My second home in Freiburg Past Review
By A student (Seton Hall University) - abroad from 02/22/2017 to 07/29/2017 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - Language & Area Studies
I gained a lot of language skills that you cannot learn in the classroom setting. I also gained new friends and a lot of independence.
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. |
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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? |
Apartment style, living with native Germans, so it helps your German skills a lot. |
* Food: |
The food in Germany is fantastic, and there is options for people with food allergies and preferences too. We had gluten-free individuals, vegans, and vegetarians on my program, and they all were able to find options at most places. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have to visit a healthcare office or hospital during my stay, but I visited a pharmacy a few times for over the counter medication and it was a positive experience and they helped me with finding what I needed. |
* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I loved the program that I partook in, along with the city I studied in. |
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) |
I found that Groceries were less expensive in Germany than in the USA. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 30-75 dollars a week, depending on if I went out to eat or not. |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy the produce that is in season, and look at the advertisements at various grocery stores for sales because most dorms are in walking distance to 2-3 grocery stores, that all have different specials each week. |
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 |
We had a language pledge, where if you wrote weekly about your experience with the language you would receive a small prize such as a candy bar, magnet, coaster, or postcard. |
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? | Advanced German at my college |
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? | Speak with your roommates and other natives, buy a German book, and watch a film or tv show in German. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | That Germany doesn't have folders like in the USA so if you have particular folders or school supplies that you like I recommend you bring it with. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |