My new world perspective makes me feel smaller, but makes me think stronger. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was not intensive to the extent I was stressed, but it was just enough to keep me busy and encourage intellectual growth.

On-site administration of your program

They obviously do a lot of work, and I only found one major problem with it. When a student studies abroad, they should be encouraged to meet student's from the host country; however, they provide activities for all of the Americans instead of activities with Germans. Meet with them and tell them events to go to or things they can do to meet students from the host country instead of encouraging them to stick with people from their own country. I will hang out with Americans for the rest of my life, but I will never learn how to say slang in a million different languages if I do that. Encourage exploration!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I think the room and kitchen are well furbished and spacious; however, I did not have great roommates. That of course is not at the fault of administration, but it is under the category of "living arrangements." Perhaps if we had monthly checks on how clean the rooms were, it would encourage the roommates to start doing their fair share of the cleaning once in a while.

Well if I wasn't cooking for myself, a friend was, so naturally I would rate my cooking as top notch! In all seriousness, I do love German food. The times I did actually spend a little more money on some restaurant typical German food, I always loved it.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I'm submersed into the football culture (which is a hefty chunk of the overall culture) and I have a handful of German friends. When I was with them, I tried speaking German and learning about the culture and the language, but I was not completely successful. I still struggle understanding people, but I think I have improved since I arrived. I also experienced seven different Weihnachtsmarkts and spent time with a German family during Christmas holidays, so I'm pretty knowledgeable on German Christmas now!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was sick twice while I was in Germany, and both times the doctors were very kind, easily accessible, and sympathetic. It was actually easier here than it is at home. I did have Germans take me to their doctors, which made it a lot easier than looking for one myself. It was also cheap! I did not need any vaccines for this program.

For a larger city, Dormund is quite safe in comparison. Of course it's dangerous to walk the streets in a dress at 4 am with drunkards roaming about, but that's dangerous anywhere. It truly is a safe city, I got lost a few times but never felt nervous about my own safety.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I payed for a full meal budget at my home institution and received about $200/month for food. Luckily German food is cheap and I enjoy cooking. I struggled and am currently in debt because of it. If they're including the "cafeteria" on campus, that needs to be reevaluated too, because it was only open for lunch and still cost money.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Since the program immerses you into groups of other exchange students, everyone speaks English. The best way to use the language, is to make friends with people from the host country.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• International Students

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Learning about other cultures
• Seeing other parts of the world
• Experiencing one of my favorite cultures first-hand

• Preparation
• Integration
• Money for food

The Avid Adventurer