Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Every Day Something New Past Review

By (International Relations, University of Puget Sound) - abroad from 09/03/2015 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?
My time abroad was very worthwhile. I gained a greater understanding of the various perspectives those in the EU have of various policies, events, and many other things that greatly enhance my ability to speak towards what goes on globally from an educated perspective. Along with that, I learned a lot from every class I took and am now able to speak some german as well. I learned an incredible amount about the EU and understand many problems with it and the issues that they struggle with on a day to day basis. Furthermore, I gained a love for travel and experiencing new places and cultures and not staying in one place for too long.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

Had no health issues

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

The amount of amazing experiences on this program was extensive. This was due to the amount of travel involved and the incredible places we were privileged enough to see.

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? $130
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not go out to each too often. If you do, there are cheap options that are really good all over Freiburg. When traveling in new places, eat well regardless of price sometimes because the experience is worth it and you may not get to eat that food from there again.

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? None for German. 102 for Spanish.
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? Try to use it all of the time, especially ordering food and at stores and what not.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Built-in travel
  • Freiburg is amazing
  • Model EU
* What could be improved?
  • More local trips to places in and around Freiburg
  • Access to library
  • A way to integrate with local university students more in order to connect with the local culture more
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I now know that choosing to go to someplace new and venture into the unknown is necessary from time to time but it also pays to stay in one place and explore what is in your immediate vicinity in order to appreciate the local area and then appreciate wherever else you choose to go even more.

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!