Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Four Months! Past Review

By (International Political Economy, University of Puget Sound) - abroad from 09/02/2015 to 12/19/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be a more critical thinker--both socially and in academic settings, more independent, and more adventurous. I also was able to better adjust to circumstances. My biggest gain from my experience abroad was being able to appreciate every little moment.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* 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

This program was very unique and offered a lot of opportunities.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy from grocery stores and cook at home; go to reasonable priced restaurants; keep track of your spendings throughout the semester!

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? Intermediate
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? German 202
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? Talk to your suite-mates and to locals. Be confident and try and speak the language as much as you can!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Travel around Europe
  • Freiburg
  • Model EU
* What could be improved?
  • Bringing students closer together at the beginning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? -Don't be afraid to try and speak the language. It is better to start practicing at the beginning! -While I got to see and experience a lot of things, I wish I took more day/weekend trips around nearby places.

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!