from tacos to thai. The flats also come with kitchens and cooking utensils, pots, plates, and more. Buying food to cook is very inexpensive and fresh.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Many of the local people understood english. By the end of the program I could have a basic conversation with a local, even though I did not have any German lessons before attending the program. Many locals will offer to help with directions or understanding the language. There is a university in the city and it provides a slue of activities and a great social life. There are plenty of pubs, clubs, and events.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	The IES center has a list of english speaking doctors available, ranging from specialist to general health care. The center's staff will be more than happy to help with any need.
* Safety:	Frieburg is a quant city with a small town feel.
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)	Clothing is expensive in Germany, but food and drinks are not. Traveling is a extra expense as well, but since there are three planned trips that are part of the tuition, it helps students see Europe without emptying their pockets.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	80 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Be aware of exchange rates and good places to exchange money. Most places use the euro, but some countries still use different currancies.

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	Everyone had to take a German class. This ranged from intro to German for students that have never taken a German class to nearly fluent students that have studied it for a long time before the program.
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?	Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	NA
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?	Living with German students is great to use and test your German skills. The German/other international students do speak english but it is fun to try talking to them in German.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students 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?	10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	People Location Itinerary
* What could be improved?	Having Friday classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	How different Germany is today compared to the sterotypes

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Leading Across Cultures
Course Department:	International Business
Instructor:	Kerstin Spurk
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class is very different than all other college level classes. It has an internal focus that allows students to better understand themselves while applying different tactics and means. Lessons reflect on personal growth and creates an understanding community of the students. Highly recommend for all students.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	EU and the Muslim World
Course Department:	Political Science
Instructor:	Eric Hiene
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This course is incredibly important today and allows students to learn more about the past and current issues. It shows the faults of both parties for an unbiased education that promotes a broader understanding of the complexity of the issue of integration. It used current events and the legacies of the past to provide a clearer view of the on-going dilemma.
Credit Transfer Issues: