Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing EU Summer Past Review

By (University of Puget Sound) - abroad from 05/23/2017 to 07/14/2017 with

IES Abroad: Freiburg Summer - European Union: Politics & Economics

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile! I gained some rudimentary German, and confidence in my ability to be independent.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

I traveled a lot, so I didn't really settle in to Freiburg.

* 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

I loved this program. I learned a lot about the Balkans and Cyprus that I probably wouldn't have learned otherwise, and I felt super comfortable in Freiburg and with the EU staff.

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? $100-150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't eat at restaurants a lot.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Course-related excursions
  • IES EU staff
  • Being able to travel
* What could be improved?
  • Courses were harder than expected
  • More time to travel independently
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Groceries are super cheap in Germany, but all the stores are closed on Sundays. You have to really make an effort to integrate yourself in Freiburg, because you're not taking classes with local students.

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!