Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Simple, Traditional, Amazing Past Review

By (University of Redlands) - abroad from 09/04/2019 to 12/21/2019 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg - Language & Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my self when I am away from my support group and family that feels way different from college. I felt like an adult which is incredibly exciting. I also learned to be more open-minded because I got to see the many ways that Germany tries to help it's future through the development of different renewable energies like Biogas.

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.

The academics offered where tough courses that challenges students in their ability to understand and retain information in german.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone was very nice and very good at giving us helpful tips on how to feel less homesick and trying to get students out of their dorms and explore the general area.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a WAG, which is an apartment with other students from the host country and I loved it. Although I couldn't speak German very well and some of them couldn't speak English very well we still found ways to talk to each other by having awesome dinners together.

* Food:

The food there was amazing. The campus cafeteria is way better than anything a typical college cafeteria in America offers. Also, in general, the food was amazing and cheap and could easily fill you up.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel like I connected with the locals by going to the student clubs in the city and the clubs in the dorms (which is a cool must-see). Although I didn't do that very often since that isn't something I find great joy in doing, but there were other things like going to the Christmas markets and going to see plays that helped me to feel more connected to the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not experience anything regarding healthcare while I was aboard

* Safety:

As a woman, I felt safer walking around in Freiburg at night than I have ever felt walking around anywhere in the U.S. in the afternoon when the sun starts to set. That being said there have been instances around my part of the city when girls were being followed.

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

loved the area. Freiburg is a medium-big traditional german town in the Black Forest so there was a lot of typical German tradition. I also really enjoyed most of my professors. They were always there to help and would find many different ways to explain core concepts to us in German and English to help us understand.

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)

It's really easy to not spend a lot of money while you're aboard because food is waaaay cheaper in Europe than it is in the U.S

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? about 170
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You will save a lot of money if you make lunch for yourself because most restaurants in Europe charge a higher price around lunchtime because there is a huge wave of people who take their lunch break around then.

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

My program was centered around using German so all of my classes were in German and I was expected to answer questions and write essays in German

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? 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? A good way to practice a foreign language is to try to speak it as much as possible when you go to the store. Even if the clerks speak English to you just respond in German and they will too. Although before you decide to go aboard it would be really helpful to learn airport terms before your flight since international airports are huge and it's really easy to get lost and this makes asking for directions easier.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • 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?
  • The City
  • Cultural Events
  • Amount of free-time
* What could be improved?
  • Semester Planning
  • reading help/tutor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wished I planned more trips at the beginning of the semester because it is way cheaper to travel in Europe since everything is closer to each other.

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!