Blending in and Standing out in Germany Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was light unless I chose to do a project/presentation for a certain course, so most grades I received were simply for participation. Teaching methods varied between courses, but overall were helpful. However, I felt like the most tangible result from my study abroad experience came from just living among other Germans and bettering my language skills by conversing with them on a daily basis.

On-site administration of your program

I have no criticisms of the host country program's administration. They were all very helpful and knowledgeable about what the host university could offer and how it would transfer back to my home university. The program size was substantial but not too large, in my opinion.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host university program's administration arranged my housing, which was in a student apartment/dorm building less than five minutes walk from the university and only ten minutes from the city center. I had no issues with safety around the dorm buildings, and rent was very reasonable. The kitchen had full sets of cookware and dishes, as well as cabinet/drawer and fridge space for each resident. I received a set of sheets/blanket/pillow upon arrival. I was quickly welcomed by the other students on my hall and in the building, and they were all eager to help me become more proficient in German.

I had no major problems with the food, and really enjoyed some of the local cuisine. There were plenty of grocery stores within a 15 minute walk from my dorm where I could buy almost everything I needed/wanted to cook. There is also a nice selection of reasonably-priced restaurants in the area.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The opportunities to travel within Germany and throughout Europe are endless, and Karlsruhe is a wonderful base for that travel. I attended a traditional Bierfest in Stuttgart, watched a parade for Karneval, attended a large outdoor music festival, and watched lots of soccer games on tv.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health safety within the city was not an issue. I didn't get sick at all in the five months while I was there. The host university had us purchase health insurance from a German company, in addition to my American health insurance plan. I cannot from my own experiences compare the German healthcare system to the American because I never had need to see a doctor in Germany. No additional vaccines were required. One major health issue in Germany while I was there was the E coli breakout, but of course that could not be foreseen. I was advised by my program director and other friends to take the necessary precautions of not eating any raw vegetables.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I spoke German before I arrived, so my goal was to improve and become more proficient. I attended a few Deutsch als Fremdsprache courses, which certainly helped the technical side of my learning, as well as other lectures on various topics given in German, which helped my listening comprehension. I lived in a dorm with other Germans and spoke to them only in German each day. Most of them, however, also spoke English, so if I had trouble with a word or an idea they were able to help.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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