Ingolstadt: Living History Past Review
By Kelsey K (International Business., St. Cloud State University) for
Ingolstadt University of Applied Sciences: Ingolstadt - Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Yes, and I would do it again in a heartbeat (actually, I already asked if I could). Because of my time abroad, I am definitely looking to do an internship there in the near future, and am highly considering moving there when I am finished with school.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was significantly less during the semester than on campus, but the few weeks before finals were much busier. The grading system is tougher because there are only two things you are graded on for your total performance - a final exam, and a paper or presentation. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration we were working with in our host country seemed very inefficient. Frequently we would have questions about the program and receive no reply whatsoever. The administration seemed to have little to no idea what was going on with the International students at any given time, and I think they may have just been overwhelmed with all of the students. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were in a large house located just outside the city center with other American students and a few professors from the University. We never spoke anything but English at home, because a majority of the students didn't know the host-language. It was located in a safe, quiet neighborhood with very nice neighbors, and seemed very much like a home rather than a house to stay in. I enjoyed it overall. |
| * Food: |
Groceries in Germany are extremely cheap, unless you want American food that you miss. German dining-out food is fantastic, but does not allow for a lot of dietary restriction unless you speak the language well. There are several places in downtown Ingolstadt that I would recommend to visit, including an Italian restaurant, il Vero, and a Chinese restaurant near the FH (I think it was just called China Buffet). Try a Doener - they are SO good! |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The social and non-academic aspects of this program were, for me, the most fulfilling. I met so many students from other countries and cultures. One of the most memorable things from my trip was that the World Cup was playing when we were there, and it was amazing to see each of my friend rooting for their home-country, and the overwhelming support of the Germans for their team. It brought a unity to the community that I have never seen before that time. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
German hospitals are very reasonable. If you have to go, don't hesitate because of the money. My host city was extremely safe; I felt fine walking home alone in the middle of the night. My advice for future students is just to have common sense about it - if you don't put yourself in compromising situations, you'll probably be okay. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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? | Food and personal expenses amounted to $50-70 per week, depending on the events therein (weeks with pub crawls may cost you more) and excluding travel. I tended to keep my grocery cost low and not eat out often so I could spend money on other things though, like travel. When traveling, you can expect to spend at least $50 a day with a cheap hostel and food. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Drinking at home is cheaper than drinking the bar. If you want to go out, start at home. Eating at home is also significantly cheaper. Skip on the car trips to other countries with other students if you have a EuRail pass, and if you go to big "party" cities (like Amsterdam), be very, very careful with your money. These were easily my two most expensive trips, upwards of $600 each. Everything adds up quickly. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 102 |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Students who are very willing to learn about new cultures and who are outgoing or at least willing to try to be would benefit most. This is not a program where you should sit in your room and be alone. |
