Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Semester Abroad in Marburg Past Review

By (Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne / IPFW) - abroad from 08/21/2017 to 12/16/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained cultural competency and independence. I also increased my ability speaking German which was a main goal of mine for the experience. It was worthwhile!

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

The program was very well organized and clearly explained in terms of expectations, resources, and opportunities while abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In Wehrda there was no communal space where students could meet up or do homework, the only opportunity to meet the other students in the area was to hope to see someone in your kitchen. This was frustrating when I compared my living situation to the majority of students who lived within walking distance of town and seemed to have more of an opportunity to meet other students. However, my room was clean and a comfortable size, and the internet was reliable.

* Food:

I appreciated the options at the Mensa.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't feel like an outcast by any means, and it was easy to get to know the city.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health issues.

* Safety:

I felt very safe walking around the city, the only discomfort I had in regards to safety was riding the bus after classes in the afternoon by myself (and it was dark) to Wehrda and every once in a while there would be an intoxicated person/people on the bus. This made me feel nervous when I had to walk to my building. On the other hand, I watched the police be called on an intoxicated local at my bus stop once, and they came quickly and handled the situation very efficiently, which was comforting.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Going to Marburg gave me the confidence to practice speaking German, but I always knew there were competent and English-speaking administrators around who had my best interest in mind. I liked that the sessions upon arrival were conducted in English, when I was most nervous about participating.

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? 15-40 euros

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

There was no pressure to use German during administration things (which I was grateful for), but German was required during two of my classes, and the community (businesses or other students) was very open about speaking German with me.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Contemporary Topics in German Literature-- (A2.2?)
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? Don't be afraid to try speaking the language because locals are very gracious and helpful, and the best way to get better is to practice. Native speakers like to see our effort, and don't expect perfection.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 organization of the IUSP staff
  • making friends who shared a similar interest in culture
  • language-learning based on our individual abilities
* What could be improved?
  • splitting students' living situations was not ideal
  • the conversation course at the end was not very helpful or interesting to me
  • maybe more planned social events with IUSP students and local students for more interaction
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? practical ways to handle loneliness while so far from family/friends

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.