Nice Sleepy Town with Slightly More Challenging Academics. Past Review
By A student (Marketing, University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 03/05/2015 to 07/25/2015 with
IUBH Campus Studies: Direct Enrollment & Exchange
I think the best things I gleaned from the experience was more people skills and a more developed sense of independence. Relating to other students from entirely different backgrounds from all over the world was a good exercise in human interaction. The non-homogenous make up was good in the sense that I am now more prepared to present myself effectively to a wider variety of individuals in the business world. In regards to independence matters like in town registration, keeping track of dates and traveling through foreign countries were all beneficial to developing a sense of personal responsibility.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It is difficult to appropriately apply stars as it depends on what you are trying to get out of a course. The school itself has a functional library and devoted staff but things are a bit different. The classes are usually much longer than one from Umaine would be used to, and notes or reading material aside from lectures that may be applicable to tests may not be provided. Your examinations will be more difficult than at Umaine in the sense that the questions are usually not of the "overview" variety. If you are taking one portion of a module exam your final might consist of only two questions. These questions will be of very specific nature, often deriving from only one or two slides out of the grand sum. For this reason preparedness is a must. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The international affairs office is a fantastically run department. They are committed and usually respond to an email within 24 hours. Drop-ins to their office are welcome, and the staff takes a genuine interest in your needs. I was blown away that Ms.Bott knew my name from the day I arrived down to the day I left. Never did they flinch at any of my "stupid questions" (my words not theirs). This is great, as some things that are quite normal to the students of Germany might not be normal to American student (i.e. exam enrollment). |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The dorm room assigned was larger than anything I had at Maine and my roommates were respectful. The staff is always quick to respond to problems you might have with your utilities. The only thing you might notice is missing is a stove or a microwave. Learn to cook your favorite meals via stovetop. |
| * Food: |
I did not eat on campus in order to save money. The one meal I did have was nice enough. I believe a meal costs between 3.50 and 7.00 Euros. The MENSA hours were shorter than the hours one might expect at Umaine dining, so I would recommend you know how to cook dinner. Also know how to cook full meals on a stovetop without the use of an oven or freezer (no freezer in fridge). Getting food at the supermarket is easy and the local food is nothing strange to a Western palate. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While I might not have been exactly integrated with the locals, a german speaker would have no problem doing so. I was never really looked down upon or derided for being foreign by Germans and even found it to be a decent talking point. Learn some basic phrases and don't be afraid to play charades while getting your point across and you should be fine in town. The students of IUBH speak conversational english for the most part, and are looking to make friends. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not need to use my inext insurance so this could be considered N/A. 5 stars as I needed to provide a rating. |
| * Safety: |
One thing to note is that a lot of the student body socializes at the local bar. This "Heinbar" isn't the scariest place in the world but always use your common sense. Just like at home not everyone is your friend. Always try and use your best judgement, especially when dealing with non-students and this bar's less than professional bouncers and staff. Bad Honnef is quite safe, as is Koln. Just remember that beggars and scam artists will be approaching you in Koln, especially at Koln central train station. Don't let your heart outweigh your brains, and keep an eye on your belongings. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Handling your money is obviously a personal trait. With so many possibilities for travel it is fairly easy to overspend. The nearby Kaiser's can be a bit expensive so a bus trip to the Hit market might be prudent in saving money. This can be difficult as a day can be quite busy. Learn to love pasta and when that doesn't do it 3.50 euro can get you a doner sandwich at the local kebab spots that will keep you full for most of a day. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | anywhere from 50-100 Euro a week depending on dedication |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Use canned tomatos instead of pasta sauce and if you are going to eat out, get a 3.50 Euro doner sandwich. Neither of these strategies are going to get a nutritionists degree but its only five months. Be pleasant with your roommates parents. If you are lucky you might get a nice meal out of it ;) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
German class is mandatory, but one must keep in mind that the school prides itself on its english speaking courses. German in class (outside of small talk) is usually verboten. |
| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish courses in Highschool but 0 German. |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | While I never really learned much German, it is a good idea to get in the habit of saying your please and thank you's in German even if you are with English speaking Germans. |
Direct Enrollment/Exchange
| * Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? | Direct Enrollment |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Learn to write your essay questions fast. Never expect multiple choice, and be sure that you can get all of your ideas down on paper before time expires. Exams can be as short as thirty minutes with only two questions |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
