Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The dream of 12 years finally came true. Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point) - abroad from 01/01/2016 to 05/31/2016 with

ISEP Direct: Marburg - Study Abroad at Philipps University of Marburg

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more German in my first three months of studying in Marburg than my previous seven years studying in the United States. Not only did I learn a large amount of German, I also learned about other cultures such as the German and Spanish cultures.

Review Photos

ISEP Direct: Marburg - Study Abroad at Philipps University of Marburg Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

I would have preferred to live with a host family instead of in the dorms.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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 had been dreaming of studying in Germany since I was in 3rd grade. I finally had my chance in 2016 and was lucky enough to travel places I never thought I would have had the opportunity to see. The program in Marburg offers an intensive German program that I learned a lot from. Even though this program was intensive, I was able to still travel to my heart's desire through out my time in Germany.

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? 15-25 Euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan trips as far in advance as possible to budget funds.

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

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? German 314
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? Study with your classmates; you become friends and help each other heighten each other's language skills.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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 opportunity to travel
* What could be improved?
  • The literature course
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When our breaks in between courses would be.

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 Adventurer
The 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.