Becoming a local in a foreign world is something only a few get to experience Past Review
By A student (Marketing And International Business, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 03/11/2013 to 07/26/2013 with
IUBH Campus Studies: Direct Enrollment & Exchange
Was it worthwhile, yes! I met so many amazing people. Even if I don't keep contact with all of them, I still have the memories of them and how they influenced my adventures abroad.
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. |
The majority of the classes are once a week for 2.5 hours per session |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The international office is absolutely amazing. They will help you out with any questions or problems you may have. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had two roommates in building C. Large apartment, tons of room, beautiful views on balcony |
* Food: |
I did not eat on campus often. There are three grocery store within walking distance and lots of small restaurants in the area |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Within the university things were fantastic. However, not knowing German did make it much more difficult to communicate with store clerks, when ordering in restaurants, and the public. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not have any issues. However, the international office did give me information on a few doctors in the area, if something were to happen. |
* Safety: |
Only had one issue of theft at a house party. Winter jackets were stolen, but no one noticed until it was time to leave. Otherwise, no issues! |
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) |
I traveled a lot so I spent much more than some of my friends who stayed in Bad Honnef. Food and alcohol at the grocery are relatively inexpensive. Also there is a "Kodi" store that is very inexpensive and sells basic school and housing supplies. |
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 |
German class was twice a week for 1.5 hours. You do not need to know German at all. However, the more you know the easier it is around town. |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
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 |
|
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? |
|
* What could be improved? |
|
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There are tons of resources you can tap into once you are there. You don't have to have everything planned before you leave. Somethings are just come with time. |