Becoming a local in a foreign world is something only a few get to experience Past Review

By (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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Large number of international students
  • Knowledgable professors
  • Real life experience
* What could be improved?
  • No internet for the first few days
  • wifi within the dorms
* 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.