Best 4 Months Ever Past Review
By Diane Padilla (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) - abroad from 01/11/2016 to 05/09/2016 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - European Union: Politics, Law & Economics
This semester abroad was definitely worthwhile. I learned to be more independent and comfortable exploring unknown places/foods. I was able to hear speakers who were directly involved with policies dealing with current events like TTIP and the Syrian Refugee Crisis.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
There was a great option of courses. The program excursions did make writing essays and doing homework a little stressful. The professors were knowledgable and interesting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was placed in a student apartment with other German/EU students. It was short tram ride to the center and was located very close to a park, a few restaurants, and grocery stores. My flatmates were very helpful in my adjustment to living in Germany. |
| * Food: |
Try everything, even the Mensa( uni cafeteria) food. Freiburg has great restaurants from traditional German food to burgers and even a good taco place (Yepa Yepa)! Cafes and bakeries are everywhere and all sell delicious pastries. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Although I did live with German students, the program was not affiliated with the local university so I had classes with other American students only. You integrated however much effort you put into trying to meet new people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Freiburg is incredibly safe! The program staff makes sure to address any safety concerns, and local police are easily identifiable by their bright silver and neon green cars. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program had it all. Great courses about the European Union, excursions to meet various politicians, journalists, and activists from all over the EU. Living in Germany, right in the Black Forest. I fell in love with Freiburg and have so many incredible memories from so many adventures I had with new found friends. |
Finances
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* 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) |
I made my own lunch and 90% of the time made dinner. This helped save money to spend for food, souvenirs, landmarks on the program excursions. I spent very little in Freiburg, it was just on trips that it was difficult to not spend so much. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I spent about $30/week on food at most |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
A German language prerequisite is not required but I think that at least one class would be helpful. Apart from a German course with the program, I had to practice the language on my own or with my friends/flatmates. |
| 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? | 203 |
| 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? | Don't be afraid to speak with locals! Practice when ordering food or at the grocer. My flatmates talked in English with me until I asked to practice German with them, then they would correct my pronunciation and teach me slang terms. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't pack too much: it was difficult trying to carry my huge suitcase onto the train and then I had to donate clothes to make room for all the trinkets I bought! |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
