Extensive June 13, 2024
By A student (Political Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 01/10/2024 to 05/03/2024 with
IES Abroad: Freiburg - Language & Area Studies
I was able to travel to many new countries that I would not have been able to go to if I were to be studying at my home institution.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The course loads for each of the classes were significantly lighter which did help my anxiety levels throughout the semester but there were many times when I felt that I was not being academically stimulated or challenged. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The IES Amin were very attentive and kind to students. Whenever there was an issue or concern they were always willing to listen. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I enjoyed living in a flat with German students as it helped me feel more immersed in the culture however, I did find that many of the buildings were inaccessible as they did not have elevators or ramps. |
| * Food: |
Food was easily accessible and affordable at grocery stores and restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were often encouraged to attend cultural events throughout the city, however, there are still many problematic and racist traditions that made me feel deeply uncomfortable and made me want to distance myself from attending events at times. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The IES staff made access to health care easy as they would schedule the appointments for you and choose providers near the center. |
| * Safety: |
The city was very safe in my experience. I often enjoyed taking solo late walks and going out with friends without worrying for my safety. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100/week |
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 |
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| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Talk to locals and listen to music in that language. |
Other Program Information
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* 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? | A list of useful/necessary stores like grocery stores |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
