Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Deutschland! Good Food. Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 03/07/2016 to 06/28/2016 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Mainz

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying in Germany was definitely worthwhile. My biggest gain was obviously the language component. I would recommend having a few set activities, volunteer engagements, internships, travel plans if you do enter the program because you will have so much free time during the semester. I didn't know how to fill it all so there was some boredom. Definitely worthwhile despite the mixed experience.

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.

That the courses were all in German and featured academic language that i wasn't familiar with, it was somewhat challenging. Though as the only foreigner, expectations were somewhat less for my work. Good challenge, though with enough support to avoid being overwhelming.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived in the Studentenwohnheimen (the student dorms). Normal dorm life problems, though the accommodations were quite nice.

* Food:

Love German food! Never eat in the cafeteria of the University though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being relatively shy, I found it hard to integrate and meet new people.

* 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

I didn't have the best experience, but becoming more grounded in my German and experiencing another culture are really important aspects to my study abroad experience that I wouldn't want to lose.

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)

Had I not horded money for the program, I would have felt less secure in funds.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Mainz - Nice city
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between the Middlebury Admin in Germany and students.
  • A better culture course for students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? What I wanted to experience from the program: travel and meeting new people.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

The Protestant Work Ethic
Course Department: Evangelical Theology
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments: The course was reasonably difficult. The readings were interesting and manageable, we read and discussed various theologians and philosophers. There were class notes that were evaluated as well as an essay at the close of the semester.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Theodicy: The Problem of Evil and Suffering
Course Department: Catholic Theology
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments: This was a highly interesting seminar with less than ten students. There were weekly presentations on various theological stances and most of class time was spent debating and discussing that weeks theologian and his personal formulation. The Professor was wonderful and pushed the students to critique the various positions discussed. Favorite course, hands down.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Luther und der Ablassstreit
Course Department: Evangelishe Thelogie
Instructor:
Instruction Language: German
Comments: The course was very difficult. It was a graduate seminar for which I was not prepared. The readings were quite large and included some ecclesiastical latin and koine greek. There were presentation, weekly notes and a large essay at the end of the course. It was very challenging.
Credit Transfer Issues: No