Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Great Experience Although Unexpected Past Review

By (University of Virginia) - abroad from 07/08/2019 to 08/16/2019 with

iXperience Berlin – Summer Courses and Internships in Visual Design or Management Consulting

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was very interesting and explored a variety of artistic outlets; however, the emphasis on the history and study of design was not what I anticipated. The program is advertised as an opportunity to expand ones skills in the practical aspects of digital design. In reality, there aren't many things that are taught in class that benefit your practical skills. Naturally the internship provided some opportunity for this but overall the program is centered around a more liberal arts oriented structure. The experience as far living abroad was perfectly comfortable. The city of Berlin is very livable and most areas felt quite safe relative to big cities in the U.S.A. Berlin is also in a great location for those who want to travel throughout Eastern Europe during the program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

I would make class focus on practical application skills such as Adobe Creative Cloud software rather than the heavy emphasis on liberal arts oriented teaching.

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? $180
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook at home for as many meals as possible

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Ability to easily travel on days off
  • Excursions that were part of class
  • The people were very welcoming and open
* What could be improved?
  • Focus more on practical applications
  • Lessen the readings assigned each night and increase the activity based assignments
  • Have the TA(s) teach during class rather than during office hours so that the office hours are optional.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known there would be such a large emphasis on the history and past application of design rather than learning more hands on skills.

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 Blazer
Craving 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.'