Broadening My Horizons Past Review

By (Philosophy., Presbyterian College) - abroad from 03/01/2012 to 07/31/2012 with

Karlsruhe University of Education: Karlsruhe - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
A widened philosophy of life and my importance in the world, and yes, it was worthwhile.

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? 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? cook and don't eat at restaurants every day

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

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

* 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?
  • Intercultural exchange
  • Discussions with foreign students about key issues
  • Getting out of my home country
* What could be improved?
  • Assistance with important tasks in the city (banking, moving out, health insurance, etc)
  • availability of those capable of providing help with important tasks
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? There are going to be times where it feels stressful and regret is going to settle in, but don't let things get under your skin and just have a great time.