Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Trip of a Lifetime Past Review

By (University of San Diego) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/13/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
During this trip I really pushed myself out of my comfort zone. I have lived in California my entire life, so going on the trip alone was a big step. Because I took this chance of moving somewhere new, I really learned a lot about myself as a person and was able to refocus on what I really want in life. The trip was very worthwhile and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

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.

It was more work than what I heard other study abroad programs give, but most of what I learned was very interesting and valuable for trips

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had 8 German roommates which was intimidating at first but by the end we all got along and I feel like I learned a lot about their culture from them.

* Food:

It was hard for me since I am celiac (gluten free) but I know that other people enjoyed the food more than they were expecting

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The most interaction with Germans I had were my roommates. I cam to Germany speaking zero German so that played a big role in me not becoming completely immersed in the 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to cook at home with friends as much as possible because you eat out everyday when traveling

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? No German, High level in 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? do dueling before you leave if you have no experience

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* 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?
  • My friends that I made
  • Constant Traveling and Exploring
  • The focus on European politics during a time when the EU is facing a lot of challenges
* What could be improved?
  • Immersion into the University of Freiburg
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Do not stress about making friends because you already have one thing in common which is that you all chose to study abroad in the random town of Freiburg, Germany.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

European Policies in Practice
Course Department:
Instructor: Stoyan Panov
Instruction Language: English
Comments: He is one of my favorite professors form the program. He is straightforward with grading and what he expects form you in class. He is also extremely funny and I loved traveling with him on the third trip to Greece, Hungary, and Romania since he is from Bulgaria. I would reccommend!
Credit Transfer Issues: nope