Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A German Experience I will Never Forget Past Review

By (Biochemistry and German, The College of Wooster) - abroad from 09/02/2016 to 12/19/2015 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained an immense amount of invaluable language experience and my German language skills improved significantly. I also learned a great deal about the culture of Germany and how day to day life is different in comparison with the United States. It was an incredibly worthwhile experience that I think everyone should participate in during their college career.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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

The location of Freiburg, Germany was absolutely perfect for my Study abroad experience. I felt that I was easily able to integrate myself into the culture and I was presented with endless opportunities every day to practice my German. The city is very compact and it has everything you could ever want to do, the weather is awesome, and being next to the Black Forest gave me a beautiful view of the Nature present in Germany. I made German friends that I will probably have forever and I gained experiences that I will never forget. I recommend this program to everyone who is studying German at my school and looking to go abroad, I would definitely choose the same program.

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? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out your expenses for the week and try to budget for activities that youre going to be doing like trips or going out.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? German 300
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? Use the language at every given opportunity. Make friends with Germans and let them know that you are studying the German language. Hang out with primarily native Germans and surround yourself with the language.

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?
  • Integration into the Culture
  • Location
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How to budget my money week to week and how much I will actually need to do everything I want to do.

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!