Past Review

By (History and Philosophy, Morehead State University) for

KIIS: Bregenz - Experience Bregenz (Summer)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worthwhile in every possible way. I'm a firm believer in not being able to put a price on this type of experience. It is something you have to realize first hand. You have to immerse yourself in a culture in a way that is completely different than a week-long vacation.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Johannes Kepler University, Western Kentucky University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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?

My host mother was amazingly welcome and helpful but she didn't speak a word of English. I don't speak German, so that made interaction a bit difficult. It could have been more helpful to line up the German-speaking students with people who only spoke German.

* Food:

They accommodated a vegetarian diet and the food was always in abundance and delicious.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

There were a few incidents where students and one professor needed medical attention and this was addressed quickly and relatively painlessly. I had problems at all and felt completely safe the entire time.

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)

Language

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Students who prefer a smaller town environment by a giant lake. Students looking to improve their German. Students wishing for a central location from which to travel to a large portion of Central Europe.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Enlightenment Philosophy

Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Pam Ryan
Instruction Language: English
Comments: The course was reasonably challenging and the professor was certainly sufficiently knowledgeable of the subject matter. The lectures and class discussions are how philosophy classes should be taught, with an emphasis on peer-to-peer and instructor interaction. In addition, we were able to travel to some of the places that these philosophers were coming up with their ideas, which makes the experience all the more real.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Vienna 1889-1914

Course Department:
Instructor: Dr. Bruce Engle
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was advertised as an English credit but ended up being more of a history course, which was fine because that's what I really enjoy. The book selection could have been more varied, but the professor was well-prepared (perhaps overly so) for presenting all of the material. We went to Vienna and experienced all of the things we were learning about, which is so important for some people when it comes to history. It makes it real to them and the entire experience is more memorable and effective.
Credit Transfer Issues: