Amazing Crazy Adventure Past Review
By Amy B (Social Sciences, Frostburg State University) - abroad from 02/24/2014 to 06/13/2014 with
ISEP Direct: Marburg - Study Abroad at Philipps University of Marburg
I have learned to live life more and not to work so much. It is okay to stop and relax occasionally
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I liked the advisors but I felt that they told us much of the information, especially for our trips to Berlin and Hamburg, at the last minute. They were always quick to get back to us if we had any questions about the program or where we could find things (doctors, academic buildings, administration. etc.). |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The portions at the cafeteria were extremely large and relatively inexpensive. They food in town, at restaurants, was delicious. It was extremely fresh and everything I had was at a great price, I often went home with leftovers or I was able to split my dish and still feel satisfied. |
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* 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? |
The most I had were allergies but I was able to get medication for that easily at the pharmacy. I know others n the program that had other, more serious, health issues and they all seemed to be taken care of quickly and efficiently. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt uneasy about walking anywhere in Marburg at any time of the night. I felt very safe living there and I enjoyed it greatly. |
| 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) |
I will say that I lived very easily off of $100 a week but that is because I don't go out to bars and clubs much and I don't buy much alcohol. It was harder to stick to a budget when I went on trips to different cities as I had to buy every meal out and I would splurge a little bit more on food, drinks, and souvenirs. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The maximim I would spend on food each week was $40 or $50. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | You do not have to buy something at every city that you visit. It is okay to stay in and have a quite night occasionally. Nobody expects you to be able to party night after night without a break. Share dinners at restaurants with a friend, I assure you there will be enough food for the both of you. Invite people over and have a dinner in. Cook something good, have them bring something small to add to the meal and you will have more than enough food to eat and you get to know those that live in the same building as you. |
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? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High School classes three years ago |
| 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? | Find something that works for you, whether it is speaking or writing, get that base and don't be afraid to be wrong. They usually understand were you are trying to go with it and use it as much as you can will you are at your host university. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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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? | I wish I knew how much free time I would have. |
